Romans 3 3

Romans 3:3 kjv

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Romans 3:3 nkjv

For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?

Romans 3:3 niv

What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness?

Romans 3:3 esv

What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?

Romans 3:3 nlt

True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful?

Romans 3 verses

Romans 3 3 Meaning

Romans 3:3 addresses a foundational question about God's character and the efficacy of His promises in light of human unfaithfulness, particularly the disbelief of some among the Israelites. The verse emphatically asserts that human unbelief, no matter how widespread or persistent, cannot in any way negate, diminish, or render ineffective God's own perfect faithfulness, truthfulness, and reliability. It highlights an immutable aspect of God's nature: He remains consistent with Himself and His Word, irrespective of human response.

Romans 3 3 Context

Romans 3:3 is part of Paul's opening argument concerning human sinfulness and God's righteousness. Immediately preceding it, in Romans 3:1-2, Paul has just posited a rhetorical question about the advantage of being a Jew, and then stated that the primary advantage is "that unto them were committed the oracles of God." Verse 3 anticipates a natural objection: "If God entrusted His special revelation to Israel, but many Israelites disbelieved, does that not undermine the value of this entrustment or even challenge God's own fidelity?"

Historically and culturally, Paul is engaging with common Jewish understandings of their unique status as God's chosen people, their relationship to the Mosaic Law, and the expectation of the Messiah. The disbelief mentioned in verse 3 primarily refers to the widespread Jewish rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, despite God's covenant relationship with them and His specific promises regarding a savior from within their lineage. Paul's rhetorical question in verse 3 functions as a "diatribe," where an imagined opponent raises an objection, allowing Paul to swiftly correct a misunderstanding and advance his theological argument for universal sin and salvation by grace through faith. It sets the stage for demonstrating that God's justice and righteousness are maintained, even in dealing with human unfaithfulness, and His saving plan is not derailed by human failure.

Romans 3 3 Word analysis

• For what if: Greek Ti gar ei (Τί γὰρ εἰ) – This phrase introduces a rhetorical question or a hypothetical scenario, common in ancient diatribe style. Paul presents an objection from an imagined interlocutor to immediately refute it, thereby guiding the argument.

• some: Greek tines (τινὲς) – This term indicates "some," "certain ones," not necessarily "all." While significant, it acknowledges that not every single individual of Jewish heritage disbelieved, yet it encompasses a substantial number, perhaps the majority of Paul's contemporaries who rejected Christ. This distinction is crucial for later arguments about a faithful remnant and God's continuing plan for Israel.

• did not believe: Greek ēpistēsan (ἠπίστησαν) – This is the aorist active indicative form of apisteō (ἀπιστέω), meaning "to disbelieve," "to be faithless," or "to prove unfaithful." In this context, it refers to a decisive act of rejecting God's revelation, particularly the message of the Gospel and Jesus as the promised Messiah. It speaks of a failure of trust and obedience to God's most recent revelation.

• Shall their unbelief: Greek hē apistia autōn (ἡ ἀπιστία αὐτῶν) – Apistia (ἀπιστία) means "unbelief," "faithlessness," or "unfaithfulness." Here, it specifically denotes the human failure to have faith or to be faithful to God. The possessive "their" emphasizes that it is human responsibility and failing being discussed.

• make the faithfulness of God: Greek tēn pistin tou Theou (τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ) – This is a crucial phrase. Pistis (πίστις) means "faith," "trust," or "faithfulness." In the phrase "the faithfulness of God," pistis clearly refers to an attribute of God: His fidelity, reliability, trustworthiness, constancy, and unwavering adherence to His own nature and promises. It is God's characteristic steadfastness, not human faith, that is at stake. The genitive tou Theou clarifies that it is God's inherent faithfulness being referred to.

• without effect?: Greek katargēsei (καταργήσει) – This is the future active indicative form of katargeō (καταργέω), meaning "to make inoperative," "to abolish," "to nullify," "to render ineffective," or "to bring to an end." It implies completely invalidating or rendering void. Paul is asking if human unbelief has the power to destroy or neutralize God's unchanging faithfulness.

• "For what if some did not believe?" (Words-group analysis): This initial phrase sets up the objection. It acknowledges a real-world problem (Jewish unbelief in Christ) that an observer might perceive as a contradiction to God's covenant faithfulness with Israel. Paul faces this uncomfortable truth head-on.

• "Shall their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?" (Words-group analysis): This powerful question is rhetorical and designed for a definitive "No." It juxtaposes human failing ("their unbelief") against divine steadfastness ("the faithfulness of God"). The verb "make... without effect" highlights the absolute powerlessness of human sin to diminish or change the unchanging nature of God. God's faithfulness is an intrinsic attribute, not contingent on human response.

Romans 3 3 Bonus section

This verse subtly prefigures the theme of a remnant within Israel, which Paul elaborates on in Romans 9-11. By stating "some did not believe," it implicitly suggests that "some" did, or that God's plan isn't for all ethnic Israel to be saved in the present dispensation, yet His covenant promises for Israel's future (Rom 11:25-27) will still be fulfilled because of His faithfulness. Furthermore, Romans 3:3 distinguishes clearly between human faith and God's faithfulness, which is crucial for Paul's argument that salvation comes not through human effort or merit but through God's reliable and true initiative, received by faith. It highlights the divine prerogative over the human one, securing God's sovereignty even amidst widespread rebellion. The strength of God's character cannot be impacted by the weakness of humanity.

Romans 3 3 Commentary

Romans 3:3 serves as a pivotal point in Paul's theological framework, asserting the absolute immutability of God's faithfulness in the face of human unfaithfulness. The "what if" scenario points to the observable fact that a significant portion of Israel did not embrace their Messiah. Paul emphatically rejects the notion that this human failure could possibly invalidate God's nature or promises. God's faithfulness is presented as an inherent quality, an attribute that defines Him. It means He is always true to His Word, His character, and His covenant purposes. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding how God remains righteous even in dealing with a sinful and disobedient humanity, which leads directly to Paul's doctrine of justification by faith apart from the Law. It safeguards the integrity of God's character and plan, ensuring that His saving purpose does not hinge on fickle human performance but on His own unwavering fidelity. This truth offers great comfort, knowing that our own moments of doubt or struggle cannot nullify God's steadfast love and commitment to His redeemed.

Example: If a parent promises a child an inheritance, even if that child struggles with disobedience or rejects some advice, the parent's fundamental commitment to the inheritance promise can remain steadfast. However, God's faithfulness is even greater; it is His very being, meaning His promise stands regardless of the other party's behavior.