Romans 8:31
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
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This verse begins Paul's stirring conclusion to Romans 8, summarizing the believer's security and leading into his declaration that nothing can separate us from God's love.
What Does Romans 8:31 Mean?
Paul asks a triumphant rhetorical question: if God is for us, who can be against us? Having traced the believer's security through the entire chapter -- no condemnation, the indwelling Spirit, adoption, coming glory, the Spirit's intercession -- Paul now draws it all together. "What shall we then say to these things?" invites the reader to respond to the overwhelming evidence of God's faithfulness. The conclusion is a soaring statement of confidence rooted not in the believer's strength but in God's commitment to His people.
The heart of the verse is the simple, staggering truth: "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Paul does not claim believers will face no opposition; the surrounding verses speak openly of tribulation, persecution, and danger. His point is that no opposition can ultimately prevail when almighty God stands on our side. Enemies may rise, hardships may come, but none can overturn the purposes of the God who has set His love on His people. This is one of the great rallying cries of Scripture, giving courage to the fearful and steadiness to the weak. The believer's confidence rests on the unshakable fact that the Creator and Redeemer is for them, and no power can finally stand against that.
In the Original Language
The phrase "for us" translates the Greek "hyper hēmōn," on our behalf and in our favor. "Against" renders "kata," in opposition to. The questions are rhetorical, expecting the answer that no one can prevail.
Cross References
“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
- Romans 8:32
“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”
- Psalms 118:6
“When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.”
- Psalms 56:9
Application
Believers facing opposition or fear can stand firm in the assurance that God is on their side, so no foe or hardship can ultimately defeat them.