New Testament

Romans 8:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Paul emphasizes the relationship between believers and God.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him, so that we may also be glorified together.

KJVKing James Version

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul emphasizes the relationship between believers and God. If we are considered children of God, we also inherit His promises and blessings, just like an heir inherits from a parent. This inheritance is shared with Christ, meaning that believers are co-heirs with Him. However, this verse also highlights a crucial condition: to share in this glorious inheritance, we must be willing to endure suffering alongside Christ. This suffering is part of the Christian journey, and it prepares us for the glory that will be revealed in the future. The idea is that our present struggles are temporary, but they lead to a greater reward. Thus, our identity as children of God comes with both privilege and responsibility, reminding us that faith involves both joy and trials.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 8:17 to your life

As believers, we should embrace our identity as children of God and recognize the privileges that come with it. However, we must also be prepared to face challenges and suffering, knowing that these experiences can deepen our faith and lead to greater glory in the future.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 8:17 mean?

Romans 8:17 explains that if we are children of God, we are also heirs of His promises and blessings, sharing in this inheritance with Christ. However, it emphasizes that we must be willing to endure suffering alongside Him to receive the glory that comes with this inheritance.

What is the meaning of 'joint-heirs with Christ' in Romans 8:17?

The phrase 'joint-heirs with Christ' means that believers share in the same inheritance as Jesus, receiving the blessings and promises of God. This highlights the close relationship between Christ and believers, indicating that they will experience the same glory as Him.

How does Romans 8:17 relate to the Christian journey?

Romans 8:17 relates to the Christian journey by illustrating that while believers enjoy the privilege of being God's children and co-heirs with Christ, they also face trials and suffering. These experiences are part of their growth in faith and lead to greater glory in the future.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

Premium

Unlock the full Romans summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Romans — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Romans summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.

← Verse 16 Verse 18 →