What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul isn't asking for a list of reasons to believe God is for us; he's declaring that the fact God is for us makes all other considerations—even potential opposition—utterly irrelevant. The question "who can be against us?" isn't seeking an answer, but is a rhetorical flourish, highlighting that if God is on our side, any opposition is rendered powerless.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building to a triumphant conclusion, urging believers to hold onto the certainty of their salvation despite any hardships they face. He has just detailed the unbreakable chain of God's eternal plan for believers, from foreknowledge to glorification, proving that nothing can separate them from God's love. Therefore, he boldly asks what further need there is to say beyond this incredible reality: if God is on their side, no opposition can ultimately prevail.
Ever felt overwhelmed by circumstances, wondering 'What's the point?' Paul faces this exact question, and his answer is revolutionary.
Paul opens Romans 8:31 with a powerful rhetorical question: "What then shall we say to these things?" This isn't just a casual inquiry; it's a call to synthesize everything that's been said. He's looking back at the incredible truths revealed throughout the entire letter, especially the profound doctrines of justification, adoption, and the indwelling Spirit discussed earlier in chapter 8.
This verse is Paul's triumphant conclusion, a rallying cry for believers. Instead of letting circumstances dictate their perspective, he urges them to let God's eternal truths shape their outlook. The 'things' Paul refers to are not just the hardships believers face, but the entire magnificent reality of their salvation – from God's foreknowledge to their future glorification. He's saying, 'Given all this truth, how should we now think and act?' The answer? With unshakeable confidence.
When everything else feels shaky, what's the one truth that grounds your confidence? Paul points to an incredible divine commitment.
The heart of Paul's declaration in Romans 8:31 is the phrase, "If God is for us." This isn't a passive statement; it's an active, powerful affirmation of God's unwavering alignment with His people. He isn't just neutral; He is actively on our side, committed to our well-being and ultimate salvation.
This divine 'for us' is rooted in His character and His prior actions. It's demonstrated most profoundly in the sacrifice of His own Son (as explored in verses 32-34). Because God has already given the greatest possible gift – His Son – for our sake, His commitment to us is absolute and unassailable. This isn't conditional on our performance; it's based on His sovereign choice and covenantal faithfulness. This divine alliance means our security is guaranteed, regardless of external opposition.
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When enemies rise against you, whether visible or unseen, Paul poses a question that silences all fear.
The second half of Romans 8:31 asks, "who can be against us?" This isn't a question seeking to identify potential opponents, but rather to declare their ultimate powerlessness. Paul isn't denying that opposition will exist; the history of the church and the experiences of believers throughout time confirm that adversaries will certainly try to stand against us.
However, the point is that no opposition can prevail. If God, the Almighty Creator and Sustainer of the universe, is wholeheartedly for us, then any force arrayed against us is ultimately insignificant. Whether it's external persecution, internal struggles, or spiritual warfare, these forces are rendered ineffective because they face an opponent far greater than themselves – the God who has already secured our victory through Christ. The adversaries themselves are insignificant compared to the God who champions us.
Understand the original words
hyper hēmōn · Greek Preposition
In a biblical context, this term signifies the absolute sovereignty and benevolent commitment of God toward His people. It implies that because the Creator of the universe is on the side of the believer, no human or spiritual opposition can ultimately prevail against them.
Paul wrote Romans to a church likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, navigating their place within the Roman Empire. The looming threat of persecution under emperors like Nero, even if not yet widespread, would have made Paul's powerful affirmation of God's unwavering support incredibly vital and reassuring.
c. 50s AD— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul pens his letter to the church in Rome, likely from Corinth or Ephesus, during a period of relative peace for the early Christian movement.
c. 49 AD
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius banishes Jews from Rome, which would have included early Jewish Christians, potentially scattering the Roman church and leading to a predominantly Gentile congregation by the time Paul writes.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome & Nero's Persecution
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, and Emperor Nero blames the Christians, initiating the first major imperial persecution against them. This context of potential suffering deeply informs Paul's words.
This Psalm echoes Paul's confidence, stating 'The Lord is on my side; I will not fear; what can man do to me?' This highlights the ancient roots of trusting in God's support against adversaries.
Isaiah 50:8-9This passage presents God as a vindicator: 'He is near who justifies me; who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord God helps me; who will declare me guilty?' This directly parallels the question of who can condemn if God justifies.
Job 9:12In a moment of deep struggle, Job asks, 'Behold, he snatches away; who can turn him back? Who will say to him, “What are you doing?”' This captures the overwhelming power of God, against which no earthly force can stand, mirroring Paul's rhetorical question.
1 Samuel 17:45David's bold declaration to Goliath, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied,' shows a similar conviction that divine backing trumps any physical or perceived threat.
Romans 8:33-34These verses immediately following ask, 'Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is it that condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died—moreover, who was raised again, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us!' This expands on the premise of God being for us by detailing the active defense provided by God's justification and Christ's advocacy.
cambridgeRomans 8:31: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
31 . What shall we then say , &c.] St Paul now applies the whole previous facts and reasons to the final proof of the Safety of the children of God. He seems to refer not only to the former part of this chapter, but to the whole previous argument of the Epistle; for there, rather than in ch. 8, we find the doctrines which are here applied—the sacrifice of Christ, and consequent justification . No elo…
pulpitRomans 8:31: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Verses 31-34. - What shall we then say to these things? (πρὸ ταῦτα, meaning "with respect to," not "against "). If God be for us, who can be against us? (τίς, not τί, in opposition to ὁ Θεὸς: who - what adverse power - can there possibly be, stronger than God?). He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all (evidently not for the elect only, but for all mankind; cf. on Romans 5:18),…
Paul isn't asking for a list of reasons to believe God is for us; he's declaring that the fact God is for us makes all other considerations—even potential opposition—utterly irrelevant. The question "who can be against us?" isn't seeking an answer, but is a rhetorical flourish, highlighting that if God is on our side, any opposition is rendered powerless.
Paul is building to a triumphant conclusion, urging believers to hold onto the certainty of their salvation despite any hardships they face. He has just detailed the unbreakable chain of God's eternal plan for believers, from foreknowledge to glorification, proving that nothing can separate them from God's love. Therefore, he boldly asks what further need there is to say beyond this incredible reality: if God is on their side, no opposition can ultimately prevail.
Paul is building to a triumphant conclusion, urging believers to hold onto the certainty of their salvation despite any hardships they face. He has just detailed the unbreakable chain of God's eternal plan for believers, from foreknowledge to glorification, proving that nothing can separate them from God's love. Therefore, he boldly asks what further need there is to say beyond this incredible reality: if God is on their side, no opposition can ultimately prevail.
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" — Paul isn't asking for a list of reasons to believe God is for us; he's declaring that the fact God is for us makes all other considerations—even potential opposition—utterly irrelevant. The questio…
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Last reviewed October 2026