Romans 8:39
Nor 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.
Original Language Analysis
ὕψωμα
height
G5313
ὕψωμα
height
Strong's:
G5313
Word #:
2 of 23
an elevated place or thing, i.e., (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier (figuratively)
βάθος
depth
G899
βάθος
depth
Strong's:
G899
Word #:
4 of 23
profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery
κτίσις
creature
G2937
κτίσις
creature
Strong's:
G2937
Word #:
7 of 23
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)
χωρίσαι
to separate
G5563
χωρίσαι
to separate
Strong's:
G5563
Word #:
11 of 23
to place room between, i.e., part; reflexively, to go away
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
12 of 23
"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 #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπης
the love
G26
ἀγάπης
the love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
14 of 23
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
20 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 8:35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.1 John 4:19We love him, because he first loved us.John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:1 John 4:16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.John 16:27For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.John 17:26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.Isaiah 24:21And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.Psalms 64:6They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
Historical Context
This verse is Christianity's most comprehensive assurance statement. Against works-righteousness (salvation maintained by performance), Paul affirms salvation secured by God's sovereign love. The Reformers' doctrine of perseverance of the saints rests here: those truly in Christ cannot be lost because God's love in Christ is unbreakable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grounding assurance in "God's love" rather than your love for God provide security?
- What does "in Christ Jesus our Lord" mean—how does union with Christ guarantee inseparability from God's love?
- How does Romans 8:39 summarize the entire chapter's teaching on the Spirit, suffering, and glory?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Nor 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 (oúte húpsōma oúte báthos oúte tis ktísis hetéra dynḗsetai hēmâs chōrísai apò tēs agápēs toû theoû tēs en Christō̂ Iēsoû tō̂ kyríō̂ hēmōn)—Húpsōma (height) and báthos (depth) may refer to astronomical/astrological terms (celestial and subterranean powers) or simply spatial totality—nothing above or below can separate. Ktísis hetéra ("any other creature") is all-inclusive: nothing in all creation can sever the bond.
The love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord—The ultimate ground of security: tēs agápēs toû theoû (God's love), not our love for God. This love is en Christō̂ Iēsoû (in Christ Jesus)—mediated through the Son, secured by His finished work. Tō̂ kyríō̂ hēmōn (our Lord)—Christ's lordship guarantees His love's permanence. Believers are united to Christ (6:5), justified by His blood (5:9), kept by His power (John 10:28-29). Nothing can separate because God's love is unconditional, Christ's work is finished, and the Spirit's seal is permanent (Ephesians 1:13-14).