Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὓς
whom
G3739
οὓς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προώρισεν
did predestinate
G4309
προώρισεν
did predestinate
Strong's:
G4309
Word #:
5 of 19
to limit in advance, i.e., (figuratively) predetermine
συμμόρφους
to be conformed
G4832
συμμόρφους
to be conformed
Strong's:
G4832
Word #:
6 of 19
jointly formed, i.e., (figuratively) similar
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰκόνος
to the image
G1504
εἰκόνος
to the image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
8 of 19
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 19
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 19
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
εἰς
that
G1519
εἰς
that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 19
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
πρωτότοκον
the firstborn
G4416
πρωτότοκον
the firstborn
Strong's:
G4416
Word #:
16 of 19
first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: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 Peter 1:20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.1 Corinthians 2:7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:1 Peter 1:2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.1 Corinthians 15:49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.Romans 9:23And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Historical Context
This verse anchors the "golden chain of redemption" (vv. 29-30). Pelagius denied predestination; Augustine affirmed it. The Reformation crystallized the doctrine: unconditional election based on God's sovereign will, not foreseen faith or works. Arminianism redefined foreknowledge as foresight of faith; Calvinism maintains it as electing love.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's "foreknowledge" as electing love differ from mere advance awareness of who would believe?
- What does being "conformed to Christ's image" involve—what specific character qualities?
- How does Christ being "firstborn among many brethren" provide assurance of your resurrection and glorification?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (hóti hoùs proégnō, kaì proṓrisen summórphous tēs eikónos toû huioû autoû)—Proégnō ("foreknew") isn't mere awareness but electing love—God set His affection on specific individuals before creation (1 Peter 1:2, 20; Amos 3:2 uses "know" for covenant love). Proṓrisen ("predestined") means marked out beforehand, predetermined. The goal: summórphous tēs eikónos toû huioû ("conformed to the image of His Son")—believers transformed into Christ's moral likeness now (2 Corinthians 3:18), physical likeness at resurrection (Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2).
That he might be the firstborn among many brethren (eis tò eînai autòn prōtótokon en polloîs adelophoîs)—Prōtótokos ("firstborn") indicates both priority and preeminence (Colossians 1:15, 18). Christ is the prototype; believers are copies. He is the first to rise in glorified body; we follow. God's ultimate purpose in election is a redeemed family resembling the beloved Son, with Christ as the elder brother among countless siblings.