For this reasonThis phrase introduces the purpose or rationale behind the actions of Christ. It connects to the preceding verses, which discuss the acceptance of differing convictions among believers. The context emphasizes unity and the understanding that Christ's actions have a profound purpose for all believers.
Christ died
The death of Christ is central to Christian theology, signifying the atonement for sin. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies such asIsaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant. Christ's death is the ultimate sacrifice, replacing the need for continual animal sacrifices as outlined in the Mosaic Law.
and returned to life
The resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming Christ's victory over death and sin. It fulfills prophecies likePsalm 16:10 and is a testament to His divine nature. The resurrection is also a promise of eternal life for believers, as seen in1 Corinthians 15:20-22.
that He might be the Lord
This phrase emphasizes Christ's authority and sovereignty. InPhilippians 2:9-11, it is stated that every knee will bow to Jesus, acknowledging His lordship. His role as Lord is not limited to a specific group but extends universally.
of both the dead and the living
Christ's lordship transcends life and death, indicating His eternal reign. This concept is echoed inRevelation 1:18, where Christ declares He holds the keys of death and Hades. It assures believers of His control over all realms and offers hope of resurrection and eternal life.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ChristCentral figure in Christianity, whose death and resurrection are pivotal for salvation and lordship over all.
2.
The DeadRefers to those who have passed away, highlighting Christ's authority over them.
3.
The LivingRefers to those who are currently alive, emphasizing Christ's lordship in the present life.
4.
PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to the Romans, addressing the church in Rome.
5.
RomeThe city where the recipients of the letter resided, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers.
Teaching Points
Christ's Universal LordshipChrist's death and resurrection affirm His authority over all realms of existence, both temporal and eternal.
The Hope of ResurrectionBelievers can find hope in Christ's resurrection, knowing that He is Lord over death and promises eternal life.
Living Under Christ's AuthorityAs Christ is Lord of both the dead and the living, believers are called to live in submission to His authority in every aspect of life.
Unity in Christ's LordshipUnderstanding Christ's lordship should unite believers, transcending differences and disputes, as all are under His rule.
Eternal PerspectiveRecognizing Christ's authority over life and death encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual growth and obedience.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 14:9?
2.How does Romans 14:9 emphasize Christ's authority over both the living and dead?
3.What practical steps can we take to honor Christ's lordship in our lives?
4.How does Romans 14:9 connect with Philippians 2:10-11 about Christ's sovereignty?
5.In what ways can acknowledging Christ's lordship influence our daily decisions?
6.How does Romans 14:9 encourage unity among believers with differing convictions?
7.What does Romans 14:9 reveal about Jesus' authority over both the living and the dead?
8.How does Romans 14:9 challenge our understanding of life after death?
9.Why is Jesus' resurrection central to the message of Romans 14:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 14?
11.Can you find the Lord before it's too late?
12.What are the signs of saving faith?
13.How can an omnipotent deity require continuous praise, as commanded in Psalm 150:4–6, without seeming dependent on human worship?
14.Romans 14 (entire chapter) – Does this chapter’s emphasis on personal conviction over collective rules lead to moral relativism within the church?What Does Romans 14:9 Mean
For this reason• The phrase points back toRomans 14:7-8, where Paul says, “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.”
• The motivation behind every believer’s life or death is Christ’s ownership.
•2 Corinthians 5:15 echoes this: “And He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”
• Because of Christ’s finished work, the believer’s purpose, decisions, and conscience issues (the chapter’s theme) are anchored in His lordship.
Christ died• His death was substitutionary and sacrificial—“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3).
• Death dealt with sin’s penalty (Romans 6:23) and broke sin’s dominion (Hebrews 2:14-15).
•Isaiah 53:5 shows He was “pierced for our transgressions,” tying Old Testament prophecy to the cross.
• Because He literally died, our lives and deaths are now His (1 Thessalonians 5:10).
and returned to life• Resurrection validated the sufficiency of the cross and proved His victory (Romans 4:25;Acts 2:24).
• It introduced the “firstfruits” pattern for our own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
• His living presence guarantees ongoing intercession (Hebrews 7:25) and power for daily obedience (Ephesians 1:19-20).
•Revelation 1:18: “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever!”
that He might be the Lord• The goal of death-and-resurrection is authority: “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).
•Philippians 2:9-11 shows every knee bowing to Him—a present spiritual reality and a future universal acknowledgement.
•Colossians 1:18 ties lordship to preeminence “in everything.”
• Practical implication: individual freedoms (diet, days, etc.) yield to His rule (Romans 14:10-12).
of both the dead• Jesus rules those who have already died in faith; they are not lost or in limbo.
•John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.”
•1 Thessalonians 4:14 links His resurrection to the certain resurrection of departed saints.
•Mark 12:27 reminds us, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living,” underscoring continuing relationship.
and the living• His present lordship shapes every choice, conviction, and act of worship we make today.
•Galatians 2:20: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
•2 Corinthians 5:15 calls us to active service, not passive existence.
•John 10:27-28 assures ongoing life and security under the Shepherd’s care.
summaryRomans 14:9 declares that Jesus’ death and resurrection were aimed at one grand outcome: His undeniable, comprehensive lordship over everyone who has ever lived or died. Because He literally died for sin and literally rose in victory, He rightly claims every believer’s allegiance in life’s choices and in death’s certainty. Our freedoms, consciences, and futures all rest under the gracious, sovereign rule of the risen Lord.
(9)
And rose, and revived.--For these words the best MSS. substitute simply "and lived." The Received text is a gloss upon this. It was through the resurrection that Christ was finally enthroned at His Father's right hand, and that universal dominion was given to Him.
Verse 9. -
For to this end Christ both died and lived (so certainly, rather than, as in the Textus Receptus,
died, and rose, and revived. His
living means here his entering on the heavenly life after the human death),
that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. "Nam mortem pro salute nostra obeundo dominium sibi acquisivit quod nec morte solveretur; resurgendo autem totam vitam nostram in peculium accepit; morte igitur et resurrectione sua promeritus est ut tam in morte quam in vita gloriae nominis ejus serviamus" (Calvin). For the idea of this whole passage (vers. 7-9), cf.
1 Corinthians 6:20;
1 Corinthians 7:23;
2 Corinthians 5:15. The apostle now returns to his immediate subject, warning (as in ver. 3) the one party against
judging and the other against
despising, on the ground of all alike having to abide hereafter the Divine judgment (cf.
Matthew 7:1,
seq.;
1 Corinthians 4:3, 5). The distinction in ver. 10 between the two parties, marked in the original by the initial
Σὺ δὲ and the following
η} καὶ σὺ, is somewhat lost in our Authorized Version.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.this reasonτοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.ChristΧριστὸς(Christos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.diedἀπέθανεν(apethanen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 599:To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.returned to life,ἔζησεν(ezēsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2198:To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.He might be the Lord ofκυριεύσῃ(kyrieusē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2961:To have authority, rule over. From kurios; to rule.bothκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[the] deadνεκρῶν(nekrōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3498:(a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[the] living.ζώντων(zōntōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2198:To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.
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NT Letters: Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ died rose (Rom. Ro) 
