More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse offers a beautiful, often missed, twist: we don't just rejoice because we've been reconciled, but we actively "glory in God" through that reconciliation. It's not just about a problem solved, but about a present, active delight in God Himself, made possible by Christ.
More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building on the idea that believers, once enemies of God, have been reconciled through Christ's death. He's explaining the incredible peace and security this reconciliation brings, moving from the assurance of being saved to the present reality of rejoicing in God. This present joy, made possible by reconciliation, is the foundation for the future hope of glory Paul has been discussing.
We've received peace with God, but that's just the beginning. Paul introduces a new, active dimension to our faith.
Paul shows us that our relationship with God isn't just about being rescued from a dangerous situation. In Romans 5:10, he talks about being reconciled to God through Christ's death. But in verse 11, he takes it a step further. It's not just that we are reconciled, but that we now rejoice in God because of it!
A Deeper Joy
The Bible often warns against boasting. So why does Paul encourage believers to 'rejoice' or 'glory'?
It might seem like a contradiction: Paul elsewhere warns against human boasting (like in Romans 3:27), yet here he speaks of rejoicing or glorying. The key is we place our confidence.
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The Object of Our Glory
Understand the original words
kauchōmenoi · Greek Verb
To take pride or find joy in; in a biblical context, it refers to the boast of faith placed in God's character and redemptive work rather than in human achievement.
katallagēn · Greek Noun
The restoration of a broken relationship between God and humanity, accomplished through the sacrificial work of Christ, which removes the barrier of sin and establishes peace.
This parable vividly illustrates the concept of reconciliation, showing the father's overwhelming joy when his lost son returns, mirroring the immense joy believers experience when reconciled to God through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20This passage directly speaks about the ministry of reconciliation, emphasizing that God, through Christ, has given believers the message and ministry of being reconciled to Him, which fuels their rejoicing.
Colossians 1:20-22It highlights that Christ's sacrificial death has reconciled believers to God, transforming them from enemies to holy and blameless people, which is the very foundation for their joy and rejoicing in God.
Philippians 3:3This verse contrasts the futility of human boasting (or 'glorying') with the Christian's true ground for rejoicing: confidence in Christ and what He has accomplished, aligning with Romans 5:11's emphasis on glorying in God through Christ.
John 17:22-23Jesus prays for believers to be one, just as He is one with the Father, reflecting the deep intimacy and unity with God that reconciliation brings, a unity that is a source of profound joy.
henryRomans 5:6-11: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."
5:6-11 Christ died for sinners; not only such as were useless, but such as were guilty and hateful; such that their everlasting destruction would be to the glory of God's justice. Christ died to save us, not in our sins, but from our sins; and we were yet sinners when he died for us. Nay, the carnal mind is not only an enemy to God, but enmity itself, chap. 8:7; Col 1:21. But God designed to deliver…
cambridgeRomans 5:11: "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
11 . not only so ] We shall not only be welcomed then , but we are permitted to feel now the bliss of our position. we … joy ] Lit. joying ; the participle. The meaning is practically the same as in E. V. Grammatically the word perhaps connects with “being reconciled;” q. d., “We shall surely be ‘saved’ then, because we are now admitted not to acquittal only, but to…
This verse offers a beautiful, often missed, twist: we don't just rejoice because we've been reconciled, but we actively "glory in God" through that reconciliation. It's not just about a problem solved, but about a present, active delight in God Himself, made possible by Christ.
Paul is building on the idea that believers, once enemies of God, have been reconciled through Christ's death. He's explaining the incredible peace and security this reconciliation brings, moving from the assurance of being saved to the present reality of rejoicing in God. This present joy, made possible by reconciliation, is the foundation for the future hope of glory Paul has been discussing.
Paul is building on the idea that believers, once enemies of God, have been reconciled through Christ's death. He's explaining the incredible peace and security this reconciliation brings, moving from the assurance of being saved to the present reality of rejoicing in God. This present joy, made possible by reconciliation, is the foundation for the future hope of glory Paul has been discussing.
"More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." — This verse offers a beautiful, often missed, twist: we don't just rejoice because we've been reconciled, but we actively "glory in God" through that reconciliation. It's not just about a problem…
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Last reviewed October 2026