Bible Verse

Romans 8:38-39

Paul concludes Romans 8, the great chapter on life in the Spirit and assurance of salvation, with this triumphant declaration of God's unfailing love.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

— Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

— ESV

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

— KJV

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Romans 8 addresses suffering, the Spirit's work, predestination, and God's sovereign love. These verses are the climactic conclusion, assuring believers of eternal security in God's love.

Historical Background

Written around 57 AD to Christians in Rome facing persecution. Paul's absolute certainty about God's love provided hope to believers whose faith was being tested.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"For I am convinced"

Paul speaks from deep personal conviction (Greek: peitho—to be persuaded, confident). This isn't speculation but certainty based on knowing God's character and experiencing His love.

"that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons"

Four impossibilities: death can't separate us (we have eternal life); life's trials can't (God sustains); angels can't (even good ones); demons can't (they're defeated). No spiritual being can break God's love.

"neither the present nor the future, nor any powers"

Time dimension: present circumstances don't separate us; future unknowns won't either. 'Powers' includes all authorities, earthly or spiritual. Nothing in any timeframe can sever God's love.

"neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation"

Space dimension: nothing above (heaven) or below (depths, hell) can separate. Final catch-all: 'anything else in all creation.' Absolutely nothing created can break our connection to God's love in Christ.

Key Themes

Security in God's loveEternal securityInseparable from ChristGod's unfailing loveAssurance of salvation

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Rest in the absolute security of God's love—nothing you do or face can separate you from Him.

  2. 2

    When feeling distant from God, remember the problem isn't His love changing but your perception.

  3. 3

    Face trials with confidence that they can't separate you from God's love in Christ.

  4. 4

    Let this assurance free you from fear—no power, circumstance, or being can steal you from God.

  5. 5

    Share this promise with believers struggling with assurance or facing severe trials.

Questions for Reflection

  • What circumstances are making you feel separated from God's love right now?
  • Do you truly believe nothing can separate you from God's love, or do you doubt?
  • How would your life change if you fully embraced this security in Christ?
  • What fears or worries can you release knowing God's love is unbreakable?

Related Scripture

John 10:28-29

"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."

Jeremiah 31:3

"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love.'"

Psalm 136:1

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever."

Ephesians 3:17-19

"And I pray that you... may have power... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."

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