And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

ROMANS 1:4KJV
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Romans 1:4 (KJV)

What does Romans 1:4 mean?

Romans 1:4 says that Jesus was shown to be the Son of God with power by his resurrection from the dead, and this was in line with the spirit of holiness. The verse highlights that Jesus’ identity as God’s Son was powerfully confirmed through his rising from the dead.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how Jesus is uniquely set apart as God’s Son. The resurrection is presented as the clear, powerful proof of who Jesus is, not just in words but in a way that could not be denied. Paul connects this to the “spirit of holiness,” pointing to Jesus’ holy character and the work of God’s Spirit in his life and resurrection.

The Greek behind Romans 1:4

  • "Declared" (ὁρισθέντος, horisthentos): This Greek word often means “appointed” or “marked out.” Here, it suggests that Jesus was unmistakably shown or designated as the Son of God, not by human opinion but by a decisive act—his resurrection.
  • "Power" (δυνάμει, dynamei): This word means “might” or “strength.” The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ status as Son of God was not just a title but was backed by real, divine power shown in the resurrection.
  • "Spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma) and "holiness" (ἁγιωσύνης, hagiōsynēs): Together, these words point to the holy nature or character of Jesus, possibly referring to the Holy Spirit or to Jesus’ own inner holiness. This sets the tone for understanding Jesus’ life and resurrection as uniquely holy and set apart.

Why Romans 1:4 matters

  • Romans 1:4 clarifies that Jesus’ resurrection is the central proof of his divine Sonship, not just his teachings or miracles.
  • The verse helps readers see that Jesus’ identity is rooted in both power and holiness, connecting his life and resurrection to God’s own character.
  • This verse sets up the rest of Romans by showing why Jesus’ message and work have authority and why believers can trust in him as the foundation of their faith.

Where else these words appear

“holiness” Greek G42 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

“declared” Greek G3724 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
  • Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
  • Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

“resurrection” Greek G386 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
  • John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
  • Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

“power” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?