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Romans 14:9
ESV For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
NIV For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
NASB For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
CSB Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living.
NLT Christ died and rose again for this very purpose — to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.
KJV For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
NKJV For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

What does Romans 14:9 mean?

This verse concludes the thought begun in the previous two verses. Paul has written that as Christians, we do not live or die to ourselves. Instead, we live and die to the Lord. We are His both in this life and in the life to come. This supports Paul's instructions about those of "weak faith" versus those who have a stronger faith. Those "weak in faith" who feel conviction over unclear issues, such as eating meat, are not to judge those who disagree. Those who recognize that God has given all things for a good purpose (1 Timothy 4:4) should not look down on those with a more restricted conscience. Neither is master of the other: Christ is the Lord of all.

Now Paul uses poetic language to show this is why Christ died for our sins and was resurrected. In doing so, He became Lord of the living and those who have died and will exist forever. He has experienced both life and death and now holds ultimate authority over those who live and those who have died and entered eternity.

In light of that ultimate truth, Paul will ask again in the following verses why any of us would ever think it is our job to judge other Christians who belong to the Lord (Colossians 2:16–23).
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