Romans 8:38
New International Version
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

New Living Translation
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

English Standard Version
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,

Berean Standard Bible
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

Berean Literal Bible
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

King James Bible
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

New King James Version
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

New American Standard Bible
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

NASB 1995
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

NASB 1977
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Legacy Standard Bible
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Amplified Bible
For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers,

Christian Standard Bible
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers,

American Standard Version
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Contemporary English Version
I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future,

English Revised Version
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can't be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces

Good News Translation
For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future,

International Standard Version
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Majority Standard Bible
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither the present nor the future,

NET Bible
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers,

New Heart English Bible
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Webster's Bible Translation
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Weymouth New Testament
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither the lower ranks of evil angels nor the higher, neither things present nor things future, nor the forces of nature,

World English Bible
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor messengers, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present,

Berean Literal Bible
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Young's Literal Translation
for I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor messengers, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present,

Smith's Literal Translation
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor beginnings, nor powers, nor things having stood, nor things about to be,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might,

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I am certain that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, nor the present things, nor the future things, nor strength,

New American Bible
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers,

New Revised Standard Version
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor empires, nor armies, nor things present, nor things to come,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor Authorities, nor Powers, nor things present, nor things future,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Godbey New Testament
For I am persuaded that, neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come,

Haweis New Testament
For I am assured that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor those to come,

Mace New Testament
for I am fully persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Weymouth New Testament
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither the lower ranks of evil angels nor the higher, neither things present nor things future, nor the forces of nature,

Worrell New Testament
For I am persuaded that, neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Worsley New Testament
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things future,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
More than Conquerors
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” / “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” / The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ...

2 Corinthians 5:1-8
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. / For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, / because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ...

Ephesians 1:20-21
which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, / far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Philippians 1:21-23
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. / But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. / I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. / For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. / By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. ...

2 Timothy 1:10
And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel,

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.

Hebrews 7:25
Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.

1 John 4:4
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Revelation 1:17-18
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, / the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.

Revelation 20:14
Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.


Treasury of Scripture

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

For I.

Romans 4:21
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

2 Corinthians 4:13
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

that.

Romans 14:8
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.

John 10:28
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

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; …

nor.

2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Ephesians 1:21
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Ephesians 6:11,12
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…

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Angels Convinced Death Demons Evil Forces Future Higher Life Messengers Nature Persuaded Powers Present Principalities Ranks Rulers Sure
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Angels Convinced Death Demons Evil Forces Future Higher Life Messengers Nature Persuaded Powers Present Principalities Ranks Rulers Sure
Romans 8
1. Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation.
5. What harm comes of the flesh;
13. and what good of the Spirit.
19. The glorious deliverance the creation longs for,
29. was beforehand decreed from God.
38. Nothing can sever us from his love.














For I am convinced
The phrase "For I am convinced" reflects the Apostle Paul's deep-seated assurance and unwavering confidence. The Greek word used here is "πέπεισμαι" (pepeismai), which denotes a firm persuasion or conviction. This is not a mere opinion but a profound certainty rooted in faith and experience. Paul's conviction is not based on human reasoning but on the revelation and promises of God. Historically, Paul’s life, filled with trials and divine encounters, underscores the depth of his assurance. This phrase invites believers to seek a similar depth of conviction through their relationship with Christ.

that neither death nor life
In this phrase, Paul contrasts the ultimate human experiences: death and life. "Death" (θάνατος, thanatos) is often seen as the final enemy, yet Paul declares it powerless to separate us from God's love. "Life" (ζωή, zoe), with all its trials and tribulations, also holds no threat to this divine connection. The historical context of early Christians facing persecution and martyrdom gives weight to this assurance. Paul emphasizes that both the cessation of life and the experiences within it are under God's sovereign control and cannot sever the bond of love in Christ.

neither angels nor principalities
Here, Paul addresses spiritual beings and forces. "Angels" (ἄγγελοι, angeloi) are typically seen as messengers of God, yet even they cannot alter God's love for us. "Principalities" (ἀρχαί, archai) refers to spiritual rulers or authorities, often interpreted as demonic forces or cosmic powers. In the Greco-Roman world, these terms would resonate with beliefs about spiritual hierarchies. Paul reassures believers that no spiritual entity, regardless of its power or position, can disrupt the love God has for His people.

neither the present nor the future
Paul speaks to the dimensions of time, "the present" (ἐνεστῶτα, enestota) and "the future" (μέλλοντα, mellonta). The present encompasses current circumstances and challenges, while the future holds uncertainties and fears. By including both, Paul assures believers that God's love transcends time. Historically, this would comfort early Christians facing immediate persecution and uncertain futures. It is a reminder that God's love is constant and unchanging, regardless of temporal changes.

nor any powers
The term "powers" (δυνάμεις, dynameis) can refer to both earthly and spiritual forces. In the context of Roman authority and the spiritual realm, this term encompasses any force that might seem to wield control over human destiny. Paul’s assertion is that no power, whether political, social, or supernatural, can separate us from God's love. This reflects a profound trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and protection over His people.

