Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

ROMANS 8:39KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 8:39 (KJV)

What does Romans 8:39 mean?

Romans 8:39 says that nothing in all creation—no matter how high or low, or any other being—can separate believers from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus. The verse emphasizes that God's love, as shown through Jesus, is unbreakable and cannot be taken away by any force or circumstance.

Paul, the writer, is speaking to followers of Jesus in Rome, assuring them of the absolute security of God's love. This verse comes at the end of a section where Paul lists all sorts of things that might seem powerful enough to break the bond between God and believers, but he insists that none of them can succeed. The focus is on the certainty and strength of God's love, not on the believer's own ability to hold on.

The Greek behind Romans 8:39

  • The word for "separate" is χωρίζω (chōrizō), which means to divide or put a gap between. Paul uses it to stress that nothing can create distance between believers and God's love.
  • The term for "love" is ἀγάπη (agapē), which refers to a self-giving, steadfast love. This highlights that the love being described is not just a feeling, but a committed, enduring care.
  • The phrase "in Christ Jesus" uses ἐν (en) with Χριστός Ἰησοῦς (Christos Iēsous), showing that this love is experienced specifically through the relationship with Jesus, not as a general or abstract love.

Why Romans 8:39 matters

  • Romans 8:39 clears up the fear that outside forces or personal failures could cut someone off from God's love, making it clear that God's commitment is stronger than any challenge.
  • The verse emphasizes that God's love is not just an idea but is made real and accessible through Jesus, tying the promise directly to the person and work of Christ.
  • Romans 8:39 concludes a powerful section in Romans 8 that reassures believers of their security in God's care, bringing comfort and confidence in the face of hardship or doubt.

Where else these words appear

“height” Greek G5313 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

“depth” Greek G899 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
  • Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

“separate” Greek G5563 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
  • 1 Corinthians 7:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

“creature” Greek G2937 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
  • Romans 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
  • Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;