Romans 8:29-30
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The text doesn't just say God "knows" who will be saved; it emphasizes that He "foreknew" them. This isn't a passive observation of future events, but an active, intentional recognition before time began, setting them apart for a specific purpose. This foundational knowledge then leads to God's predestination for them to be transformed into the likeness of His Son.
The apostle Paul is building a powerful argument for the security of believers, starting from God's eternal plan. He's just explained that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Now, he's laying out the steps of that divine plan, starting with God's foreknowledge and predestination, to show that salvation is sure. This verse is the crucial link, explaining who God planned to save and to what end – ultimately, to be like His Son.
Ever wondered if God truly sees you, knows your struggles, and has a plan for your life? This verse says He does.
The journey of faith isn't a surprise to God. Paul tells us that God 'foreknew' those He predestined. This isn't just a casual glance; it's a deep, purposeful awareness. Think of it like a loving parent knowing their child's unique personality, strengths, and even future potential before they even take their first steps.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Romans 8:29-30 is available in the Sola app.
What's the ultimate aim of God's grand plan for believers? It's not just escape from trouble, but a profound transformation.
The incredible purpose God has for those He foreknows is to be 'conformed to the image of His Son.' This isn't about us becoming carbon copies of Jesus in a superficial way, but about a deep, internal transformation that reflects His character.
Why is Jesus called the 'firstborn' in this context? It reveals His central place not just as Savior, but as our Elder Brother and Head.
The verse concludes by stating the purpose of this conformity: 'that He [Christ] might be the firstborn among many brothers.' This highlights Christ's unique and preeminent position within God's family.
Understand the original words
proginosko · Greek Verb
To know beforehand; in a biblical context, it implies a prior, loving, covenantal relationship or choice by God.
proorizo · Greek Verb
God’s sovereign decree or pre-arrangement of the destiny of those He has chosen for salvation.
symmorphos · Greek Adjective
To be fashioned or molded to resemble the moral character and nature of Jesus Christ.
prototokos · Greek Adjective/Noun
A title indicating Christ's supremacy, pre-eminence, and status as the head of the new creation.
dikaioo · Greek Verb
The judicial act of God whereby He declares a sinner righteous based on the finished work of Christ.
doxazo · Greek Verb
The final state of perfection, immortality, and manifest glory that believers will share with Christ in eternity.
This verse is a foundational example of 'foreknowledge' in action, showing that faith, not works, was accounted as righteousness even in the Old Testament, aligning with the idea that God's foreknowledge in Romans 8:29 is not based on merit but on a gracious plan.
Jeremiah 31:3This prophetic declaration of God's enduring love and drawing of His people ('I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you') echoes the eternal purpose and 'foreknowledge' mentioned in Romans 8:29, suggesting a consistent divine plan of salvation.
John 15:16Jesus' words, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit,' directly parallel the concept of God's sovereign choice and predestination to conformity to His Son, highlighting that the initiative for salvation lies with God.
Philippians 3:10This verse, 'that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,' powerfully illustrates the 'conformed to the image of his Son' aspect of Romans 8:29, emphasizing the experiential aspect of Christlikeness.
1 John 3:2The promise that 'we will be like him, because we shall see him as he is' speaks directly to the ultimate fulfillment of being conformed to Christ's image, which is the glorious end-goal stated in Romans 8:29.
meyerRomans 8:29: "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
Romans 8:29-30 . More detailed development and expression of τοῖς κ . πρόθ . κλ . οὖσιν ,—as a continued confirmation of the οἴδαμεν , ὅτι κ . τ . λ . “ For this divine plan of salvation advancing from the πρόθεσις to the πλῆσις , leads the Christian safely and surely to the δόξα ;” hence it is not conceivable that anything whatever, in o…
bensonRomans 8:29: "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
Romans 8:29 . For whom he did foreknow — As truly repenting, believing, and obeying the gospel; he also did predestinate, to be conformed to the image of his Son — That is, it was his foreappointment, or predetermination, will, and pleasure, that as Christ was, they should be in this world, 1 John 4:17 , namely, holy, harmless, undefiled,…
The text doesn't just say God "knows" who will be saved; it emphasizes that He "foreknew" them. This isn't a passive observation of future events, but an active, intentional recognition before time began, setting them apart for a specific purpose. This foundational knowledge then leads to God's predestination for them to be transformed into the likeness of His Son.
The apostle Paul is building a powerful argument for the security of believers, starting from God's eternal plan. He's just explained that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Now, he's laying out the steps of that divine plan, starting with God's foreknowledge and predestination, to show that salvation is sure. This verse is the crucial link, explaining who God planned to save and to what end – ultimately, to be like His Son.
The apostle Paul is building a powerful argument for the security of believers, starting from God's eternal plan. He's just explained that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Now, he's laying out the steps of that divine plan, starting with God's foreknowledge and predestination, to show that salvation is sure. This verse is the crucial link, explaining who God planned to save and to what end – ultimately, to be like His Son.
"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified,…" — The text doesn't just say God "knows" who will be saved; it emphasizes that He "foreknew" them. This isn't a passive observation of future events, but an active, intentional recognition before time b…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
