Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Original Language Analysis
Δικαιωθέντες
being justified
G1344
Δικαιωθέντες
being justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
1 of 15
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
4 of 15
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
εἰρήνην
peace
G1515
εἰρήνην
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
5 of 15
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
ἔχομεν
we have
G2192
ἔχομεν
we have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Isaiah 32:17And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.Romans 15:13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.Colossians 1:20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 14:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.John 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.2 Thessalonians 3:16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.Romans 4:5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.Isaiah 54:13And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
Historical Context
Paul wrote Romans around AD 57 during a three-month stay in Corinth, preparing to deliver the collection to Jerusalem before visiting Rome en route to Spain. The church in Rome comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers, with tensions over law-observance and table fellowship. Paul's systematic exposition of justification by faith alone addressed these divisions, establishing that both groups stand equally condemned before God and equally justified by faith—no room for ethnic or religious boasting.
Questions for Reflection
- If justification is a completed past-tense verdict, how does this truth change your daily battle with guilt and condemnation?
- What is the difference between having 'peace with God' and merely feeling peaceful about your relationship with God?
- How does the exclusivity of Christ as mediator ('through our Lord Jesus Christ') challenge contemporary religious pluralism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore being justified by faith (δικαιωθέντες οὖν ἐκ πίστεως, dikaiōthentes oun ek pisteōs)—the aorist passive participle signals a completed divine act. Justification is God's forensic declaration, not a process but a definitive verdict pronouncing sinners righteous based on Christ's imputed righteousness. We have peace with God (εἰρήνην ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, eirēnēn echomen pros ton theon)—not merely subjective tranquility but objective reconciliation, the cessation of hostilities between the holy Judge and guilty rebels.
This triumphant 'therefore' concludes Paul's exposition of justification (3:21-4:25). The justified possess peace with God (not merely peace about God), through our Lord Jesus Christ—the exclusive mediator whose death satisfied divine wrath. The verse launches a crescendo of benefits flowing from justification: peace (v.1), access and hope (v.2), endurance through suffering (vv.3-4), assurance of God's love (v.5), and ultimately the demonstration of that love in Christ's substitutionary death (vv.6-11).