And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

ROMANS 13:11KJV
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Romans 13:11 (KJV)

What does Romans 13:11 mean?

Romans 13:11 urges believers to recognize that the present moment is crucial, calling them to wake up from spiritual indifference because the fulfillment of their salvation is closer now than when they first believed. The verse emphasizes a sense of urgency and awareness about the times they are living in.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, encouraging them to live alert and morally upright lives in light of their faith. He reminds them that time is moving forward and that the ultimate completion of their salvation—often understood as Christ’s return or the final redemption—is drawing nearer. This call to "awake out of sleep" uses the image of waking up to stress the importance of being spiritually attentive and ready.

The Greek behind Romans 13:11

  • The Greek word "καιρός" (kairos, G2540) translated as "time" often means a significant or opportune moment, not just a point on the clock. Paul is pointing to a meaningful season, not just any ordinary day.
  • The word "ἐγερθῆναι" (egeirthenai, G1453), translated as "awake," carries the sense of rising up, as from sleep or even from death. Paul is urging a decisive, active response, not just mild alertness.
  • "Σωτηρία" (sōtēria, G4991), translated as "salvation," here refers to the final, complete deliverance that believers look forward to, beyond just their initial belief or conversion.

Why Romans 13:11 matters

  • Romans 13:11 clarifies that Christian salvation is not only a past event but also something believers are moving toward, highlighting both present responsibility and future hope.
  • The verse connects the urgency of right living to the reality that time is passing and the culmination of God’s promises is approaching.
  • This verse helps the reader see that spiritual alertness is not just for leaders or the especially devoted, but for every believer as part of daily life.

Where else these words appear

“sleep” Greek G5258 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
  • Luke 9:32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
  • John 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

“salvation” Greek G4991 · used in 43 verses

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  • Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
  • Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

“now” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
  • John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

“time” Greek G2540 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
  • Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.