Romans 14:9
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
Cross References
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?
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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.