Romans 5:6
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀσθενῶν
without strength
G772
ἀσθενῶν
without strength
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
6 of 11
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
κατὰ
in due
G2596
κατὰ
in due
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 11
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
9 of 11
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Cross References
Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Colossians 2:13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;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.Romans 4:25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.Titus 2:12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;Romans 4:5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.Hebrews 9:26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.1 Timothy 1:9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,1 Thessalonians 5:9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,Galatians 4:4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Historical Context
Paul establishes the timing and nature of Christ's death with precision. 'In due time' recalls Galatians 4:4—'when the fullness of time had come.' Christ's death wasn't Plan B after human failure but God's eternal decree executed at the appointed moment. The Greco-Roman world admired heroes dying for worthy causes; Paul announces that Christ died for the unworthy, the ungodly, those without strength to help themselves—a message that subverted all human merit systems.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing your complete 'powerlessness' to save yourself affect your dependence on Christ versus self-improvement efforts?
- What does Christ dying 'for the ungodly' teach about the nature of divine love versus human love that must be earned?
- In what areas of life do you still operate as if you must make yourself 'worthy' before God accepts you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For when we were yet without strength (ἔτι γὰρ Χριστὸς ὄντων ἡμῶν ἀσθενῶν)—the adjective ἀσθενής (asthenēs) denotes complete powerlessness, moral inability to save oneself. Paul demolishes any notion of human contribution to salvation: Christ died not for the striving but for the helpless, not for the improving but for those utterly incapable.
In due time Christ died for the ungodly (κατὰ καιρὸν ὑπὲρ ἀσεβῶν ἀπέθανεν)—God's salvation operates on His timetable (kata kairon, 'at the appointed time'), fulfilling prophetic promises (Galatians 4:4). The preposition ὑπέρ (hyper, 'on behalf of/in place of') signals substitution: Christ died for the ungodly, bearing their penalty. Paul's descriptor ἀσεβῶν (asebōn, 'ungodly') intensifies the scandal—not merely weak but actively impious, enemies of God.