Romans 8:34
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Original Language Analysis
τίς
Who
G5101
τίς
Who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστὸς
It is Christ
G5547
Χριστὸς
It is Christ
Strong's:
G5547
Word #:
4 of 22
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγερθείς
that is risen again
G1453
ἐγερθείς
that is risen again
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
10 of 22
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δεξιᾷ
the right hand
G1188
δεξιᾷ
the right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
15 of 22
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐντυγχάνει
maketh intercession
G1793
ἐντυγχάνει
maketh intercession
Strong's:
G1793
Word #:
20 of 22
to chance upon, i.e., (by implication) confer with; by extension to entreat (in favor or against)
Cross References
Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Romans 8:27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.Hebrews 9:24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.Mark 16:19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.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.Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.Psalms 109:31For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Historical Context
Christ's heavenly intercession was crucial in Reformation debates over assurance. Roman Catholic theology emphasized Mary and saints as intercessors; Protestantism affirmed Christ as sole Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). His intercession isn't begging an unwilling Father but presenting His finished work as basis for the Father's blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's death, resurrection, and heavenly intercession provide triple assurance against condemnation?
- What is Christ interceding for—what does His priestly advocacy involve?
- How does knowing Christ (your Judge) is your Advocate change how you approach God with sin and failure?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again (Tís ho katakrinōn? Christòs ho apothanṓn, mâllon dè egerthéis)—Katakrinō ("condemn") means pronounce guilty, sentence to punishment. Who can condemn? Christ Himself is the answer—but He died to remove condemnation! Apothanṓn (aorist: "died") emphasizes the completed sacrifice. Mâllon dè ("yea rather") adds climactic emphasis: egerthéis ("risen")—the resurrection vindicates Christ's sacrifice as accepted by God (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:17).
Who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (hos kaì estin en dexią̂ toû theoû, hòs kaì entugchánei hypèr hēmōn)—Christ's present session "at God's right hand" (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:33; Hebrews 1:3) indicates sovereignty and finished work. Yet He entugchánei ("makes intercession")—ongoing priestly advocacy (Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1). Christ who died, rose, and reigns now represents believers before the Father. How can we be condemned when our Judge is our Advocate?