neither height nor depth
These spatial terms, "height" (ὕψωμα, hypsoma) and "depth" (βάθος, bathos), symbolize the extremes of existence. They can be interpreted as metaphors for any conceivable situation or state of being. In the ancient world, these terms might also allude to astrological beliefs or the perceived influence of celestial bodies. Paul’s message is clear: no matter how high or low one might go, God's love remains steadfast and unassailable.

nor anything else in all creation
Paul concludes with a comprehensive statement, "nor anything else in all creation," to ensure that no aspect of the created order is excluded. The Greek word for creation, "κτίσις" (ktisis), encompasses everything that exists. This phrase serves as a blanket assurance that nothing within the realm of creation, visible or invisible, can affect the love God has for us. It is a powerful reminder of the Creator's supremacy over His creation.

will be able to separate us from the love of God
The phrase "will be able to separate us" uses the Greek "χωρίσαι" (chōrisai), meaning to divide or put apart. Paul emphatically states that no force or circumstance has the power to sever the bond of love between God and His people. This assurance is rooted in the nature of God's love, which is eternal and unchanging.

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Finally, Paul anchors this entire assurance in "Christ Jesus our Lord." The relationship with God is mediated through Christ, who is both Savior and Lord. The title "Lord" (Κύριος, Kyrios) affirms Christ's authority and divinity. Historically, this would resonate with believers who confessed Jesus as Lord in a world that demanded allegiance to other powers. It is through Christ that believers experience the fullness of God's love, a love that is secure and unbreakable.

(38) Neither death, nor life . . .--The enumeration that follows is intended to include (poetically rather than logically) every possible category of being, especially those unseen powers of evil against which the warfare of the Christian was more particularly directed.

Nor principalities.--Comp. Ephesians 6:12, "We wrestle . . . against principalities, against powers;" terms belonging to the Jewish enumeration of angels. The critical evidence is however absolutely decisive in separating "powers" from "principalities" in this instance and placing it after "things present, nor things to come." It would be better therefore to take it in a wider sense: "Agencies of every kind, personal or impersonal."

Verses 38, 39. - For I am persuaded that no powers or circumstances whatever, external to ourselves, will ever separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, or consequently bar our attainment of our final inheritance. Additional Note on ver. 29, seq. The view given above of St. Paul's intention and meaning is by no means meant as ignoring the essential mystery of predestination, however regarded. Divine omnipotence combined with omniscience on the one hand, and human free-will on the other, seem indeed to human reason to be incompatible ideas; yet we are compelled to entertain both - the one on the ground, not only of scriptural teaching, but also of our conception of the Divine Being; the other on the ground, not only of our conception of Divine justice, but also of our own irresistible consciousness, and of scriptural teaching too. Such difficulty of reconciliation between two apparently necessary ideas is not peculiar to theology; philosophy has it too; and there are necessitarians among philosophers, as well as predestinarians among theologians, equally contradicting man's irresistible consciousness of having the power of choice. We can only regard the conflicting conceptions as partial apprehensions of a great truth which as a whole is beyond us. The apparent contradiction between them may be due to the failure of finite beings to comprehend infinity. They have been compared to two parallel straight lines, which, according to geometrical definition, can never meet, and yet, according to the higher mathematical theory, meet in infinity; or we may take the illustration of an asymptote, which from a finite point of view can never possibly touch a curve, and yet, in analytical geometry, is found to cross it at an infinite distance. For the practical purposes of life both ideas may be entertained; and it is only human attempts to reconcile them in theory, or to escape the difficulty by denying free-will altogether, that have given rise to the endless controversies on the subject. It is important to observe how St. Paul, though he distinctly intimates both conceptions (as he must needs do as a preacher of God's truth in all its aspects), and though his allusions to predestination have been made a main support of Calvinistic views, never really propounds a theory. When he alludes to the subject, it is with a practical purpose; and when (as in this chapter) he speaks of God's predestination of believers to glory, his purpose is to encourage them to persevere in holiness on the ground of their assurance of God's eternal purpose concerning them, the essential human conditions being all along supposed to be fulfilled (see also note on Hebrews 6:16-20, in 'Pulpit Commentary').



Parallel Commentaries ...


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

I am convinced
πέπεισμαι (pepeismai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

neither
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

death
θάνατος (thanatos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.

nor
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

life,
ζωὴ (zōē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.

neither
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

angels
ἄγγελοι (angeloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.

nor
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

principalities,
ἀρχαὶ (archai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 746: From archomai; a commencement, or chief.

neither
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

the present
ἐνεστῶτα (enestōta)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1764: From en and histemi; to place on hand, i.e. impend, be instant.

nor
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

the future,
μέλλοντα (mellonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3195: A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.

nor
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

any powers,
δυνάμεις (dynameis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.


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NT Letters: Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded that neither death (Rom. Ro)
Romans 8:37
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