Romans 5:7
New International Version
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.

New Living Translation
Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.

English Standard Version
For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—

Berean Standard Bible
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.

Berean Literal Bible
For rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though on behalf of the good man perhaps someone would even dare to die.

King James Bible
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

New King James Version
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.

New American Standard Bible
For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die.

NASB 1995
For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.

NASB 1977
For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.

Legacy Standard Bible
For one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.

Amplified Bible
Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die.

Christian Standard Bible
For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die.

American Standard Version
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: for peradventure for the good man some one would even dare to die.

Contemporary English Version
No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person.

English Revised Version
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: for peradventure for the good man some one would even dare to die.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Finding someone who would die for a godly person is rare. Maybe someone would have the courage to die for a good person.

Good News Translation
It is a difficult thing for someone to die for a righteous person. It may even be that someone might dare to die for a good person.

International Standard Version
For it is rare for anyone to die for a righteous person, though somebody might be brave enough to die for a good person.

Majority Standard Bible
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.

NET Bible
(For rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person perhaps someone might possibly dare to die.)

New Heart English Bible
For rarely does one die for the righteous. Yet perhaps for a good person someone might dare to die.

Webster's Bible Translation
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die.

Weymouth New Testament
Why, it is scarcely conceivable that any one would die for a simply just man, although for a good and lovable man perhaps some one, here and there, will have the courage even to lay down his life.

World English Bible
For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a good person someone would even dare to die.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for scarcely for a righteous man will anyone die, for the good man perhaps someone also dares to die;

Berean Literal Bible
For rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though on behalf of the good man perhaps someone would even dare to die.

Young's Literal Translation
for scarcely for a righteous man will any one die, for for the good man perhaps some one also doth dare to die;

Smith's Literal Translation
For scarcely for the just will any one die: yet for the good perhaps some also would venture to die.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For scarce for a just man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man some one would dare to die.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now someone might barely be willing to die for the sake of justice, for example, perhaps someone might dare to die for the sake of a good man.

New American Bible
Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die.

New Revised Standard Version
Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Hardly would any man die for the sake of the wicked: but for the sake of the good, one might be willing to die.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For a man will hardly die for the sake of the wicked, however a man perhaps may dare to die for the sake of the good.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For hardly, in deed, will one die for a just man; yet, perhaps, for the good man some one would even dare to die.

Godbey New Testament
for scarcely will one die for a righteous man; for perhaps some one even dares to die for a good man.

Haweis New Testament
For scarcely for a righteous person will any one die: though for a good man perhaps some one might even dare to die.

Mace New Testament
now for a wicked man no one would willingly die; but for a benefactor some have readily offer'd to die.

Weymouth New Testament
Why, it is scarcely conceivable that any one would die for a simply just man, although for a good and lovable man perhaps some one, here and there, will have the courage even to lay down his life.

Worrell New Testament
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; for, peradventure, in behalf of a good man, some one even dares to die.

Worsley New Testament
Whereas one would hardly die for a just man, though perhaps for a good man one might dare even to die.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Christ's Sacrifice for the Ungodly
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. 8But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.…

Cross References
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

1 John 3:16
By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Isaiah 53:5
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.

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 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.

Ephesians 5:2
and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to 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.

1 Timothy 2:6
who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

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.”

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

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.

Philippians 2:7-8
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. / And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.


Treasury of Scripture

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

scarcely.

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

1 John 3:16
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

a good.

2 Samuel 18:27
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

Psalm 112:5
A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Acts 11:24
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

some.

Romans 16:4
Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

2 Samuel 18:3
But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.

2 Samuel 23:14-17
And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem…

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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.














