Romans 8:38
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Original Language Analysis
πέπεισμαι
I am persuaded
G3982
πέπεισμαι
I am persuaded
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
1 of 17
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
θάνατος
death
G2288
θάνατος
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
5 of 17
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
ἄγγελοι
angels
G32
ἄγγελοι
angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
9 of 17
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἀρχαὶ
principalities
G746
ἀρχαὶ
principalities
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
11 of 17
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
δυνάμεις
powers
G1411
δυνάμεις
powers
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
13 of 17
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
ἐνεστῶτα
things present
G1764
ἐνεστῶτα
things present
Strong's:
G1764
Word #:
15 of 17
to place on hand, i.e., (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant
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.Romans 14:8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.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.Colossians 1:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: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.Romans 4:21And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.Colossians 2:15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.2 Corinthians 4:13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;Ephesians 1:21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:2 Corinthians 11:14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Historical Context
The list of spiritual powers reflects first-century cosmology, which recognized various ranks of angels/demons. Paul's point is comprehensive: whatever spiritual hierarchy exists, none can overcome God's love. This combats fear of fate, astrology, and demonic forces prevalent in Greco-Roman religion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's "persuasion" (settled conviction) differ from mere optimism or positive thinking?
- Why include both "death" and "life" as potential separators—what threats does life pose?
- How does confidence that spiritual powers cannot separate you from God's love affect fear of Satan or demons?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life (pépeismai gàr hóti oúte thánatos oúte zōḕ)—Pépeismai is perfect tense passive: "I have been persuaded and remain persuaded"—settled conviction, not wishful hope. Paul begins listing potential separators: thánatos (death, the last enemy, 1 Corinthians 15:26) and zōḗ (life, with its trials and temptations). Neither temporal state can sever believers from God's love.
Nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers (oúte ánggeloi oúte archaì oúte dunámeis)—Ánggeloi (angels) likely refers to fallen angels (demons), given the context of threats. Archaí (principalities) and dunámeis (powers) are ranks of spiritual beings (Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:16). No spiritual force, however powerful, can separate believers from God's love. Satan's accusations (v. 33), demons' attacks—all are impotent against electing love.
Nor things present, nor things to come (oúte enestōta oúte méllonta)—Enestṓta (present things) and méllonta (future things) cover all temporal categories. Present trials and future fears cannot separate. This includes unforeseen circumstances, unanticipated sins, unexpected persecutions—nothing in time can break the bond.