Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Original Language Analysis
συνίστησιν
commendeth
G4921
συνίστησιν
commendeth
Strong's:
G4921
Word #:
1 of 18
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτοῦ
his
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
4 of 18
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἀγάπην
love
G26
ἀγάπην
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
5 of 18
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
εἰς
toward
G1519
εἰς
toward
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὅτι
in that
G3754
ὅτι
in that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
John 15:13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.Romans 5:6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: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.Isaiah 53:6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.Ephesians 2:7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.Romans 4:25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.Romans 5:20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:1 Timothy 1:16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Historical Context
This verse became central to Reformation theology's understanding of justification. Luther and Calvin emphasized that God's love is not attracted by human worthiness but demonstrated toward the unworthy—contradicting medieval theology that required grace-enabled merit before full justification. Augustine's conversion was influenced by Romans (especially 13:13-14), and this verse captures the scandal that transformed him: God loves sinners while they are sinners, not after they become saints.
Questions for Reflection
- How would your life change if you truly believed that God's love for you is not based on your spiritual performance?
- What does 'while we were yet sinners' teach about when God began loving you—before conversion or after?
- How should the demonstration of God's love in Christ's death shape how you demonstrate love to others who wrong you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But God commendeth his love toward us (συνίστησιν δὲ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἀγάπην εἰς ἡμᾶς ὁ θεός)—the verb συνίστημι (synistēmi) means to demonstrate, prove, establish. God doesn't merely declare His love but demonstrates it historically in Christ's death. This is ἀγάπη (agapē), the distinctive Christian term for self-giving love that seeks the good of the undeserving.
In that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (ἔτι ἁμαρτωλῶν ὄντων ἡμῶν Χριστὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἀπέθανεν)—the temporal clause stresses simultaneity: not after we improved, not because we showed potential, but while still actively sinning. The term ἁμαρτωλῶν (hamartōlōn, 'sinners') encompasses moral rebellion. This verse has arrested countless hearts: the demonstration of love is not Christ's teaching or example but His substitutionary death for enemies. Here is the gospel in miniature.