New Testament
Romans 3:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Paul emphasizes that God's righteousness is now revealed independently of the law.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
But now the righteousness of God has been revealed apart from the law, though the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it —
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul emphasizes that God's righteousness is now revealed independently of the law. This means that people can be made right with God not by following the law, but through faith. The law and the prophets, which refer to the Old Testament scriptures, testify to this truth. They point to a righteousness that comes from God, showing that the way to be justified before Him has always been through faith, not merely adherence to the law. This revelation is significant because it opens the door for all people, not just those who follow Jewish law, to receive God's grace and righteousness. It highlights a shift from a law-based relationship with God to one based on faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and embodies God's righteousness.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Romans 3:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to understand that our relationship with God is based on faith, not our ability to follow rules perfectly. We should focus on trusting in God's grace and righteousness rather than relying solely on our actions. This can bring peace and assurance in our spiritual journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 3:21 mean by 'righteousness of God'?
In Romans 3:21, 'righteousness of God' refers to the divine standard of justice and moral perfection that God embodies. This righteousness is revealed to humanity not through the law, which was previously the primary means of understanding God's expectations, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This signifies a new way for people to be justified or made right with God, emphasizing that faith, rather than strict adherence to the law, is the key to receiving God's grace.
How does Romans 3:21 relate to the Old Testament?
Romans 3:21 states that the righteousness of God is witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, which are references to the Old Testament scriptures. This means that the Old Testament foreshadows and points to the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The teachings and prophecies found in the Old Testament set the stage for understanding God's plan for salvation, showing that faith has always been the means by which people are justified before God.
Why is faith emphasized over the law in Romans 3:21?
Faith is emphasized over the law in Romans 3:21 because the law, while it reveals God's standards, cannot provide the means for justification or salvation. Paul argues that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, making it impossible for anyone to achieve righteousness through the law alone. Instead, faith in Jesus Christ allows individuals to receive God's righteousness as a gift, highlighting the importance of trust in God's grace rather than reliance on human effort.
What is the significance of the phrase 'apart from the law'?
The phrase 'apart from the law' in Romans 3:21 signifies a fundamental shift in how individuals can relate to God. It indicates that righteousness is now accessible without the need for strict adherence to the Jewish law. This is significant because it opens the door for all people, regardless of their background, to receive God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, thus emphasizing inclusivity in God's plan for salvation.
The Book of Romans
Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.
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