Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Original Language Analysis
τίς
Who
G5101
τίς
Who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
χωρίσει
shall separate
G5563
χωρίσει
shall separate
Strong's:
G5563
Word #:
3 of 21
to place room between, i.e., part; reflexively, to go away
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπης
the love
G26
ἀγάπης
the love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
6 of 21
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στενοχωρία
distress
G4730
στενοχωρία
distress
Strong's:
G4730
Word #:
11 of 21
narrowness of room, i.e., (figuratively) calamity
Cross References
John 10:28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.Psalms 103:17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.2 Corinthians 4:17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;Romans 8:39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.1 Corinthians 4:11Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;Romans 8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Jeremiah 31:3The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Historical Context
Paul wrote during relative peace (AD 57), but Nero's persecution began AD 64. Within a decade, Christians faced sword and flame. Tradition says Paul was beheaded, Peter crucified. Their confidence wasn't naive optimism but tested faith: suffering doesn't prove God's absence but provides opportunity to experience His sustaining love.
Questions for Reflection
- Which of the seven trials listed have you experienced—how did you sense Christ's love in the midst?
- How does Christ's love differ from human affection that often depends on circumstances?
- What does it mean that suffering cannot separate from Christ's love—how is love demonstrated through trials?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? (Tís hēmâs chōrísei apò tēs agápēs toû Christoû)—Chōrízō means separate, divide, put space between. Paul asks: what can sever believers from Christ's love? The question shifts from legal standing (vv. 31-34) to relational union. Christ's love isn't mere affection but covenant commitment, electing grace that chose us in eternity and saves us in time.
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (thlîpsis ḕ stenochōría ḕ diōgmòs ḕ limòs ḕ gumnótēs ḕ kíndunos ḕ máchaira)—Paul lists seven trials believers face: thlîpsis (pressure, affliction), stenochōría (distress, being hemmed in), diōgmós (persecution), limós (famine), gumnótēs (nakedness, destitution), kíndunos (danger), máchaira (sword, violent death). These aren't hypotheticals—Paul experienced all (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). The implied answer: none can separate from Christ's love.