Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐχθροὶ
enemies
G2190
ἐχθροὶ
enemies
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
3 of 21
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
καταλλαγέντες
being reconciled
G2644
καταλλαγέντες
being reconciled
Strong's:
G2644
Word #:
5 of 21
to change mutually, i.e., (figuratively) to compound a difference
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θανάτου
the death
G2288
θανάτου
the death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
10 of 21
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
12 of 21
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
αὐτοῦ·
his
G846
αὐτοῦ·
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πολλῷ
much
G4183
πολλῷ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
14 of 21
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καταλλαγέντες
being reconciled
G2644
καταλλαγέντες
being reconciled
Strong's:
G2644
Word #:
16 of 21
to change mutually, i.e., (figuratively) to compound a difference
σωθησόμεθα
we shall be saved
G4982
σωθησόμεθα
we shall be saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
17 of 21
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Romans 8:32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?Ephesians 2:16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: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.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.Romans 8:34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.Leviticus 6:30And no sin offering, whereof any of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile withal in the holy place, shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.Daniel 9:24Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.John 14:19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
Historical Context
Reconciliation language had both personal and political overtones in the Greco-Roman world—enemies becoming friends, warring nations making peace. Paul applies this to humanity's relationship with God, but with a stunning inversion: typically the offending party must appease the offended, but here God reconciles enemies to Himself at cost to Himself. This challenged both Jewish assumptions about righteous Israel versus sinful Gentiles and pagan notions of appeasing angry deities through human effort.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding yourself as a reconciled former 'enemy' differ from thinking of yourself as a basically good person needing minor improvement?
- What does it mean that God initiated reconciliation rather than waiting for you to make peace with Him?
- If Christ's resurrection life guarantees your final salvation, how should that affect your battle with ongoing sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son—Paul introduces καταλλαγή (katallagē, 'reconciliation'), the removal of enmity and restoration of relationship. The term implies previous hostility: we weren't neutral parties but ἐχθροί (echthroi, 'enemies'), actively opposed to God (8:7). God effects reconciliation through His Son's death—the offended party pays the cost to reconcile the offenders.
Much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life—another a fortiori argument. If Christ's death secured reconciliation when we were enemies, His resurrection life guarantees completed salvation now that we're reconciled. En tē zōē autou (ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ, 'by/in his life') likely refers to Christ's resurrection life, His ongoing intercession (8:34, Hebrews 7:25), and believers' union with His life.