As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals that suffering for God isn't a new phenomenon; it's a timeless reality experienced by God's people throughout history, as seen in the Old Testament. The phrase "all the day long" emphasizes the constant, pervasive nature of this persecution, not just occasional attacks.
As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up a powerful section, showing that absolutely nothing—not even death itself—can separate believers from God's love in Christ. To underscore this point and demonstrate that suffering is not new to God's people, he quotes Psalm 44, reminding us that followers of God have always faced intense persecution and even death for their faith throughout history.
Ever feel like God's people are always in the crosshairs? This verse echoes a cry from centuries ago, connecting your struggles to those who came before.
Paul isn't introducing a new idea here. He’s quoting Psalm 44:22, a prayer from ancient Israel during a time of intense national distress.
A Shared Story of Suffering
The imagery here is stark and unsettling. What does it really mean to be 'accounted as sheep for the slaughter'?
This phrase paints a vivid picture of vulnerability and impending doom, but also of complete trust.
Meekness in the Face of Death
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Paul quotes Psalm 44, a lament from a time of intense persecution, to show that the suffering of Christians is not new but a continuation of the faithful's experience throughout history, all for God's sake.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The Maccabean Revolt erupted against Antiochus IV Epiphanes' oppressive Hellenistic rule, which included desecrating the Jerusalem Temple. This period saw intense persecution of Jews who remained faithful to their traditions.
c. 160s-140s BC
Psalm 44 Written
Psalm 44, which contains the verse Paul quotes, was likely composed during or shortly after the Maccabean period. It reflects the deep suffering and faithfulness of God's people facing severe persecution.
c. 142 BC
Hasmonean State Established
The Maccabean revolt achieved a significant victory, leading to the establishment of the independent Hasmonean state. However, periods of intense conflict and persecution marked this era.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome conquered Judea, leading to a new era of political instability and Roman occupation. While the Maccabean kingdom ended, Jewish identity and faith continued to face external pressures.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus' execution by Roman authorities, viewed by his followers as a sacrifice for humanity, marked the beginning of a new covenant and intensified existing tensions between Jewish leaders and Jesus' followers.
c. AD 50-62— this verse
Paul's Ministry and Writings
During this period, Paul traveled extensively, establishing churches and writing letters, including Romans. He encountered significant opposition and persecution for his ministry to both Jews and Gentiles.
c. AD 64-70
Roman Persecution and Jerusalem's Fall
Under Emperor Nero, Christians faced severe persecution in Rome. This was followed by the First Jewish-Roman War and the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in AD 70, events that deeply impacted the early church.
This is the direct source of the quote Paul uses, showing the ancient roots of enduring persecution for God's sake.
Jeremiah 11:19This passage also uses the imagery of sheep being led to slaughter, highlighting the vulnerability and innocence of those targeted for destruction.
Matthew 10:16Jesus warns his disciples that they will be sent out as sheep in the midst of wolves, directly paralleling the danger and perceived worthlessness in the eyes of persecutors.
1 Corinthians 4:9-13Paul describes the apostles as being put on display as condemned to death, likening their suffering to that of sheep for slaughter, demonstrating this was a shared experience across the early church.
Revelation 6:9-11This vision shows the souls of martyrs under the altar who were killed for their testimony, reinforcing the theme of faithful believers being sacrificed for their allegiance to God.
cambridgeRomans 8:36: "As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."
36 . As it is written ] In Psalms 44 (LXX. 43):22. The Gr. is verbatim from the LXX. The quotation refers specially to the last previous word, “ sword .”—By thus quoting the Psalm of the O. T. confessors and martyrs as divinely meant also for N. T. saints, St Paul indicates (as so often) the continuity of the believing Church of all time.
clarkeRomans 8:36: "As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."
As it is written - And these are no more than we may naturally expect from the present constitution of the world, and the positive predictions of the prophet, Psalm 44:22 , who foresaw that a wicked world would always persecute and oppress the true followers of God.
This verse reveals that suffering for God isn't a new phenomenon; it's a timeless reality experienced by God's people throughout history, as seen in the Old Testament. The phrase "all the day long" emphasizes the constant, pervasive nature of this persecution, not just occasional attacks.
Paul is wrapping up a powerful section, showing that absolutely nothing—not even death itself—can separate believers from God's love in Christ. To underscore this point and demonstrate that suffering is not new to God's people, he quotes Psalm 44, reminding us that followers of God have always faced intense persecution and even death for their faith throughout history.
Paul is wrapping up a powerful section, showing that absolutely nothing—not even death itself—can separate believers from God's love in Christ. To underscore this point and demonstrate that suffering is not new to God's people, he quotes Psalm 44, reminding us that followers of God have always faced intense persecution and even death for their faith throughout history.
"As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”" — This verse reveals that suffering for God isn't a new phenomenon; it's a timeless reality experienced by God's people throughout history, as seen in the Old Testament. The phrase "all the day long" e…
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Last reviewed October 2026