New Testament
Romans 3:20
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Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
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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.
What Romans 3:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 3:20, Paul emphasizes that following the law alone cannot make anyone righteous before God. The law serves a crucial purpose: it reveals our sins and shortcomings. By understanding the law, we become aware of our failures to meet God's standards. This realization is essential because it leads us to recognize our need for grace and forgiveness. The law highlights our inability to achieve righteousness through our own efforts, pointing us instead to the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Thus, while the law is important for understanding sin, it is not the means by which we are justified or made right with God. Instead, true righteousness comes through faith, not through our actions or adherence to the law.
How to apply Romans 3:20 to your life
This verse reminds us that our efforts to be good or follow rules cannot earn us a right standing with God. Instead, we should focus on faith in Jesus for our salvation. Acknowledging our shortcomings can lead us to seek God's grace and forgiveness more earnestly.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 3:20 mean?
Romans 3:20 means that simply following the law cannot make anyone right with God. The law's purpose is to reveal our sins, showing us our need for grace and faith in Jesus for true righteousness.
What is the meaning of justification in Romans 3:20?
Justification in Romans 3:20 refers to being declared righteous before God. The verse explains that this cannot be achieved through our actions or adherence to the law, but rather through faith in Jesus.
How does Romans 3:20 relate to sin?
Romans 3:20 shows that the law helps us understand our sins and shortcomings. By knowing the law, we become aware of our failures to meet God's standards, which points us to our need for forgiveness.
Why is faith emphasized over the law in Romans 3:20?
Faith is emphasized over the law in Romans 3:20 because the law cannot justify us; it only reveals sin. True righteousness comes through faith in Jesus, not through our own efforts to follow the law.
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