Romans 5:11
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
so but
G235
ἀλλὰ
so but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
we also
G2532
καὶ
we also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
14 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
16 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
οὗ
whom
G3739
οὗ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
18 of 21
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 5:10For 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.Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.Psalms 43:4Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.Psalms 149:2Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.Psalms 104:34My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?1 Samuel 2:1And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Historical Context
The concept of 'boasting in God' echoes Jeremiah 9:23-24 (LXX), which Paul quotes in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 10:17—'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' This was countercultural in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts: Jews boasted in law-keeping and covenant status (2:17-23), Greeks in wisdom and eloquence (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). Paul insists the only legitimate boasting is in what God has done through Christ, excluding all self-congratulation.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between 'joy in God' and joy in religious experiences, spiritual gifts, or Christian service?
- How can you tell whether your 'boasting' is genuinely in God's work through Christ or subtly in your own spiritual achievements?
- What does receiving reconciliation 'now' teach about assurance versus waiting until death to know your standing with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ—Paul returns to καυχώμεθα (kauchōmetha, 'we boast/rejoice/exult'), now with God Himself as the object. The progression is striking: we boast in hope of glory (v.2), in tribulations (v.3), and supremely in God. This is the ultimate reversal of human pride: our boasting is not in ourselves but in the God who justifies the ungodly (4:5).
By whom we have now received the atonement (δι' οὗ νῦν τὴν καταλλαγὴν ἐλάβομεν)—the aorist ἐλάβομεν indicates definite past reception. KJV's 'atonement' translates καταλλαγή (katallagē), better rendered 'reconciliation' (as in v.10). The word doesn't appear in Greek OT sacrificial texts; Paul uses it for the restored relationship, not merely ritual covering. The temporal νῦν (nyn, 'now') emphasizes present possession—reconciliation is current reality, not future hope.