Romans 3 20

Romans 3:20 kjv

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:20 nkjv

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:20 niv

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

Romans 3:20 esv

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:20 nlt

For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

Romans 3 verses

Romans 3 20 Meaning

Romans 3:20 profoundly declares that no one can be declared righteous before God through their adherence to the Law. Instead, the Law serves a different, crucial purpose: it provides the precise and undeniable knowledge of sin. This verse acts as a linchpin, completing Paul's argument about humanity's universal sinfulness and establishing the absolute necessity for an alternative path to righteousness, which he will immediately unveil as God's righteousness by faith in Christ.

Romans 3 20 Context

Romans 3:20 concludes the first major section of Paul's letter to the Romans (chapters 1:18–3:20), where he meticulously demonstrates the universal sinfulness of all humanity – both Gentiles and Jews. Prior to this verse, Paul condemned the immorality of the Gentile world (Rom 1:18-32) and then turned to indict the Jews, proving that possession of the Law, circumcision, or divine revelation does not exempt them from God's wrath, for they too fall short of its demands (Rom 2:1-3:8). He concludes his argument by quoting Old Testament passages to prove that "none is righteous, no, not one" (Rom 3:10-18), summarizing that "all the world may be held accountable to God" (Rom 3:19). Romans 3:20, therefore, summarizes this profound indictment by explicitly stating the Law's incapacity to justify, preparing the ground for the groundbreaking revelation of God's alternative solution: justification by faith in Christ, unveiled immediately in the following verses (Rom 3:21ff). The historical context highlights that some Jews believed their obedience to the Law, or simply being recipients of it, automatically conferred righteousness before God, a belief Paul directly refutes.

Romans 3 20 Word analysis

• For: (Greek: γάρ, gar) This is a logical connector, indicating that the statement following it provides the reason or explanation for the preceding declaration that the entire world is accountable to God (Rom 3:19).
• by works of the law: (Greek: ἐξ ἔργων νόμου, ex ergon nomou)
  • works: (ἔργων, ergōn) Actions or deeds. It refers to human efforts to fulfill the Law's commands.
  • of the law: (νόμου, nomou) Refers primarily to the Mosaic Law given by God to Israel, but also carries the broader sense of any divine or even inherent moral code. The crucial point is that performing actions prescribed by this standard cannot lead to justification. This phrase stands in direct contrast to "the righteousness of God apart from the law" in Rom 3:21. It counters any form of legalism or self-righteousness.
• no human being: (Greek: πᾶσα σάρξ, pasa sarx) Literally "all flesh," but used idiomatically here to mean "no human being" or "everyone." It emphasizes the absolute universality of this truth—not a single person, regardless of their background or effort, can be justified by this means. It reinforces the radical inclusion of all humanity in a state of unrighteousness before God.
• will be justified: (Greek: δικαιωθήσεται, dikaiōthēsetai) This is a future passive indicative form of δικαιόω (dikaioō), meaning "to be declared righteous" or "to be acquitted." It's a legal term referring to a divine verdict. It signifies being counted as righteous, not becoming inherently sinless in one's being. The passive voice implies that justification is something received from God, not achieved by human effort.
• in His sight: (Greek: ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ, enōpion autou) Literally "before Him," meaning before God. This highlights the ultimate divine judgment. Human standards or self-assessments are irrelevant; only God's perfect judgment matters.
• for through the law: (Greek: διὰ γὰρ νόμου, dia gar nomou) This phrase explains why the Law cannot justify. The preposition "through" (διὰ) denotes means or agency. The Law functions as a means to a different end.
• comes knowledge of sin: (Greek: ἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας, epignōsis hamartias)
  • knowledge: (ἐπίγνωσις, epignōsis) This word denotes a deeper, fuller, or precise knowledge, not just a superficial acquaintance. It's a true understanding or recognition.
  • of sin: (ἁμαρτίας, hamartias) Refers to missing the mark, moral failing, transgression against God's holy standard.This phrase clarifies the true, primary function of the Law. It acts as a mirror, showing humanity their actual state of defilement and their specific transgressions against God's holy character. It does not provide the means to overcome that sin, only to recognize its pervasive nature and specific manifestations. It identifies the problem, it does not provide the solution.

Romans 3 20 Bonus section

The "knowledge of sin" the Law provides is not merely intellectual awareness but an experiential conviction, leading to the recognition of one's deep-seated spiritual brokenness and utter inability to meet God's demands. This pedagogical function of the Law humbles humanity and points them away from themselves and towards the only sufficient deliverer. It demonstrates that humanity is indeed "under sin" (Rom 3:9) and stands condemned before God, thereby highlighting the indispensable need for God's divine provision of righteousness.

Romans 3 20 Commentary

Romans 3:20 is a pivotal verse in Paul's theological framework, serving as the dramatic climax of his exposition on humanity's pervasive sinfulness. It emphatically dismantles any hope of salvation or right standing with God based on human performance, even performance of God's own perfect Law. The Law, in its divine purity and holiness, meticulously defines sin, revealing the vast chasm between God's standard and humanity's reality. It acts as an unerring diagnostic tool, illuminating the extent of spiritual sickness without providing a cure. Rather than leading to life, adherence to the Law, due to human inability to perfectly keep it, invariably leads to condemnation because "the law brings wrath" (Rom 4:15). Thus, the Law cornered humanity, exposing sin as "utterly sinful" (Rom 7:13) and paving the way for the profound declaration of justification by grace through faith. It closes the door on human achievement, making salvation an exclusive work of God.