Romans 8:33
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Original Language Analysis
τίς
Who
G5101
τίς
Who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 8
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐγκαλέσει
shall lay any thing
G1458
ἐγκαλέσει
shall lay any thing
Strong's:
G1458
Word #:
2 of 8
to call in (as a debt or demand), i.e., bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.)
κατὰ
to the charge
G2596
κατὰ
to the charge
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 8
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
θεὸς
It is God
G2316
θεὸς
It is God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 8
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
θεὸς
It is God
G2316
θεὸς
It is God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 8
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
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.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.Luke 18:7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?1 Thessalonians 1:4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Matthew 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.Romans 3:26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.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.Galatians 3:8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Historical Context
Medieval Catholic theology made justification a process (progressive sanctification). Luther's breakthrough: justification is instantaneous legal declaration—God reckons Christ's righteousness to believers apart from works. This provides unshakable assurance: standing before God depends on Christ's merit, not ours.
Questions for Reflection
- What accusations (from Satan, conscience, others) threaten your assurance—how does God's justification answer them?
- How does understanding justification as God's legal verdict rather than moral transformation provide assurance?
- What's the relationship between being "God's elect" and being justified—which comes first logically?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? (Tís enkaleséi katà eklektōn theoû)—Enkaleséi is legal terminology: bring charges, accuse in court. Eklektōn theoû ("God's elect") are those chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Who can successfully accuse them? Satan is "the accuser" (Revelation 12:10), conscience accuses (1 John 3:20), law accuses (Romans 7:7-13)—but accusations cannot condemn the elect.
It is God that justifieth (theòs ho dikaiōn)—This answers the question: no accusation stands because God Himself has declared the elect righteous. Dikaióō ("justify") is forensic: pronounce righteous, acquit in court. The Judge has declared "not guilty" based on Christ's righteousness imputed to believers (3:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21). No higher court exists to overturn God's verdict. Justification is God's final, irrevocable declaration.