Romans 8:31
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Original Language Analysis
τίς
What
G5101
τίς
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 13
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐροῦμεν
say
G2046
ἐροῦμεν
say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
3 of 13
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὑπὲρ
be for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
be for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
9 of 13
"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
τίς
What
G5101
τίς
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 13
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Psalms 118:6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?Jeremiah 1:19And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.Psalms 56:11In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.Isaiah 54:17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 20:11But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.Psalms 56:4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.Numbers 14:9Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.Genesis 15:1After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.Deuteronomy 33:29Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
Historical Context
This verse sustained martyrs facing Rome's power. Stephen, facing stoning, saw Christ standing at God's right hand (Acts 7:55-56). Polycarp, burned alive (AD 155), refused to deny Christ: "Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" God's advocacy guarantees victory despite temporal defeat.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing "God is for us" sustain faith when circumstances suggest He is absent or opposed?
- Who or what feels "against us" in your life—how does this verse provide perspective?
- How does God being "for us" relate to the sufferings mentioned in vv. 17-18 and 35-36?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
What shall we then say to these things? (Tí oûn eroûmen pròs taûta)—Taûta ("these things") references vv. 1-30, especially the golden chain of redemption. Paul asks rhetorically: given God's sovereign, comprehensive salvation—foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, glorification—what conclusion must we draw? This introduces the triumphant finale (vv. 31-39), application of salvation's certainties.
If God be for us, who can be against us? (ei ho theòs hypèr hēmōn, tís kath' hēmōn)—Ei assumes the condition is true: God is for us (demonstrated in vv. 1-30). Hypèr hēmōn ("for us") means on our side, advocating for us. Tís kath' hēmōn ("who against us") is rhetorical—the expected answer is "no one who can prevail." Enemies exist (Satan, persecutors, sin), but none can overcome God's electing love. This isn't triumphalism denying suffering (vv. 17-18, 35-36) but confidence that no suffering can separate from God or thwart His purposes.