Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Original Language Analysis
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 16
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
to them that
G3754
ὅτι
to them that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πρόθεσιν
to his purpose
G4286
πρόθεσιν
to his purpose
Strong's:
G4286
Word #:
14 of 16
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
Cross References
1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.Genesis 50:20But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.1 Corinthians 2:9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.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.2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,1 Corinthians 1:9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.Exodus 20:6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.Zechariah 13:9And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Historical Context
This verse became central in debates over providence and evil. Augustine, Calvin, and Puritan theologians emphasized God's meticulous sovereignty—even Satan's attacks serve God's purposes (Job 1-2; Genesis 50:20). This doesn't make God the author of sin but affirms His sovereign orchestration of all events toward redemptive ends.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this promise sustain believers through tragedies that seem anything but "good"?
- What is the "good" God is working all things toward—what is the ultimate goal?
- How do "those who love God" and "those who are called" relate—which comes first?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God (oídamen hóti toîs agapōsin tòn theòn pánta sunergeî eis agathón)—Oídamen ("we know") is confident certainty. Pánta ("all things")—not some things, not most things, but all things. Sunergeî ("work together") indicates cooperative action: all events, even evil and suffering, are woven by God's providence into a pattern for good. This isn't optimism ("everything is good") but confidence in God's sovereignty ("God causes all things to accomplish good").
To them who are the called according to his purpose (toîs katà próthesin klētoîs oûsin)—The promise is limited to toîs agapōsin tòn theón ("those who love God") and toîs katà próthesin klētoîs ("those called according to purpose"). Loving God and being called are twin marks of the elect. Próthesis ("purpose") is God's eternal plan, His sovereign decree to save specific individuals (Ephesians 1:11). The "good" God works toward is conformity to Christ (v. 29), ultimate glorification (v. 30).