Romans 14:9
New International Version
For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

New Living Translation
Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

English Standard Version
For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Berean Standard Bible
For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

Berean Literal Bible
For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

King James Bible
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

New King James Version
For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

New American Standard Bible
For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

NASB 1995
For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

NASB 1977
For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Legacy Standard Bible
For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Amplified Bible
For Christ died and lived again for this reason, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Berean Annotated Bible
For this reason Christ (the Anointed One) died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

Christian Standard Bible
Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Christ died and came to life for this: that He might rule over both the dead and the living.

American Standard Version
For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Contemporary English Version
This is because Christ died and rose to life, so that he would be the Lord of the dead and of the living.

English Revised Version
For to this end Christ died, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
For this reason Christ died and came back to life so that he would be the Lord of both the living and the dead.

Good News Translation
For Christ died and rose to life in order to be the Lord of the living and of the dead.

International Standard Version
For this reason the Messiah died and returned to life, so that he might become the Lord of both the dead and the living.

NET Bible
For this reason Christ died and returned to life, so that he may be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

New Heart English Bible
For to this end Christ died, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Webster's Bible Translation
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living.

Weymouth New Testament
For this was the purpose of Christ's dying and coming to life--namely that He might be Lord both of the dead and the living.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
For this reason Christ died and rose and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

World English Bible
For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for because of this Christ both died and rose again, and lived again, that He may be Lord both of dead and of living.

Berean Literal Bible
For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

Young's Literal Translation
for because of this Christ both died and rose again, and lived again, that both of dead and of living he may be Lord.

Smith's Literal Translation
For, for this Christ also died, and also arose, and returned again to life, that he might also reign over the dead and the living.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For to this end Christ died and rose again; that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For Christ died and rose again for this purpose: that he might be the ruler of both the dead and the living.

New American Bible
For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

New Revised Standard Version
For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For to this end even Christ both died and came back to life, and rose to be LORD both of the dead and living.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For this purpose also The Messiah died and lived and arose, that he would be THE LORD JEHOVAH to the dead and to the living.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For this very purpose, Christ both died and rose, and lived again, that he might have dominion over the dead and the living.

Godbey New Testament
For unto this Christ died, and lives, in order that He may be Lord of the dead and of the living.

Haweis New Testament
For to this end Christ both died, and rose again, and revived, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Mace New Testament
for to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

Weymouth New Testament
For this was the purpose of Christ's dying and coming to life--namely that He might be Lord both of the dead and the living.

Worrell New Testament
For to this end Christ died, and lived, that He might be Lord of both dead and living.

Worsley New Testament
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and lives again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Law of Liberty
8If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.…

Cross References
For this reason

John 10:17-18
The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again. / No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”

Hebrews 2:9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Christ died

1 Corinthians 15:3
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

1 Thessalonians 5:10
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

Galatians 1:4
who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
and returned to life,

Acts 2:24
But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep Him in its grip.

1 Corinthians 15:4
that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Romans 6:9
For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.
that He might be the Lord

Acts 2:36
Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”

Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Ephesians 1:20-22
which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, / far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. / And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church,
of both the dead and the living.

Acts 10:42
And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.

2 Timothy 4:1
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom:

1 Peter 4:5
But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. / For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. / For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.


Treasury of Scripture

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

Christ.

Isaiah 53:10-12
Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand…

Luke 24:26
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

Lord.

Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

John 5:22,23,27-29
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: …

Acts 10:36,42
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) …

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Romans 14
1. Men may not condemn one another for disputable matters;
13. but must take heed that they give no offense in them;
15. which the apostle proves unlawful by many reasons.












For this reason
This 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 as Isaiah 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 like Psalm 16:10 and is a testament to His divine nature. The resurrection is also a promise of eternal life for believers, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22.

that He might be the Lord
This phrase emphasizes Christ's authority and sovereignty. In Philippians 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 in Revelation 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. Christ
Central figure in Christianity, whose death and resurrection are pivotal for salvation and lordship over all.

2. The Dead
Refers to those who have passed away, highlighting Christ's authority over them.

3. The Living
Refers to those who are currently alive, emphasizing Christ's lordship in the present life.

4. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to the Romans, addressing the church in Rome.

5. Rome
The city where the recipients of the letter resided, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers.
Teaching Points
Christ's Universal Lordship
Christ's death and resurrection affirm His authority over all realms of existence, both temporal and eternal.

The Hope of Resurrection
Believers can find hope in Christ's resurrection, knowing that He is Lord over death and promises eternal life.

Living Under Christ's Authority
As 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 Lordship
Understanding Christ's lordship should unite believers, transcending differences and disputes, as all are under His rule.

Eternal Perspective
Recognizing 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 to Romans 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.


summary

Romans 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
For
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

this reason
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

Christ
Χριστὸς (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.

died
ἀπέθανεν (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.

and
καὶ (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 that
ἵνα (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 of
κυριεύσῃ (kyrieusē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2961: To have authority, rule over. From kurios; to rule.

both
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the] dead
νεκρῶν (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.

and
καὶ (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)
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