6For while we were still without strength, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. [5:7] For rarely will anyone die for a righteous person — though perhaps for the good person someone might dare to die. [5:8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [5:9] Much more then, having now been justified by his blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath. [5:10] For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. [5:11] And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
ROM 5:6-11
Christʼs Sacrifice for the Ungodly
In the world it was spoken into
In the Roman world, relationships were often governed by patronage and reciprocity. The idea of someone dying for the ungodly would have been shocking, as Roman ethics emphasized honor and virtue. Typically, one might die for a righteous person or a benefactor, but not for those deemed impious or morally weak . Paul’s assertion that Christ died for the ungodly subverts this cultural expectation, highlighting divine love that operates outside human systems of merit. The term (right time) suggests a divinely orchestrated moment, contrasting with human notions of timing or opportunity. Reconciliation was a familiar concept in Roman diplomacy, where enemies were restored to peace through treaties. Here, Paul redefines reconciliation as a unilateral act of God through Christ’s death, restoring humanity to divine favor despite their hostility. This would resonate with both Jewish and Gentile audiences, as it challenges both Roman honor codes and Jewish notions of righteousness.
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How other translations render this
ROM 5:6
- KJV
- For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
- BSB
- For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
- Koinōnos
- For while we were still without strength, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
ROM 5:7
- KJV
- For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
- BSB
- Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
- Koinōnos
- For rarely will anyone die for a righteous person — though perhaps for the good person someone might dare to die.
ROM 5:8
- KJV
- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
- BSB
- But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Koinōnos
- But God demonstrates his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
ROM 5:9
- KJV
- Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
- BSB
- Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!
- Koinōnos
- Much more then, having now been justified by his blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath.
ROM 5:10
- KJV
- For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
- BSB
- For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!
- Koinōnos
- For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved by his life.
ROM 5:11
- KJV
- And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
- BSB
- Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
- Koinōnos
- And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
ROM 5:6
- without strength:The word translated 'without strength' describes a state of utter powerlessness or weakness, often implying an inability to help oneself or achieve anything significant.
- [the] right time:The term used here for 'right time' refers to a specific, opportune, or decisive moment, rather than just any point in time.
- [the] ungodly:The word translated 'ungodly' describes someone who lacks reverence or respect for God, often characterized by actions that defy divine law or moral order.
ROM 5:10
- we were reconciled:The word translated 'we were reconciled' implies a change from hostility to friendship, specifically in the context of restoring a broken relationship or making peace.