New Testament

Romans 8:29

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 explains a profound truth about God's plan for believers.

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

For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

KJVKing James Version

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul explains a profound truth about God's plan for believers. He emphasizes that God had a purpose for those He knew in advance, which is to shape them to resemble Jesus Christ. This transformation is not just about moral improvement but about becoming like Christ in character and purpose. The term 'firstborn' signifies Jesus' unique position and authority, indicating that believers are part of a larger family of God. This verse reassures Christians that their journey of faith is intentional and guided by God's foreknowledge and love, affirming their identity as children of God who are being prepared for a future with Him.

How to apply Romans 8:29 to your life

Understanding that we are predestined to be like Christ can inspire us to pursue spiritual growth. We should actively seek to reflect Christ's character in our daily lives, embracing our identity as part of God's family and encouraging others in their faith journey.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 8:29 mean?

Romans 8:29 explains that God had a plan for believers even before they existed. He intended for them to become like Jesus Christ, which means growing in character and purpose to reflect His image.

What is the meaning of 'foreknew' in Romans 8:29?

In Romans 8:29, 'foreknew' refers to God's prior knowledge of those who would believe in Him. It indicates that God had a relationship with these individuals before they were born, shaping His plan for their lives.

What does 'predestined' mean in Romans 8:29?

'Predestined' in Romans 8:29 means that God determined in advance that believers would be transformed to resemble Jesus. This concept emphasizes God's intentional plan for their spiritual growth and identity.

What does 'firstborn' refer to in Romans 8:29?

The term 'firstborn' in Romans 8:29 signifies Jesus' unique position and authority as the Son of God. It indicates that He is the preeminent one among many believers who are also considered children of God.

The Book of Romans
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.

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