And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

ROMANS 5:11KJV
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Romans 5:11 (KJV)

What does Romans 5:11 mean?

Romans 5:11 says that believers not only have hope because of what Jesus has done, but they also rejoice in God, since through Jesus Christ they have now received reconciliation with God. This verse highlights the joy that comes from knowing the relationship with God has been restored.

The apostle Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, explaining the results of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the surrounding verses, Paul describes how Jesus’ sacrifice brings peace and access to God. Here, Paul emphasizes that this reconciliation is not just a future hope but something believers have already received, leading them to joy in their relationship with God.

The Greek behind Romans 5:11

  • The word translated “joy” is καυχάομαι (kauchaomai), which often means “to boast” or “to exult.” Here, it carries the sense of taking joyful pride or celebrating in God, not in oneself.
  • The word for “atonement” is καταλλαγή (katallagē), which means “reconciliation” or “restoration to favor.” This word points to the idea that the relationship between people and God, once broken, has now been restored through Jesus.

Why Romans 5:11 matters

  • Romans 5:11 clarifies that reconciliation with God is not just a future promise but a present reality for believers, which is a source of real joy.
  • The verse shifts the focus from what believers receive (peace, hope) to whom they rejoice in—God Himself—showing that the restored relationship is central.
  • By using strong words for joy and reconciliation, Paul emphasizes the completeness and certainty of what Jesus has accomplished, connecting this verse to the larger theme of assurance in Romans 5.

Where else these words appear

“atonement” Greek G2643 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
  • 2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

“joy” Greek G2744 · used in 33 verses

  • Romans 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
  • 2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

“only” Greek G3440 · used in 66 verses

  • Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

“now” Greek G3568 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • John 21:10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: