Romans 14:8
New International Version
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

New Living Translation
If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

English Standard Version
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

Berean Standard Bible
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Berean Literal Bible
For both if we should live, we live to the Lord; and if we should die, we die to the Lord. Therefore both if we should live and if we should die, we are the Lord's.

King James Bible
For 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.

New King James Version
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

New American Standard Bible
for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

NASB 1995
for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

NASB 1977
for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Legacy Standard Bible
for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Amplified Bible
If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. So then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Christian Standard Bible
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

American Standard Version
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Contemporary English Version
Whether we live or die, it must be for the Lord. Alive or dead, we still belong to the Lord.

English Revised Version
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If we live, we honor the Lord, and if we die, we honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Good News Translation
If we live, it is for the Lord that we live, and if we die, it is for the Lord that we die. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

International Standard Version
If we live, we live to honor the Lord; and if we die, we die to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Majority Standard Bible
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

NET Bible
If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

New Heart English Bible
For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's.

Webster's Bible Translation
For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Weymouth New Testament
If we live, we live to the Lord: if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

World English Bible
For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for both, if we may live, we live to the LORD; if also we may die, we die to the LORD; both then if we may live, also if we may die, we are the LORD’s;

Berean Literal Bible
For both if we should live, we live to the Lord; and if we should die, we die to the Lord. Therefore both if we should live and if we should die, we are the Lord's.

Young's Literal Translation
for both, if we may live, to the Lord we live; if also we may die, to the Lord we die; both then if we may live, also if we may die, we are the Lord's;

Smith's Literal Translation
For whether we live, to the Lord we live: and whether we die, to the Lord we die: therefore whether we live, and whether we die, we are of the Lord.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord. Therefore, whether we live, or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

New American Bible
For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

New Revised Standard Version
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For whether we live, we live unto our LORD; and whether we die, we die unto our LORD: whether we live therefore, or die, we belong to our LORD.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For if we live, we live for Our Lord, and if we die, we die for Our Lord; whether we live, therefore, or we die, we belong to Our Lord.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For if we live, we live to the Lord; or if we die, we die to the Lord. "Whether, therefore, we live or die, we are the Lord's.

Godbey New Testament
for if indeed we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Then indeed if we live, and if we die, we are the Lord's.

Haweis New Testament
For whether we live, to the Lord we live, and whether we die, to the Lord we die; whether therefore we live, or whether we die, we are the Lord?s.

Mace New Testament
if we live, our life is appropriated to the Lord; and if we die, we die as his servants: whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's.

Weymouth New Testament
If we live, we live to the Lord: if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Worrell New Testament
For, if we live, we live to the Lord; and, if we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Worsley New Testament
but if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Law of Liberty
7For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.…

Cross References
Philippians 1:20-21
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. / And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Colossians 3:3-4
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. / When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

1 Thessalonians 5:10
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

1 Peter 4:2
Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.

John 14:19
In a little while the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

2 Timothy 2:11
This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

Matthew 16:25
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Luke 20:38
He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”

Acts 17:28
‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’

Psalm 24:1
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.

Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. / My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.


Treasury of Scripture

For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

we die unto.

John 21:19
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Acts 13:36
For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

we live therefore.

1 Corinthians 3:22,23
Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; …

1 Corinthians 15:23
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him…

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Romans 14
1. Men may not condemn one another for disputable matters;
13. but must take heed that they give no offense in them;
15. which the apostle proves unlawful by many reasons.














If we live, we live to the Lord
This phrase emphasizes the Christian's dedication to God in all aspects of life. The concept of living "to the Lord" reflects the idea of living under God's authority and for His purposes. In the cultural context of the early church, this was a radical departure from living for oneself or for societal norms. The Apostle Paul, who authored Romans, often spoke of living a life that reflects Christ's teachings (Galatians 2:20). This aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship, where one's life is seen as a gift from God to be used for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

and if we die, we die to the Lord
In the early Christian context, dying "to the Lord" was a profound statement of faith, especially during times of persecution. This reflects the belief in the sovereignty of God over life and death, as seen in Job 1:21. The assurance of belonging to the Lord in death provided comfort and hope, echoing the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ (John 11:25-26). This phrase also connects to the idea of martyrdom, where early Christians viewed their deaths as a testimony to their faith in Christ.

So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord
This statement encapsulates the Christian's identity and security in Christ. The concept of belonging to the Lord is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 7:6). In the New Testament, this is fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who redeems and claims believers as His own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This assurance of belonging provides a foundation for Christian hope and perseverance, regardless of life's circumstances or challenges.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. The Lord (Jesus Christ)
Central to this verse, Jesus is the one to whom believers belong, whether in life or death.
Teaching Points
Belonging to the Lord
As Christians, our identity is rooted in belonging to Christ. This truth should shape our daily decisions and priorities.

Living with Purpose
Our lives are to be lived with the purpose of glorifying God. Every action and decision should reflect our commitment to Him.

Facing Death with Confidence
Understanding that we belong to the Lord even in death provides comfort and confidence, removing the fear of death.

Unity in Diversity
In the context of Romans 14, Paul addresses disputes over non-essential matters. Recognizing our shared belonging to the Lord can foster unity among believers.

Eternal Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps us navigate the challenges of life, knowing that our ultimate destiny is with the Lord.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
If
ἐάν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

we live,
ζῶμεν (zōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

we live
ζῶμεν (zōmen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord,
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

and
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

if
ἐάν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

we die,
ἀποθνήσκωμεν (apothnēskōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.

we die
ἀποθνήσκομεν (apothnēskomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord.
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

whether
ἐάν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

we live
ζῶμεν (zōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

[or]
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

die,
ἀποθνήσκωμεν (apothnēskōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.

we belong to
ἐσμέν (esmen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord.
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.


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NT Letters: Romans 14:8 For if we live we live (Rom. Ro)
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