Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

For {G1063} therein {G1722}{G846} is {G601} the righteousness {G1343} of God {G2316} revealed {G601} from {G1537} faith {G4102} to {G1519} faith {G4102}: as {G2531} it is written {G1125},{G1161} The just {G1342} shall live {G2198} by {G1537} faith {G4102}.

For in it is revealed how God makes people righteous in his sight; and from beginning to end it is through trust — as the Tanakh puts it, “But the person who is righteous will live his life by trust.”

For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith.

Commentary on Romans 1:17 (KJV)

Romans 1:17 is a foundational verse in the Apostle Paul's letter, often considered a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It encapsulates the core message of the gospel he is eager to preach.

Context

This verse follows Paul's introduction and declaration of his readiness to preach the gospel in Rome (Romans 1:15). He has just stated that he is "not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16). Verse 17 then explains *why* the gospel is this powerful means of salvation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Revelation of God's Righteousness: The verse states that the gospel "reveals" God's righteousness. This is not primarily about God's attribute of being righteous, but rather the righteousness that God provides or imputes to believers. It's the method by which humans can be made right with God.
  • From Faith to Faith: This phrase is debated among scholars but generally signifies that this righteousness is received *by* faith and progresses *through* faith. It emphasizes that faith is both the starting point and the ongoing principle of the Christian life regarding justification and salvation. It highlights the exclusive role of faith, not works, in receiving this righteousness.
  • The Just Shall Live by Faith: Paul quotes the prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:4) to support his point. This Old Testament scripture affirms that it is through faith, not adherence to the law or human effort, that a person is deemed "just" or righteous in God's sight, and it is by this principle of faith that they truly "live" in relationship with God. This concept is central to the doctrine of justification by faith alone, a core teaching reiterated elsewhere by Paul (e.g., Galatians 3:11).

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word translated "righteousness" is dikaiosune (δικαιοσύνη). In this context, especially following Paul's argument in Romans, it refers less to God's inherent attribute of justice and more to the state of being right with God, which is a gift received through faith. The phrase "from faith to faith" (ek pisteos eis pistin - ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν) emphasizes the origin and continuation of this relationship with God being solely grounded in faith.

Reflection and Application

Romans 1:17 calls us to understand that our standing before God is not based on our performance or merit, but entirely on God's provision received through faith. The gospel reveals God's way of making us righteous. This should lead to humility, gratitude, and a life lived in continual reliance on God's grace, trusting Him for salvation from beginning to end. It reminds us that the life of faith is not just about initial belief, but a constant journey of living by that same faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Habakkuk 2:4

    Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

  • Galatians 3:11

    But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

  • Hebrews 10:38

    Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

  • Philippians 3:9

    ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

  • Hebrews 11:6

    But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  • Romans 9:30

    ¶ What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

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