and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "spirit of holiness" isn't just another way to say the Holy Spirit; it points to Christ's own divine nature, the very essence of God within Him that set Him apart and empowered Him to overcome death. This "spirit of holiness" contrasts with His human "flesh," highlighting that His true identity as the Son of God was powerfully demonstrated, not just by His resurrection, but by the divine essence within Him that accomplished it.
and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is introducing his letter to the Romans, focusing on the Gospel of God concerning His Son. He establishes Jesus Christ’s identity, first by His human lineage from David according to the flesh, and then by His divine power as the Son of God, demonstrated through His resurrection from the dead. This resurrection is presented as the ultimate proof of His divine identity, signaling His authority and status as Lord.
The verse says Jesus was 'declared to be the Son of God.' What does that really mean? It's more than just a title; it points to His unique nature.
The phrase 'declared to be the Son of God' highlights Jesus' divine identity. It wasn't that He became the Son of God at this point, but that His divine sonship was powerfully revealed and affirmed. This declaration wasn't just a human pronouncement but a divine confirmation, especially through His resurrection.
Think of it like a king whose royal lineage is established not just by birth, but by great acts of leadership and justice that prove his rightful place on the throne. Similarly, Jesus' resurrection served as the ultimate proof of His divine identity, showing He was more than human, even when living as Jesus Christ our Lord.
The resurrection is presented as the ultimate proof. But what kind of 'power' was at play, and how did it confirm Jesus' identity?
The declaration of Jesus as the Son of God was made 'with power.' This 'power' wasn't just a demonstration of strength, but the inherent, divine energy of God. It's the same power that created the universe and sustains it.
This power was most dramatically displayed in His resurrection. It was an act that transcended human ability, showcasing the divine nature of Christ. The resurrection wasn't just Him coming back to life; it was God the Father, through the Spirit of holiness, powerfully raising the Son. This act silenced any doubt about His claims and validated His divine authority.
Ask a follow-up
The verse mentions 'according to the spirit of holiness.' What does this distinct phrase tell us about Jesus' divine nature?
The 'spirit of holiness' is a crucial phrase that distinguishes Jesus' divine nature from His human nature ('according to the flesh'). It points to the inherent, absolute holiness that belongs to God Himself, and which characterized Jesus as the divine Son.
This wasn't just about Jesus being morally pure, but about His divine essence. It's in contrast to the 'flesh,' which is associated with His human lineage (from David). The 'spirit of holiness' signifies the divine element within Jesus that was the source of His unique identity and power, particularly as demonstrated in His resurrection.
Understand the original words
pneuma · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity, representing the divine presence and power of God. In the context of Christ, it denotes His divine nature and the power by which He was raised and vindicated.
anastasis · Greek Noun
The act of being brought back to life physically. Theologically, it is the seal of God's approval on Christ's work and the guarantee of the future victory of believers over death.
Christos · Greek Noun
'The Anointed One.' It signifies Jesus' role as the promised Messiah, the King who fulfills the office of Prophet, Priest, and King.
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of sovereignty. It denotes absolute authority, ownership, and lordship over all creation and specifically over the lives of those who belong to Him.
The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal event that powerfully demonstrated his divine identity, making it the cornerstone of early Christian proclamation and Paul's argument.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30/33— this verse
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus lives, teaches, performs miracles, is crucified, and resurrected.
c. AD 30 - c. AD 33
Early Ministry of the Apostles
The Apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preach Jesus' resurrection and its implications in Jerusalem and surrounding areas.
c. AD 40s - AD 60s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul travels extensively, establishing churches and spreading the Gospel to Gentile communities across the Roman Empire.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul writes letters, including Romans, from his Roman imprisonment, addressing theological issues in the church there.
This passage directly quotes Psalm 2:7, which Paul connects to Jesus' resurrection, echoing the idea of Jesus being declared 'Son of God' in power.
1 Peter 3:18This verse contrasts being put to death in the flesh with being made alive 'in the Spirit,' mirroring the Romans 1:4 contrast between being 'according to the flesh' and 'according to the Spirit of holiness.'
Hebrews 1:3This verse describes Jesus as the 'radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his nature,' highlighting the divine nature that is central to his declaration as Son of God through resurrection.
Philippians 2:9-11This passage speaks of Jesus being highly exalted by God after his suffering, linking his exaltation and divine recognition ('Son of God') to his obedience and suffering, which culminates in his resurrection.
1 Timothy 3:16This verse states Jesus was 'vindicated by the Spirit,' drawing a parallel to Romans 1:4's mention of being declared Son of God 'according to the Spirit of holiness,' emphasizing the Spirit's role in validating Christ's divine identity.
ellicottRomans 1:4: "And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"
(4) With power. —That is, in a transcendent and superhuman manner. According to the spirit of holiness.—In antithesis to “according to the flesh,” and therefore coming where we should expect “in His divine nature.” And yet there is a difference, the precise shade of which is not easy to define. What are we to understand by the “spirit of holiness”? Are we to regard…
barnesRomans 1:4: "And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"
And declared - In the margin, "determined." Τοῦ ὁρισθέντος Tou horisthentos. The ancient Syriac has, "And he was known to be the Son of God by might and by the Holy Spirit, who rose from the house of the dead." The Latin Vulgate, "Who was "predestinated" the Son of God," etc. The Arabic, "The Son of God destined by power special to the Holy Spirit," etc. The wo…
The phrase "spirit of holiness" isn't just another way to say the Holy Spirit; it points to Christ's own divine nature, the very essence of God within Him that set Him apart and empowered Him to overcome death. This "spirit of holiness" contrasts with His human "flesh," highlighting that His true identity as the Son of God was powerfully demonstrated, not just by His resurrection, but by the divine essence within Him that accomplished it.
Paul is introducing his letter to the Romans, focusing on the Gospel of God concerning His Son. He establishes Jesus Christ’s identity, first by His human lineage from David according to the flesh, and then by His divine power as the Son of God, demonstrated through His resurrection from the dead. This resurrection is presented as the ultimate proof of His divine identity, signaling His authority and status as Lord.
Paul is introducing his letter to the Romans, focusing on the Gospel of God concerning His Son. He establishes Jesus Christ’s identity, first by His human lineage from David according to the flesh, and then by His divine power as the Son of God, demonstrated through His resurrection from the dead. This resurrection is presented as the ultimate proof of His divine identity, signaling His authority and status as Lord.
"and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord," — The phrase "spirit of holiness" isn't just another way to say the Holy Spirit; it points to Christ's own divine nature, the very essence of God within Him that set Him apart and empowered Him to over…
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Last reviewed October 2026