Romans 8:36
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Original Language Analysis
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
2 of 13
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
ὅτι
G3754
ὅλην
all
G3650
ὅλην
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
7 of 13
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραν
the day long
G2250
ἡμέραν
the day long
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
9 of 13
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐλογίσθημεν
we are accounted
G3049
ἐλογίσθημεν
we are accounted
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
10 of 13
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
11 of 13
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Psalms 44:22Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.1 Corinthians 15:30And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?1 Corinthians 4:9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.Acts 8:32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:Jeremiah 51:40I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with he goats.Jeremiah 12:3But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Jeremiah 11:19But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.John 16:2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Historical Context
Psalm 44 was used in synagogue liturgy during persecution. Paul applies it to Christian experience under Roman suspicion and Jewish hostility. The early church embraced martyrdom as participation in Christ's sufferings. Martyrs sang hymns and quoted Romans 8 as they faced lions, crosses, and flames.
Questions for Reflection
- How does suffering "for Christ's sake" differ from general human suffering or self-inflicted hardship?
- What does being "accounted as sheep for slaughter" reveal about how the world views faithful Christians?
- How does this verse prepare believers for potential martyrdom while living in relative peace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter (kathṑs gégraptai hóti Hénekén sou thanathoúmetha hólēn tḕn hēméran, elogísthēmen hōs próbata sphagēs)—Paul quotes Psalm 44:22, where Israel laments persecution despite covenant faithfulness. Hénekén sou ("for your sake") indicates suffering because of allegiance to God. Thanathoúmetha hólēn tḕn hēméran ("killed all the day long") uses present tense: continuous, ongoing threat of death.
Elogísthēmen hōs próbata sphagēs ("accounted as sheep for slaughter")—believers are viewed by enemies as expendable, destined for killing like sheep led to butcher. Yet this echoes Isaiah 53:7: Christ as the suffering Servant, "led as a lamb to the slaughter." Union with Christ means sharing His sufferings (Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:24). Far from disproving God's love, suffering confirms our identification with Christ.