For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

ROMANS 14:9KJV
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Romans 14:9 (KJV)

What does Romans 14:9 mean?

Romans 14:9 says that Christ died, rose, and lived again so that he could be Lord over both the dead and the living. This verse explains that Jesus’ death and resurrection were meant to establish his authority over everyone, whether they have died or are still alive.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, addressing disagreements about personal religious practices. In this context, Romans 14:9 reminds readers that Jesus’ role as Lord comes from his victory over death, making him the rightful authority over all people. This sets the foundation for why believers should respect each other’s convictions, since all belong to Christ.

The Greek behind Romans 14:9

  • κύριος (kyrios) — "Lord": This word means master or ruler. Paul uses it to show that Jesus’ authority is not limited by death; he is Lord over both those who have died and those still living.
  • νεκρός (nekros) — "dead": This word refers to those who have died physically. Paul’s use of it here emphasizes that Jesus’ lordship extends even to those who are no longer alive on earth.
  • ζάω (zaō) — "living": This word refers to those who are alive. By pairing it with "dead," Paul stresses the total reach of Christ’s lordship.

Why Romans 14:9 matters

  • Romans 14:9 clears up any idea that Jesus’ authority is only for the living or only for believers; it covers all people, past and present.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ death and resurrection directly to his role as Lord, showing that his authority is rooted in what he accomplished.
  • This statement supports Paul’s larger point in Romans 14: believers should not judge each other harshly, because everyone answers to the same Lord.

Where else these words appear

“revived” Greek G326 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
  • Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
  • Romans 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

“Lord” Greek G2961 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
  • Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

“died” Greek G599 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
  • John 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
  • Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

“rose” Greek G450 · used in 111 verses

  • Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.