Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Original Language Analysis
πολλῷ
Much
G4183
πολλῷ
Much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 15
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
δικαιωθέντες
being
G1344
δικαιωθέντες
being
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
4 of 15
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
5 of 15
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἵματι
blood
G129
αἵματι
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
8 of 15
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 15
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
σωθησόμεθα
we shall be saved
G4982
σωθησόμεθα
we shall be saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
10 of 15
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
δι'
through
G1223
δι'
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 15
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
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 15
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 1:10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.Ephesians 2:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.John 5:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.Romans 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;Romans 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:Romans 8:30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.Hebrews 9:22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Historical Context
Paul's 'blood' language draws from both Jewish sacrificial system (Leviticus 17:11—'the life is in the blood') and Passover typology (Exodus 12—blood protecting from wrath). For Jewish readers, Christ is the ultimate Passover Lamb whose blood shields from divine judgment. For Gentiles familiar with pagan sacrifices but ignorant of their meaning, Paul explains that Christ's death is the true propitiatory sacrifice that turns away wrath and secures peace with God.
Questions for Reflection
- If you are already justified by Christ's blood, what role does ongoing obedience play in your final salvation?
- How does certainty of being 'saved from wrath' affect your daily anxiety about spiritual standing before God?
- What does it mean practically that you will be saved 'through him' rather than through your own perseverance?
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Analysis & Commentary
Much more then, being now justified by his blood—Paul employs a fortiori (how much more) reasoning: if God loved enemies enough to justify them through Christ's sacrificial death, He will certainly preserve the justified from final wrath. The aorist participle δικαιωθέντες (dikaiōthentes, 'having been justified') emphasizes completed action; en tō haimati autou (ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ, 'by/in his blood') specifies the means—Christ's blood as atoning sacrifice (3:25).
We shall be saved from wrath through him (σωθησόμεθα δι' αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῆς ὀργῆς)—the future passive σωθησόμεθα looks to final eschatological deliverance. God's ὀργή (orgē, wrath) is His settled opposition to sin (1:18), not capricious anger but holy justice. The logic is compelling: if God gave His Son for enemies, He will surely complete salvation for those now reconciled. This assurance answers potential doubts about perseverance.