Romans 10 4

Romans 10:4 kjv

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Romans 10:4 nkjv

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 10:4 niv

Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Romans 10:4 esv

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 10:4 nlt

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

Romans 10 verses

Romans 10 4 Meaning

The ultimate aim of the Mosaic Law, from its inception and purpose, is Christ Himself. Christ is the fulfillment of the Law. Consequently, salvation through faith in Christ is available to everyone who believes. The Law itself points to Christ as the fulfillment and destination of its aims.

Romans 10 4 Context

In Romans chapter 10, Paul is addressing the unbelieving Jews. He contrasts their pursuit of righteousness through the Law with the righteousness available through faith in Jesus Christ. He has established in earlier chapters that all people, both Jews and Gentiles, have sinned and are in need of salvation, which cannot be earned by obeying the Law. This verse serves as a pivotal statement clarifying the relationship between the Law and salvation. Paul’s argument moves from a declaration of universal sin (Rom 1-3) to justification by faith (Rom 3-5), the Christian life (Rom 6-8), and now, specifically addressing Israel’s rejection of God’s righteousness provided in Christ.

Romans 10 4 Word Analysis

• "Christ" (Χριστὸς - Christos): Anointed one; the Messiah. This term emphasizes Jesus' divine appointment and His role as the promised deliverer.
• "is" (ἐστιν - estin): Present tense verb, "he is". It asserts a present reality.
• "the end" (τέλος - telos): This Greek word can mean "end," "goal," "purpose," or "completion." In this context, it signifies Christ as the culmination or fulfillment of the Law’s purpose. It’s not that the Law ceases to exist, but its ultimate aim is realized in Christ.
• "of the law" (νόμου - nomou): Genitive case, referring to the Mosaic Law.
• "for" (εἰς - eis): Can mean "for," "unto," or "in." Here, it indicates the purpose or goal for which the Law exists.
• "righteousness" (δικαιοσύνην - dikaiosynēn): Justification, the state of being declared righteous before God.
• "to" (εἰς - eis): "To" or "for."
• "everyone" (πᾶντα - panta): All, every single one.
• "who" (τὸν - ton): Relative pronoun, referring to "everyone."
• "believes" (πιστεύοντα - pisteuonta): Present participle, actively believing. This emphasizes a continuous act of trust and faith.

Words-group Analysis

• "Christ is the end of the law": This phrase highlights that Christ fulfills the Law's entire purpose and objective. The Law, in its sacrificial system, ceremonial laws, and ethical commands, ultimately pointed forward to Christ. He is the culmination and ultimate realization of all that the Law was designed to achieve, particularly in its revelation of God’s righteousness and the need for reconciliation. It means the Law's authoritative demands are met by Christ for believers, and its purpose has been consummated in Him.
• "for righteousness to everyone who believes": This clause explains how Christ is the end of the Law – by providing righteousness. This righteousness is not achieved by human effort through keeping the Law, but is granted by God based on faith in Christ. It is an imputed righteousness. The "everyone who believes" underscores the universal offer of salvation through faith, breaking down ethnic barriers.

Romans 10 4 Bonus Section

The concept of the Law's "end" (telos) is significant. It implies continuity and fulfillment rather than abolition. Christ perfectly embodied and completed the Law's trajectory, establishing a new covenant that fulfills the promises and objectives foreshadowed by the Old Covenant. This righteousness through faith is the fulfillment of the Law’s intent to demonstrate God's holiness and provide a path for sinful humanity to be reconciled with Him. It shifts the emphasis from external observance to an internal transformation through faith in Christ, who perfectly satisfied God’s righteousness. The Law remains a testimony to God’s character and a guide, but its function as the means of earning salvation is superseded by Christ’s work.

Romans 10 4 Commentary

This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the New Testament emphasis on salvation by faith. Paul asserts that Christ is the consummation of the Law’s purpose, especially its function in revealing righteousness. The Law, while holy and good, could not provide the perfect righteousness required by God because of humanity's inability to keep it perfectly. Christ, through His sinless life, perfect obedience, and atoning sacrifice, fulfilled all the demands of the Law. Consequently, the Law now leads believers to Christ, its ultimate goal, for their justification. Righteousness, therefore, is received not by adherence to the Law's commands but by believing in Christ. This grace is available to all, regardless of their background, provided they embrace faith in Him.