New Testament
Romans 3:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Absolutely not! For then how could God judge the world?
Compare translations
God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
What Romans 3:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 3:6, Paul emphatically rejects the idea that human sinfulness could somehow justify God in being unfair or lenient in His judgment. He argues that if our wrongdoing highlights God's righteousness, it does not mean that God can overlook sin. Instead, God's judgment is based on His perfect justice. The verse underscores the principle that God must judge the world fairly and righteously, regardless of human actions. If God were to ignore sin, it would contradict His nature as a just judge. This statement serves to reinforce the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine judgment, emphasizing that God's standards are unchanging and that He will hold everyone accountable for their actions. Paul is making it clear that God's righteousness and justice are not compromised by human sin, and that His judgment will be executed in accordance with His perfect character.
How to apply Romans 3:6 to your life
This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences and that God is just in His judgments. We should strive to live righteously, understanding that our choices matter. It encourages us to seek forgiveness and align our lives with God's standards, knowing He will judge fairly.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 3:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 3:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 3:6 mean?
Romans 3:6 emphasizes that God's judgment is based on His perfect justice, rejecting the idea that human sin can justify unfairness in God's actions. It asserts that God must judge the world fairly, regardless of human wrongdoing.
What is the meaning of God's judgment in Romans 3:6?
In Romans 3:6, God's judgment refers to His fair and righteous evaluation of human actions. The verse highlights that God cannot overlook sin, as doing so would contradict His nature as a just judge.
How does Romans 3:6 relate to accountability?
Romans 3:6 underscores the principle of accountability by affirming that God will judge everyone based on their actions. It serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences and that we are responsible for them.
What themes are present in Romans 3:6?
Key themes in Romans 3:6 include God's justice, human sinfulness, divine judgment, and the righteousness of God. The verse reinforces the idea that God remains faithful to His standards, regardless of human behavior.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.