Romans 5:8

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 5:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But God commendeth his love towards us, etc..] That is, he hath manifested it, which was before hid in his heart; he has given clear evidence of it, a full proof and demonstration of it; he has so confirmed it by this instance, that there is no room nor reason to doubt of it; he has illustrated and set it off with the greater lustre by this circumstance of it, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. God's elect were sinners in Adam, in whom they were naturally and federally, as all mankind were; hence polluted and guilty; and so they are in their own persons whilst unregenerate: they are dead in sin, and live in it, commit it, are slaves unto it, and are under the power and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But God commendeth--"setteth off," "displayeth"--in glorious contrast with all that men will do for each other. his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners--that is, in a state not of positive "goodness," nor even of negative "righteousness," but on the contrary, "sinners," a state which His soul hateth. Christ died for us--Now comes the overpowering inference, emphatically redoubled.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But God commendeth ... - God has exhibited or showed his love in this unusual and remarkable manner. His love - His kind feeling; his beneficence; his willingness to submit to sacrifice to do good to others. While we were yet sinners - And of course his enemies. In this, his love surpasses all that has ever been manifested among people. Christ died for us - In our stead; to save us from death. He took our place; and by dying himself on the cross, saved us from dying eternally in hell. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But God recommendeth - A most elegant expression. Those are wont to be recommended to us, who were before either unknown to, or alienated from, us. While we were sinners - So far from being good, that we were not even just. Romans 5:9”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“commendeth: Rom 5:20, Rom 3:5; Joh 15:13; Eph 1:6-8, Eph 2:7; Ti1 1:16 in that: Isa 53:6; Pe1 3:18; Jo1 3:16, Jo1 4:9, Jo1 4:10 Romans 5:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification