But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
But {G1161} now {G3570} the righteousness {G1343} of God {G2316} without {G5565} the law {G3551} is manifested {G5319}, being witnessed {G3140} by {G5259} the law {G3551} and {G2532} the prophets {G4396};
But now, quite apart from Torah, God’s way of making people righteous in his sight has been made clear — although the Torah and the Prophets give their witness to it as well —
But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.
But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
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Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. -
Jeremiah 33:16
In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this [is the name] wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. -
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: -
Isaiah 61:10
¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels. -
Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. -
Jeremiah 23:6
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. -
Isaiah 51:8
For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Context
Romans 3:21 marks a pivotal transition in Paul's letter. Having meticulously established the universal guilt and sinfulness of both Gentiles and Jews, demonstrating that no one can be justified by obeying the law (Romans 1:18-3:20), Paul introduces God's solution. The phrase "But now" signals a dramatic shift from the problem of human sin and the failure of the law to provide salvation, to the revelation of God's provision.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The key Greek word here is dikaiosynē (δικαιοσύνη), translated as "righteousness." In Paul's writings, it often carries the sense of a right relationship or standing with God, a status granted by God rather than achieved by human effort. The phrase "without the law" (χωρὶς νόμου, chōris nomou) strongly emphasizes that the Mosaic Law is not the means by which this right standing is attained.
Reflection
This verse is foundational to understanding the gospel message. It declares that humanity's desperate condition under sin is met by God's gracious provision of righteousness. This righteousness is not based on our performance but is freely given and received through faith, as further explained in the following verses. It assures believers of their acceptance by God purely on the basis of His character and the work of Christ, a theme central to the concept of salvation by grace through faith.