"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
— Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Romans 8:28 is the "all things work together for good" verse. This page gives the verse, where it sits in Romans 8, and a plain reading. For more verses on the theme, see Bible verses about purpose, Bible verses about trust, and Bible verses about hope.
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The verse
The King James says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
"Know" is oida (G1492), to know for certain. "Work together" is synergeo (G4903), to work with or cooperate. "Good" is agathos (G18), what is truly good. "Love" is agapao (G25). "Called" is kletos (G2822), invited or called. "Purpose" is prothesis (G4286), a plan set out ahead of time.
Where it sits in Romans 8
Romans 8 is honest about pain. Paul writes, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). Just before verse 28 he says, "the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us" (Romans 8:26).
Right after it, Paul explains the purpose: those God foreknew he "predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:29). Then he asks, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31), and ends the chapter with nothing able to separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).
What the verse is saying
Romans 8:28 does not say every thing that happens is good. It says God works in all things for the good of those who love him. Suffering is still real in this chapter; the promise is that it is not wasted.
The "good" is defined by the next verse: being made more like Jesus. That is why the promise is tied to people who love God and are called according to his purpose. For more, see Bible verses about suffering, Bible verses about encouragement, and Jeremiah 29:11.
Questions people ask
What does Romans 8:28 say?
In the NIV it says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The KJV says, "all things work together for good to them that love God."
Does Romans 8:28 mean everything that happens is good?
No. The verse says God works in all things for good, not that all things are good. Romans 8 openly talks about present sufferings (Romans 8:18) and groaning (Romans 8:26).
What is the "good" in Romans 8:28?
The next verse explains it: God's people are to be "conformed to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:29). The good is becoming like Jesus and sharing in the glory to come.
Who is Romans 8:28 for?
The verse names "those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It is a promise to believers, given in the middle of a chapter about life in the Spirit.
What verse goes well with Romans 8:28?
Romans 8:38-39 says nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Proverbs 3:5-6 speaks of trusting the LORD instead of your own understanding.
