Romans 3 28

Romans 3:28 kjv

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Romans 3:28 nkjv

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

Romans 3:28 niv

For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Romans 3:28 esv

For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Romans 3:28 nlt

So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

Romans 3 verses

Romans 3 28 Meaning

Romans 3:28 asserts that an individual is declared righteous and acquitted before God through faith alone, entirely apart from their performance of the works prescribed by the Mosaic Law. This declaration of righteousness is a divine verdict, based not on human effort or adherence to ceremonial or ethical requirements, but on trust in God's provision through Christ.

Romans 3 28 Context

Romans chapter 3 establishes the universal guilt of humanity—both Jews and Gentiles are under the dominion of sin (Rom 3:9-19). Paul emphasizes that no one can be justified by adherence to the Law because the Law's primary function is to reveal sin, not to provide righteousness (Rom 3:20). This sets the stage for God's provision of righteousness "apart from the law" (Rom 3:21), revealed through Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice. Verse 28 is Paul's concise summary of his argument, flowing from the preceding verses (Rom 3:21-26) which explain that God's righteousness is received by faith in Jesus, who died as a propitiation for sins. This profound theological statement was revolutionary in a world where righteousness was often linked to ethnic identity (for Jews) or moral striving/philosophy (for Greeks). It challenged the deeply ingrained Jewish belief that observing the Mosaic Law was the path to justification and God's favor.

Romans 3 28 Word analysis

• Therefore (οὖν, oun): Connects the conclusion of this verse to the preceding arguments, especially Rom 3:20-26, demonstrating it as a logical outcome of God's character and plan revealed through Christ. It's a summing up.
• we conclude (λογιζόμεθα, logizometha): Paul's declarative judgment or inference based on the preceding evidence. It implies a reasoned conviction or a strong deduction derived from divine revelation.
• that a man (ἄνθρωπον, anthrōpon): Refers to any human being, generic for humanity, encompassing both Jew and Gentile. It underscores the universal applicability of this principle.
• is justified (δικαιοῦσθαι, dikaiousthai): From the verb dikaioō. This is a forensic or legal term meaning to be declared righteous, to be acquitted, or to be regarded as righteous in the sight of God. It does not mean to be made righteous internally (sanctification), but rather to be legally pronounced just. This divine declaration changes one's standing before God.
• by faith (πίστεως, pisteōs): Literally "out of faith" (ek pisteōs). This signifies that faith is the means or instrumental cause through which justification is received. It denotes a firm trust, reliance, and personal commitment to God's work in Christ, not merely intellectual assent. It points to Christ as the object of this faith.
• apart from (χωρὶς, chōris): Means "separate from," "independent of," or "without." It indicates a complete exclusion of "works of the law" as a contributing factor to justification. It stresses the singular nature of faith as the sole means.
• the deeds of the law (ἔργων νόμου, ergōn nomou): Refers to actions or rituals commanded by the Mosaic Law. In context, this would include not just moral commands, but particularly the ceremonial laws (circumcision, dietary laws, Sabbath keeping, etc.) which often served as identity markers for Judaism. Paul uses "works of the law" polemically against those who believed adherence to the Mosaic code was necessary for, or contributed to, righteousness before God.

Romans 3 28 Bonus section

The phrase "works of the law" has been a subject of extensive scholarly discussion, particularly in what is known as the "New Perspective on Paul." While traditionally understood as human efforts to earn salvation, the New Perspective sometimes interprets "works of the law" more specifically as boundary markers identifying ethnic Israel (circumcision, food laws, Sabbath), rather than meritorious human effort. However, even within this perspective, Romans 3:28 still powerfully declares that justification does not come through these distinguishing observances or any human merit, but by faith. This verse was also a rallying cry for the Protestant Reformation, with figures like Martin Luther passionately upholding it against the Catholic Church's emphasis on works and sacraments for salvation. Its emphasis on grace alone is crucial for understanding the Gospel message.

Romans 3 28 Commentary

Romans 3:28 is a foundational statement of the doctrine of sola fide, justification by faith alone. It concisely encapsulates Paul's argument that human efforts, specifically adherence to the Mosaic Law, are entirely insufficient to earn or contribute to a person's righteous standing before God. Justification is not a reward for moral or ceremonial perfection but a gracious verdict from God, received solely through a trusting faith in Christ's finished work. This truth removes any human boasting and highlights God's sovereign grace, uniting all believers—Jew and Gentile—under the same means of salvation. It challenges reliance on human achievement, legalism, and ethnic privilege, directing all glory to God alone. Practically, this means believers can live in peace with God, free from the burden of earning His favor through their works, but rather responding in joyful obedience born out of gratitude and love.