Romans 5:7
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
3 of 15
"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
δικαίου
a righteous man
G1342
δικαίου
a righteous man
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
4 of 15
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
7 of 15
"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
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 John 3:16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.Acts 11:24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.Romans 16:4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.John 15:13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture celebrated heroic self-sacrifice but always for worthy causes: Socrates drinking hemlock for philosophical principle, soldiers dying for Rome's glory, friends dying for friends (John 15:13). Paul acknowledges this highest human achievement—then declares that God's love infinitely surpasses it by loving enemies. This would challenge both Jewish expectation of Messiah dying for righteous Israel and Greco-Roman celebration of noble death for noble ends.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you think of someone 'good' for whom you might be willing to die—what qualities make them worthy of such sacrifice?
- How does meditating on Christ dying for you 'while you were His enemy' affect your willingness to love difficult people?
- What does the rarity of dying for even good people teach about the costliness and counter-intuitiveness of true love?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die—Paul contrasts human and divine love. Even extraordinary human sacrifice requires some worthiness in the object: one might die for a δίκαιος (dikaios, 'righteous/just' person, one who gives you your due) or ἀγαθός (agathos, 'good' person, one who goes beyond duty to show kindness). The distinction is subtle—the righteous are strictly just, the good are benevolent—but both possess qualities making them worthy of ultimate sacrifice.
Paul sets up the stunning contrast of verse 8: human love at its zenith might die for the worthy; divine love died for enemies. The word μόλις (molis, 'scarcely/with difficulty') emphasizes the extreme rarity even of dying for someone admirable. The apostle marshals human moral intuition to highlight the shocking superiority of God's love.