Romans 3 17

Romans 3:17 kjv

And the way of peace have they not known:

Romans 3:17 nkjv

And the way of peace they have not known."

Romans 3:17 niv

and the way of peace they do not know."

Romans 3:17 esv

and the way of peace they have not known."

Romans 3:17 nlt

They don't know where to find peace."

Romans 3 verses

Romans 3 17 Meaning

Romans 3:17 declares that fallen humanity, apart from divine intervention, is fundamentally incapable of recognizing, experiencing, or following the path that leads to true peace, well-being, and reconciliation. This "peace" refers not merely to an absence of conflict but to the profound and holistic state of shalom – complete flourishing, wholeness, and right relationship with God, oneself, and others. Humanity's sinful nature blinds it to this genuine way of life and alienates it from its pursuit.

Romans 3 17 Context

Romans 3:17 is a crucial component of Paul's extended argument from Romans 1:18 through 3:20, which systematically proves the universal sinfulness of humanity, both Gentile and Jew. Specifically, verses 3:10-18 form a powerful "catena" or chain of Old Testament scriptures, meticulously selected by Paul to demonstrate beyond doubt that "all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin" (Rom 3:9). This collection of verses serves to silence any claim to human righteousness or ability to attain salvation apart from God.

Verse 17, drawing directly from Isaiah 59:8, underscores humanity's profound moral and spiritual alienation. It is presented as one of several devastating indictments—alongside declarations that "there is none righteous" (v.10), "their throat is an open grave" (v.13), and "the poison of asps is under their lips" (v.13)—all designed to portray humanity's condition before God. The historical context reflects a world largely without God's explicit revelation (for Gentiles) or one that has failed to live up to God's covenant demands (for Jews). This collective inability to find or know the way of peace directly leads to the "destruction and misery" mentioned in the preceding verse (Rom 3:16), reinforcing the dire human predicament that only God's justifying act can remedy.

Romans 3 17 Word analysis

• καὶ (kai): "and" or "also". This is a simple conjunction that links this particular indictment to the preceding list of human failings. It functions to further elaborate on the consequences and manifestations of universal sin, seamlessly adding another point of condemnation.
• τὴν (tēn): Definite article, "the". It particularizes the "way" as the specific path or course of life being discussed.
• ὁδὸν (hodon): "way," "road," "path," "journey," "course of life." In biblical contexts, hodos often signifies not merely a physical path but a moral conduct, a manner of living, or a course of action. Here, it speaks of a spiritual and ethical orientation that humanity fails to follow.
• εἰρήνης (eirēnēs): "peace." The genitive form "of peace" modifies "way." This term, rooted in the Hebrew concept of shalom, means far more than absence of hostility. It denotes holistic well-being, completeness, prosperity, health, security, and especially reconciliation and harmony with God, oneself, and others. It signifies a state of divine blessing and thriving.
• οὐκ (ouk): "not," "no." This is a strong, definitive negative particle, indicating an absolute lack or inability.
• ἔγνωσαν (egnōsan): "they knew," or "they have known." This is from the verb ginōskō, which implies an experiential knowledge, a deep, personal acquaintance, understanding, and recognition, rather than merely intellectual comprehension. Thus, "they have not known" means not only have they failed to intellectually grasp the concept of peace, but more profoundly, they have not lived it, experienced it, or genuinely pursued it. They are profoundly alienated from the true experience of peace.

Words-Group analysis:

• "τὴν ὁδὸν εἰρήνης" (the way of peace): This phrase describes the path that leads to true wholeness, blessedness, and spiritual flourishing as defined by God's character and righteous ways. It stands in stark contrast to the paths of "destruction and misery" (Rom 3:16) that fallen humanity instinctively walks. It speaks of a harmonious existence rooted in right relationship with the divine.
• "οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὴν ὁδὸν εἰρήνης" (they have not known the way of peace): This collective statement emphasizes humanity's profound and systemic failure. Due to sin, humans are not merely ignorant of the path to shalom; they are experientially incapable of finding, discerning, or walking in it. Their entire being is alienated from God's perfect design for peace, manifesting in moral blindness and ethical depravity that prevents genuine peace internally, socially, and ultimately, with God. It signifies humanity's spiritual lostness.

Romans 3 17 Bonus section

This verse is part of a larger chain of Old Testament citations (a "catena") used by Paul, a common rabbinic argumentative technique, to build an unassailable case for universal human depravity and sinfulness. The strategic placement of this particular verse, drawn from Isaiah 59:7-8, emphasizes that humanity's actions (e.g., feet swift to shed blood in Rom 3:15) directly result from an inherent spiritual blindness and an inability to understand or live according to God's peaceful and righteous ways. The verse thus contributes significantly to Paul's argument to "stop every mouth" (Rom 3:19), leaving all humanity, both Jew and Gentile, without excuse and utterly reliant on God's redemptive work for righteousness and peace.

Romans 3 17 Commentary

Romans 3:17 stands as a poignant summary of humanity's dire spiritual condition before Christ. Paul’s declaration that "the way of peace they have not known" reveals a foundational deficit in the human heart and mind. This is not simply about an absence of external conflict, but a profound lack of the deep, comprehensive peace (biblical shalom) that encompasses all aspects of well-being, wholeness, and harmonious relationship. Because humanity is steeped in sin, it lacks the spiritual discernment to even recognize, let alone pursue, a genuine path to reconciliation with God, self, or others.

This inability stems from the core corruption of sin, which alienates people from God, the true source of peace. Consequently, their efforts to achieve peace or establish righteousness on their own terms invariably lead to "destruction and misery" (Rom 3:16). The verse sets the stage for Paul's subsequent exposition of God's provision of peace through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that true peace is not an attainment by human effort, but a gift received through faith in God's grace (Rom 5:1). This underscores the absolute necessity of the Gospel for transforming human nature and restoring people to the true way of peace.