Very rarely
The phrase "very rarely" underscores the exceptional nature of the act being described. In the Greek, the word used is "μόλις" (molis), which conveys the idea of something happening with great difficulty or infrequency. This sets the stage for understanding the rarity and preciousness of sacrificial love. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, acts of self-sacrifice were often celebrated in literature and philosophy, yet they were not common in practice. This rarity highlights the extraordinary nature of Christ's sacrifice, which Paul is leading up to in the subsequent verses.

will anyone die
The act of dying for another is the ultimate sacrifice, representing the highest form of love and commitment. The Greek word "ἀποθνῄσκω" (apothnēskō) is used here, meaning to die or to face death. In the scriptural context, this phrase invites reflection on the value of life and the profound nature of giving one's life for another. Historically, martyrdom was known in Jewish tradition, but it was not a widespread expectation. This sets a backdrop for understanding the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice.

for a righteous man
The term "righteous" in Greek is "δίκαιος" (dikaios), which refers to someone who is just or morally upright. In the Jewish tradition, a righteous person was one who adhered to the Law and lived a life pleasing to God. However, Paul points out that even for such a person, it is rare for someone to be willing to die. This distinction between righteousness and goodness is crucial in understanding the depth of human love compared to divine love.

though for a good man
The word "good" in Greek is "ἀγαθός" (agathos), which implies a broader sense of goodness, including kindness and benevolence. The distinction between a "righteous" and a "good" man suggests that while righteousness is about adherence to the law, goodness encompasses a relational and moral warmth that might inspire others to acts of sacrifice. In the cultural context of Paul's time, a "good" person might be someone who has shown tangible kindness or generosity, making them more likely to inspire sacrificial acts.

someone might possibly dare to die
The phrase "might possibly dare" uses the Greek "τάχα" (tacha) and "τολμάω" (tolmaō), indicating a hypothetical scenario that is conceivable but not guaranteed. The use of "dare" suggests courage and boldness, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of such an act. In the historical context, acts of heroism and bravery were celebrated, yet Paul points out that even these are rare when it comes to sacrificing one's life. This sets the stage for contrasting human love with the divine love demonstrated by Christ, which is the ultimate act of daring sacrifice.

(7-8) What makes the sacrifice of Christ so paradoxical is that it was undergone for sinners. Even for a righteous man it is rare enough to find another who will be ready to lay down his life. Yet some such persons there are. The one thing which is most extraordinary in the death of Christ, and which most tends to throw into relief the love of God as displayed in it, is that He died for men as sinners, and at the very moment when they were sinning all around Him.

(7) Yet peradventure.--The true reading is, undoubtedly, for peradventure.

For a good man.--Literally, for the good (man), i.e., for the good man in question, the righteous man mentioned above. It would be possible to take the phrase "for the good" as neuter rather than masculine, and to understand by it "in a good cause." It would be possible also to give to the word translated "good" the special meaning of "benefactor"--"a man might be found to die for his benefactor." But if this had been intended, it might have been more clearly expressed, and upon the whole it seems best to take the passage as it is taken in the English version. There is a slight distinction in the Greek, as in English, between the words translated "righteous" and "good." To be "righteous" is to direct the will in obedience to an external standard; to be "good" is to have a natural goodness, especially kindness or benevolence of disposition. But this distinction is not insisted upon here. The two words are used almost convertibly.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[It is] rare
μόλις (molis)
Adverb
Strong's 3433: With difficulty, hardly, scarcely. Probably by variation for mogis; with difficulty.

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

[for] anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

to die
ἀποθανεῖται (apothaneitai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 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.

a righteous [man],
δικαίου (dikaiou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.

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

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

a good [man]
ἀγαθοῦ (agathou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

someone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

{might} possibly
τάχα (tacha)
Adverb
Strong's 5029: Quickly, presently, perhaps. As if neuter plural of tachus; shortly, i.e. possibly.

dare
τολμᾷ (tolma)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5111: To dare, endure, be bold, have courage, make up the mind. From tolma; to venture; by implication, to be courageous.

to die.
ἀποθανεῖν (apothanein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.


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NT Letters: Romans 5:7 For one will hardly die (Rom. Ro)
Romans 5:6
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