Romans 8:36
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 8:36
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Chapter Context
Romans 8 is a theological exposition chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, hope, righteousness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it articulates the doctrines of justification, sanctification, and glorification. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 8:36
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 44:22, Isaiah 53:7, Jeremiah 11:19, 12:3, 51:40, John 16:2