经文研读
Romans 8:1 — No Condemnation in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:1 affirms that those united to Christ Jesus stand free from any adverse verdict.
经文
- 1.如 今 ， 那 些 在 基 督 耶 穌 裡 的 就 不 定 罪 了 。There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.
这段经文的意思
The verse opens with οὐδέν, a single compound Greek negative meaning 'not even one' / 'nothing at all', followed by the noun κατάκριμα, 'an adverse sentence' or 'the verdict of condemnation'. The combination yields an absolute statement: there exists no condemnation. The article and prepositional phrase τοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ ('to those in Christ Jesus') defines the sphere in which this verdict of 'no condemnation' applies.
The particle ἄρα ('therefore') and the temporal adverb νῦν ('now') tie the statement tightly to what precedes in Romans 7 and anchor it in the present moment. This is not a future hope but a declared current reality for those united to Christ. The placement of 'Christ Jesus' last gives it emphasis — the sphere of security is defined by the person of Christ.
Because κατάκριμα denotes a judicial sentence rather than a process, the verse addresses the believer's standing, not their inner struggle. The following verses (8:2-4), provided as context, explain the basis: the Spirit's law of life frees from sin's law, and God condemned sin in the flesh through the Son.
背景
Within Romans 8, verse 1 stands as the chapter's thesis. Verses 2-4 immediately ground it: the Spirit's law of life in Christ frees from sin and death, and God condemned sin in the flesh by sending his Son, so that the law's requirement is fulfilled in those who walk by the Spirit. The remaining verses unfold the Spirit-led life, suffering, and ultimate victory that flow from this verdict.
The phrase 'in Christ Jesus' is a compact expression of union with the risen Lord. It is the same sphere named in other New Testament passages for receiving new creation, redemption, and justification. The verse thus functions as a declaration of status grounded in that union.
原文关键词
- G2631 κατάκριμα ('verdict of condemnation') is a judicial noun. It denotes the sentence itself rather than the process of judging, which is why the verse speaks of status, not inner struggle.
- G3762 Οὐδέν is a single compound negative ('not even one, nothing at all'). Combined with κατάκριμα it forms an absolute 'no condemnation' — there is no adverse sentence at all.
- G0686 ἄρα ('therefore') signals that the no-condemnation verdict rests on what precedes — the believer's union with Christ established in the prior argument.
相关经文
- John 3:18 John 3:18 pairs with Romans 8:1 by linking 'believing on him' with 'not being judged', confirming that the verdict of no condemnation is grounded in trust in the Son.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 2 Corinthians 5:17 adds that being 'in Christ' constitutes new creation; the old has passed away. Romans 8:1's verdict flows from this identity change.
- Romans 8:34 Romans 8:34 forms a literary inclusio with verse 1: the question 'who is he that condemneth?' is answered by Christ who died, was raised, intercedes — the same Christ in whom there is no condemnation.
常见问题
Is Romans 8:1's statement absolute?
Yes — the verse's grammar combines οὐδέν ('not even one') with κατάκριμα ('adverse sentence') to declare that no condemnation at all exists for those in Christ Jesus.
What is the basis for 'no condemnation'?
Verses 2-4 supply the basis: the Spirit's law of life in Christ frees from the law of sin and death, and God condemned sin in the flesh through his Son, fulfilling the law's requirement in believers.
What does 'in Christ Jesus' mean here?
It denotes union with the risen Lord — the sphere in which the verdict applies. This is the same sphere named in passages on new creation, redemption, and justification, and it defines who shares in the no-condemnation declaration.