Romans 3 23

Romans 3:23 kjv

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23 nkjv

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23 niv

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23 esv

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23 nlt

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

Romans 3 verses

Romans 3 23 Meaning

Romans 3:23 states that humanity, without exception, has actively committed sins and perpetually falls short of the perfect standard of God's radiant perfection and inherent excellence. This verse declares a universal spiritual truth: all individuals are morally deficient and incapable of reaching God's holy requirements on their own merit, thus demonstrating their pervasive need for divine intervention and grace.

Romans 3 23 Context

Romans 3:23 concludes Paul's extensive argument in Romans 1:18 through 3:20, which systematically establishes the universal guilt of all humanity before God. Paul begins by detailing the unrighteousness of Gentiles (Rom 1:18-32), demonstrating their culpability through suppressed truth and idolatry. He then turns to the Jews (Rom 2:1-3:8), exposing that possessing the Law does not exempt them from sin but rather condemns them further when they fail to live by it. This section methodically tears down any basis for human self-righteousness, whether by works, ethnicity, or religious knowledge. Verse 23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," serves as a definitive summary, drawing the unescapable conclusion that no human being, Jew or Gentile, measures up to God's standard. This grave pronouncement then immediately sets the stage for Paul to introduce God's righteous solution in verses 24-26, which is justification by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, thereby highlighting the necessity of divine intervention because of humanity's dire spiritual condition.

Romans 3 23 Word analysis

• for (γὰρ - gar): This conjunction indicates a logical consequence or a causal explanation. It signals that this verse serves as a conclusive reason for Paul's preceding argument, summarizing the state of humanity described in Romans 1-3. It underlines the inescapable reality Paul has been building towards.
• all (πάντες - pantes): Denotes absolute universality, leaving no room for exception or partiality. This includes every single person—Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, learned or unlearned. This universal declaration counters any human attempt to claim a moral or spiritual superiority or exemption from God's judgment. It reinforces the central message that sin is a pervasive human condition, not limited to certain groups or individuals.
• have sinned (ἥμαρτον - hēmarton): This is an aorist active indicative verb from hamartanō. The aorist tense denotes a definitive, past act, indicating that humanity has genuinely, individually, and collectively engaged in acts of sin. It means "to miss the mark," "to fall short of a goal," or "to fail." This isn't merely an imperfection; it signifies specific acts of transgression, an active turning away from God's standard. The widespread nature of this "missing the mark" establishes humanity's collective guilt.
• and (καὶ - kai): A simple conjunction connecting two aspects of humanity's fallen state: the historical act of sinning and the present, ongoing consequence of that sin. It links the active commission of sin with the continuous outcome.
• fall short (ὑστεροῦνται - hysteroūntai): A present passive indicative verb from hystereō, meaning "to be behind," "to come short of," "to lack," or "to fail to attain." The present tense signifies a continuous, ongoing condition or state. It's not just that humanity did sin in the past, but they are continually unable to measure up. This implies a perpetual deficit, a constant inability to meet God's standard, and a state of being destitute of His glory. It speaks to humanity's inherent spiritual inability due to sin.
• of the glory (δόξης - doxēs): This refers to God's intrinsic excellence, majesty, and radiant perfection. In biblical terms, "glory" (Hebrew: kavod, Greek: doxa) can refer to God's manifested presence (Ex 24:16, Num 14:21), His inherent attributes (beauty, splendor, power), or the standard of His perfection. Humans were created in God's image (Gen 1:26-27) to reflect His glory and likeness. Falling short of this "glory" signifies:
  • Failing to reflect God's moral perfection: Humanity is marred by sin and fails to exhibit the holy, righteous, and loving character of God.
  • Loss of the perfect divine fellowship: Sin breaks the unhindered relationship with God, separating humanity from His immediate presence (Isa 59:2).
  • Inability to live up to God's divine standard: Humanity cannot meet God's demands for perfect obedience and righteousness.
  • Missing humanity's true purpose/telos: Humans were created to embody God's image and bring Him glory; sin prevents them from fulfilling this fundamental design.
• of God (τοῦ Θεοῦ - tou Theou): Clarifies that the standard, the glory, belongs inherently to God. It's His perfect, unchangeable standard against which all humanity is measured and found wanting.

• "for all have sinned": This phrase acts as a universal verdict, stripping away any self-righteousness or privilege. It addresses both individual actions of sin and humanity's collective fallen state, originating from Adam's transgression (Rom 5:12). This statement establishes humanity's pervasive culpability before a holy God.
• "and fall short of the glory of God": This second part illuminates the profound consequence of sin: an ongoing deficiency and failure to meet the divine standard. It signifies humanity's spiritual destitution, lacking the divine nature, righteous character, and access to God's immediate presence they were designed for. It implies not just an act of falling but a state of having fallen from the high position and purpose intended for humanity by God.

Romans 3 23 Bonus section

The concept of "glory of God" (doxa Theou) also subtly hints at the restoration found in Christ. While humanity "falls short" of God's glory through sin, Christ is described as "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature" (Heb 1:3). Through redemption, believers are ultimately being "conformed to the image of his Son" (Rom 8:29) and "beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Cor 3:18). This demonstrates that God's ultimate plan is not only to save humanity from sin but to fully restore them to His glory through Christ, thereby reversing the fall's consequence. This transformation is only possible by God's initiative, not human merit, profoundly underlining the grace articulated in the verses following Romans 3:23.

Romans 3 23 Commentary

Romans 3:23 is a foundational declaration of human depravity and absolute need for divine grace. It asserts that every human being, without exception, has not only committed individual acts of sin ("have sinned") but is also in a continuous state of inadequacy before God's ultimate standard of perfection ("fall short of the glory of God"). The Greek verb "fall short" (ὑστεροῦνται) points to a persistent spiritual deficiency, an inability to attain God's character and presence through one's own efforts. This "glory of God" represents His flawless righteousness, His divine image humans were meant to reflect, and the perfect fellowship humanity was designed to enjoy with Him.

The verse is not just a theological statement; it's a stark reality check. It levels the playing field, dismantling all human claims to self-righteousness, whether based on religious lineage, moral conduct, or adherence to the Law. It exposes humanity's inherent incapacity to bridge the gap created by sin and attain salvation on its own terms. By universally condemning all, Paul sets the absolute necessity for the righteousness of God to be freely given through faith in Christ (Rom 3:24), emphasizing that salvation is purely a work of God's unmerited favor. Without acknowledging this universal sinfulness and shortfall, the radical nature of God's provision in Jesus Christ cannot be fully appreciated.

Examples for practical usage:

• It highlights that no one is "good enough" in themselves to earn God's favor.
• It explains why attempts at self-improvement or moral living, while perhaps socially beneficial, cannot reconcile a person with a holy God.
• It serves as a personal starting point for understanding one's need for a Savior, fostering humility and leading to reliance on God's grace.