For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

ROMANS 5:6KJV
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Romans 5:6 (KJV)

What does Romans 5:6 mean?

Romans 5:6 says that Christ died for people who were powerless and ungodly, at just the right time. The verse highlights that Jesus’ sacrifice was made when humanity could not help itself, showing the depth of his care for those who did not deserve it.

Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, explaining how God’s love is shown through Jesus’ death. The verse sets up a contrast between human weakness and Christ’s willingness to act on behalf of the undeserving. This statement prepares the reader for Paul’s larger point about grace and the nature of salvation.

The Greek behind Romans 5:6

  • ἀσθενῶν (asthenōn, "without strength"): This word is often used for physical weakness, but here it points to spiritual helplessness—people unable to save themselves.
  • ἀσεβῶν (asebōn, "ungodly"): This term means those who live without reverence for God, emphasizing that Christ’s death was not for the righteous, but for those far from God.
  • κατὰ καιρὸν (kata kairon, "in due time"): This phrase means "at the right or appointed moment," stressing that Christ’s death happened according to God’s timing, not by chance.

Why Romans 5:6 matters

  • Romans 5:6 corrects the idea that people must become good or strong before God will help them; it stresses that Christ acted when people were at their weakest.
  • The verse highlights the initiative of God’s love, showing that salvation is not earned but given to those who cannot earn it.
  • This statement is a key part of Paul’s argument about grace, setting the stage for understanding the depth of God’s mercy in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“ungodly” Greek G765 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
  • 1 Peter 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
  • 2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

“strength” Greek G772 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

“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.

“yet” Greek G2089 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
  • Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;