Romans 5:6
New International Version
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

New Living Translation
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

English Standard Version
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Berean Standard Bible
For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Berean Literal Bible
Yet indeed Christ, of us still being without strength, according to the right time, died for the ungodly.

King James Bible
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

New King James Version
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

New American Standard Bible
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

NASB 1995
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

NASB 1977
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Legacy Standard Bible
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Amplified Bible
While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly.

Christian Standard Bible
For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For while we were still helpless, at the appointed moment, Christ died for the ungodly.

American Standard Version
For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly.

Contemporary English Version
Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful.

English Revised Version
For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for ungodly people.

Good News Translation
For when we were still helpless, Christ died for the wicked at the time that God chose.

International Standard Version
For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, the Messiah died for the ungodly.

Majority Standard Bible
For at the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

NET Bible
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

New Heart English Bible
For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Webster's Bible Translation
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Weymouth New Testament
For already, while we were still helpless, Christ at the right moment died for the ungodly.

World English Bible
For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For in our being still ailing, Christ in due time died for the impious;

Berean Literal Bible
Yet indeed Christ, of us still being without strength, according to the right time, died for the ungodly.

Young's Literal Translation
For in our being still ailing, Christ in due time did die for the impious;

Smith's Literal Translation
For yet Christ, we being weak, Recording to the time died for the impious.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For why did Christ, when as yet we were weak, according to the time, die for the ungodly?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet why did Christ, while we were still infirm, at the proper time, suffer death for the impious?

New American Bible
For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly.

New Revised Standard Version
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Christ at this time, because of our weaknesses, died for the sake of the wicked.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But surely because of our weakness, at this time The Messiah has died for the sake of the wicked.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For when we were yet without strength, at the appointed time, Christ died for the ungodly.

Godbey New Testament
For we being yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly:

Haweis New Testament
For even then when we were without strength, Christ died in due time for the ungodly.

Mace New Testament
for at the appointed time Christ died for us, when we were in a helpless, sinful state.

Weymouth New Testament
For already, while we were still helpless, Christ at the right moment died for the ungodly.

Worrell New Testament
For, while we were yet weak, Christ, in due season, died for the ungodly.

Worsley New Testament
For when we were yet without strength, Christ died in due season for the ungodly.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Christ's Sacrifice for the Ungodly
5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. 6For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.…

Cross References
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, / to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.

Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!

1 Timothy 2:5-6
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, / who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

Titus 3:4-5
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, / He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

1 John 4:9-10
This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. / And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Hebrews 9:26
Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Isaiah 53:4-6
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. / We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

Matthew 20:28
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

1 Corinthians 15:3
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

Colossians 1:21-22
Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. / But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence—

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. / He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

Hebrews 2:14-15
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, / and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.


Treasury of Scripture

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

For.

Ezekiel 16:4-8
And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all…

Ephesians 2:1-5
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; …

Colossians 2:13
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

without.

Lamentations 1:6
And from the daughter of Zion all her beauty is departed: her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, and they are gone without strength before the pursuer.

Daniel 11:15
So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.

in due time.

Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Hebrews 9:26
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

1 Peter 1:20
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Christ.

Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 4:25
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

ungodly.

Romans 4:5
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 11:26
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

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Ailing Already Christ Die Died Due Evil-Doers Helpless Impious Life Moment Powerless Right Season Strength Time Ungodly Weak
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Romans 5
1. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God;
2. and joy in our hope;
8. that since we were reconciled by his blood, when we were enemies;
10. we shall much more be saved, being reconciled.
12. As sin and death came by Adam;
17. so much more righteousness and life by Jesus Christ.
20. Where sin abounded, grace did superabound.














For at just the right time
This phrase emphasizes God's perfect timing in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The Greek word used here is "κατὰ καιρὸν" (kata kairon), which implies a divinely appointed moment. Historically, this was a period when the Roman Empire had established peace (Pax Romana), facilitating the spread of the Gospel. Spiritually, it signifies God's sovereignty and wisdom, orchestrating events in history to fulfill His purposes. This timing was not random but meticulously planned, reflecting God's omniscience and His deep love for humanity.

while we were still powerless
The term "powerless" translates from the Greek "ἀσθενῶν" (asthenon), meaning weak or without strength. This highlights humanity's inability to save itself or to live righteously apart from divine intervention. In a spiritual sense, it underscores the total depravity and helplessness of mankind due to sin. Historically, it reflects the state of humanity under the Law, unable to achieve righteousness through their own efforts. This powerlessness sets the stage for the necessity of divine grace and intervention.

Christ died
The centrality of Christ's sacrificial death is underscored here. The Greek "Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν" (Christos apethanen) points to the historical and pivotal event of the crucifixion. This act is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and typologies of the sacrificial system. Theologically, it signifies the substitutionary atonement, where Christ took upon Himself the penalty for sin, offering redemption to all who believe.

for the ungodly
The word "ungodly" comes from the Greek "ἀσεβῶν" (asebon), meaning irreverent or impious. This term describes those who are morally and spiritually opposed to God. It is a stark reminder of the depth of human sinfulness and the extent of God's grace. Historically, it includes both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the universality of sin and the need for salvation. This phrase highlights the radical nature of God's love, extending grace to those who are least deserving, showcasing the transformative power of the Gospel.

(6-11) Exposition showing how the love of God comes to have this cogency. That love was evidenced in the death of Christ. And consider what that death was. It is rare enough for one man to die for another--even for a good man. Christ died not for good men, but for sinners, and while they were sinners. If then His death had the power to save us from punishment, it is an easy thing to believe that His life will lead us to glory.

(6) For when we were yet . . .--The reading at the beginning of this verse is doubtful. The reading of the Vatican MS. is very attractive, "If at least," "If, as we know to be the fact, Christ died," &c. But, unfortunately, this has not much further external support. If we keep the common reading we must either translate "For, moreover," or we may suppose that there is some confusion between two constructions, and the word translated "yet" came to be repeated.

Without strength.--Powerless to work out our own salvation.

In due time.--Or, in due season. So the Authorised version, rightly. Just at the moment when the forbearance of God (Romans 3:25) had come to an end, His love interposed, through the death of Christ, to save sinners from their merited destruction.

For the ungodly.--The force of the preposition here is "for the benefit of," not "instead of." St. Paul, it is true, holds the doctrine of the vicarious sacrifice of Christ, but this is expressed by such terms as the "propitiation" of Romans 3:25, or the "offering, and sacrifice for us" of Ephesians 5:2, and especially the "ransom for all" of 1Timothy 2:6, not by the use of the preposition. . . .

Verses 6, 7. - For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet (literally,for) peradventure for the good man some would even dare to die. The general purport of ver. 7 is obvious, viz. to show how Christ's death for the ungodly transcends all human instances of self-sacrifice for others. But the exact import of the language used is not equally plain. That of the first clause, indeed, and its connection with what precedes, presents no difficulty. The meaning is that Christ's dying for the ungodly is a proof of love beyond what is common among men. The second clause seems to be added as a concession of what some men may perhaps sometimes be capable cf. It is introduced by a second γὰρ (this being the reading of all the manuscripts), which may be meant as exceptive, "I do not press this without exception," being understood. So Alford; and in this case the "yet" of the Authorized Version, or though, may give its meaning. Or it may be connected with μόλις, thus: "Scarcely, I say, for there may possibly be cases," etc. But what is the distinction between δικαίου in the first clause and τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ in the second? Some interpreters say that there is none, the intention being simply to express the possibility of human self-sacrifice for one that is good or righteous in some rare cases. But the change of the word, which would, according to this view, be purposeless, and still more the insertion of the article before ἀγαθοῦ, forbids this interpretation. One view is that τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ is neuter, meaning that, though for a righteous individual one can hardly be found to be willing to die, yet for the cause of good, for what a man regards as the highest good, or pro bone publico (it might be), such self-sacrifice may be possible; This view is tenable, though against it is the fact that death in behalf of persons is being spoken of all along. The remaining and most commonly accepted view is that by "the good man" (the article pointing him out generally as a well-known type of character) is meant the beneficent - one who inspires attachment and devotion - as opposed to one who is merely just. Cicero ('De Off.,' 3:15) is quoted in support of this distinction between the words: "Si vir bonus is est qui prodest quibus potest, nemini nocet, recte justum virum, bonum non facile reperiemus." Tholuck quotes, as a Greek instance, Κῦρον ἀνακαλοῦντες τὸν εὐεργέτην τὸν ἄνδρα τὸν ἀγαθόν (AElian, 'Var. Histor.,' 3:17). Possibly the term ὁ ἀγαθὸς would have a well-understood meaning to the readers of the Epistle, which is not equally obvious to us.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

at
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

just
ἔτι (eti)
Adverb
Strong's 2089: (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; 'yet, ' still.

[the] right time,
καιρὸν (kairon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.

while
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

we were
ὄντων (ontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

still
Ἔτι (Eti)
Adverb
Strong's 2089: (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; 'yet, ' still.

powerless,
ἀσθενῶν (asthenōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 772: (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.

Christ
Χριστὸς (Christos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

died
ἀπέθανεν (apethanen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.

for
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

[the] ungodly.
ἀσεβῶν (asebōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 765: Impious, ungodly, wicked. Irreverent, i.e. impious or wicked.


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NT Letters: Romans 5:6 For while we were yet weak at (Rom. Ro)
Romans 5:5
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