Romans Chapter 14 · Verse 9
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνέστη
rose
G450
ἀνέστη
rose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
8 of 16
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.Luke 24:26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Historical Context
Early Christians confessed 'Jesus is Lord' (Kyrios Iēsous)—the first creed (Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 12:3). This was revolutionary: Caesar claimed 'Lord' (Kyrios Kaisar), but Christians gave ultimate allegiance to Christ. His Lordship, secured by resurrection, relativizes all earthly authorities and disputes. If Christ is Lord of the dead, death doesn't separate believers from Him (8:38-39). If He's Lord of the living, all of life is worship. This shaped Christian martyrdom theology: confessing 'Jesus is Lord' even unto death, because His Lordship transcends Caesar's sword.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's purchased Lordship (through death and resurrection) affect your daily acknowledgment of His authority?
- What does it mean practically that Christ is 'Lord of the dead and living'—how does this shape your view of death and life?
- If Christ is Lord of both you and the brother you disagree with, how should that reshape your attitude toward disputable matters?
Analysis & Commentary
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living—Eis touto gar Christos apethanen kai ezēsen, hina kai nekrōn kai zōntōn kyrieuē (εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἔζησεν, ἵνα καὶ νεκρῶν καὶ ζώντων κυριεύσῃ). Eis touto (for this purpose) states Christ's redemptive goal: establishing universal Lordship. Apethanen kai ezēsen (died and lived) summarizes the gospel—death and resurrection. Some manuscripts add anestē (rose again), making the triad explicit: death, resurrection, life.
Hina kyrieuē (ἵνα κυριεύσῃ, that He might be Lord) expresses purpose—Christ's death-resurrection secured His rule over nekrōn kai zōntōn (dead and living). This is cosmic Lordship: Christ rules the living now, and He rules the dead (those who've died and await resurrection). Philippians 2:9-11 expands this: 'every knee shall bow...every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord.' His Lordship, purchased by blood, is the ground of mutual submission in Romans 14—we're all under one Lord, accountable to Him alone.