Romans 3:21

KJV

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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 —

Berean Standard Bible

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.

American Standard Version

But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 3:21 marks a pivotal transition in Paul's epistle, announcing the revelation of God's righteousness—a divine provision for humanity's sin problem that operates independently of the Mosaic Law. This righteousness, though new in its full manifestation through Christ, is not a novel concept but was consistently foretold and attested to throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, specifically by the Law and the Prophets, demonstrating the continuity and coherence of God's redemptive plan across the ages.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 3:21 serves as a dramatic "but now" (G3570, G1161) turn, shifting the theological landscape of Paul's argument. Prior to this verse, Paul meticulously builds a case for universal human sinfulness, demonstrating that both Gentiles, who suppress the truth of God in unrighteousness ([Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath on Unrighteousness")), and Jews, who possess the Law but fail to keep it ([Romans 2:1-3:20](/romans/2-1-3-20 "Romans 2:1-3:20 - The Law and Universal Guilt")), are equally condemned under sin. The climax of this argument is found in [Romans 3:9-20](/romans/3-9-20 "Romans 3:9-20 - All Under Sin"), where Paul quotes various Old Testament passages to prove that "all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin" ([Romans 3:9](/romans/3-9 "Romans 3:9 - All Under Sin")). He concludes that "by the works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin" ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Law Reveals Sin")). Thus, [Romans 3:21](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21 - Righteousness Apart from Law") introduces God's solution to this desperate human predicament, transitioning from diagnosis to divine remedy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. A significant tension existed regarding the role of the Mosaic Law in salvation and Christian living. Many Jewish Christians, steeped in centuries of covenant identity tied to the Law, struggled to fully embrace a salvation "without the law" (G5565, G3551). Gentiles, on the other hand, might have been tempted to dismiss the Old Testament entirely. Paul's argument in [Romans](/romans/1 "The Book of Romans") is therefore carefully constructed to address these concerns, demonstrating that God's plan of salvation through faith is neither a new invention nor an abrogation of His prior promises, but rather the fulfillment of what the "Law and the Prophets" (G3551, G4396) had always pointed towards. This context underscores the revolutionary nature of Paul's declaration while simultaneously rooting it firmly in the continuity of God's redemptive history.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes in Romans. The primary theme is the **Righteousness of God** (G1343, G2316), which is presented not merely as an attribute of God's character but as a saving status that God imputes to believers. This is distinct from human righteousness achieved through works. Another crucial theme is the **Inadequacy of the Law** for justification, highlighted by the phrase "without the law" (G5565, G3551). Paul asserts that the Law's purpose was to reveal sin and prepare humanity for God's gracious solution, not to provide the means of salvation, as seen in [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian"). Finally, the theme of **Continuity of God's Plan** is evident in the declaration that this new righteousness is "witnessed by the law and the prophets" (G3140, G3551, G4396). This demonstrates that the gospel of grace is not a deviation from God's Old Testament promises but their culmination, fulfilling prophecies found in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") and [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, this term denotes equity of character or act, and specifically in a Christian context, justification. In Romans 3:21, it refers not merely to God's inherent moral perfection but to a righteous standing or status that God Himself provides to humanity. It is a gift, an imputed righteousness, rather than an earned one, making humans acceptable in His sight.
* **Without (Greek, _chōrís'_):** From G5565, meaning "at a space, i.e., separately or apart from." This adverb emphasizes a complete separation or independence. When applied to "the law" (G3551) in this verse, it unequivocally states that the righteousness God provides is obtained entirely apart from human effort, works, or adherence to the Mosaic Law. It underscores the non-meritorious nature of this divine gift.
* **Witnessed (Greek, _martyréō'_):** From G3140, meaning "to be a witness, i.e., testify." This verb signifies that the Old Testament Scriptures (the Law and the Prophets) did not merely hint at this righteousness but actively bore testimony to it. It implies a legal or authoritative declaration, confirming that God's method of justification by faith was always part of His plan, even if not fully revealed until Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now":** This phrase (G1161, G3570) signals a dramatic and decisive turning point in Paul's argument. Having established the universal reign of sin and the Law's inability to justify, Paul introduces God's redemptive solution. It marks a shift from the problem to the divine provision, from condemnation to salvation.
* **"the righteousness of God without the law is manifested":** This is the core declaration. "The righteousness of God" refers to God's own saving righteousness, a status He bestows upon believers. The crucial qualifier "without the law" (G5565, G3551) emphasizes that this righteousness is not earned through human obedience to the Mosaic Law or any other human effort. It is a gift, freely given. The term "manifested" (G5319) indicates that this righteousness, though always part of God's character and plan, has now been openly revealed and made clear, primarily through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
* **"being witnessed by the law and the prophets":** This clause provides crucial validation for Paul's radical claim. Despite being "without the law" as a means of earning it, this divine righteousness is not a new or foreign concept. Instead, it is precisely what the entirety of the Old Testament Scriptures—categorized as "the Law" (Torah, referring to the Pentateuch) and "the Prophets" (Nevi'im, referring to the prophetic books and historical narratives)—has consistently foretold and attested to. This demonstrates the continuity of God's redemptive plan and grounds the gospel firmly in the historical revelation of God.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 3:21 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, signaled by the opening "But now" (G1161, G3570), which sharply contrasts the preceding argument of universal sin and the Law's inability to justify with the new revelation of God's saving righteousness. This creates a dramatic shift in tone and theological focus. There is also a subtle use of **Paradox** or **Reconciliation of Opposites**: the righteousness is "without the law" (G5565, G3551) as a means of attainment, yet it is simultaneously "witnessed by the law and the prophets" (G3140, G3551, G4396). This highlights that the Old Testament, while not providing salvation through its demands, consistently pointed to God's ultimate plan of salvation by grace through faith. Finally, **Metonymy** is present in "the law and the prophets," which stands for the entire Old Testament Scriptures, emphasizing their unified testimony to God's unfolding redemptive purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 3:21 is a foundational verse for understanding the doctrine of justification by faith, a cornerstone of Pauline theology and the Protestant Reformation. It declares that humanity's desperate state of sin, established in the preceding chapters, is met by God's gracious and sovereign provision of righteousness. This righteousness is not earned by human merit or adherence to religious codes, but is freely given by God. It underscores God's character as both just and the justifier, providing a way for sinful humanity to stand righteous before Him without compromising His perfect standards. This divine act of justification is rooted in God's eternal plan, demonstrating that salvation by grace through faith was not an afterthought but the consistent trajectory of His covenant dealings with humanity from the very beginning.

* [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God by Faith")
* [Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - Scripture Foretold Justification by Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 3:21 offers profound comfort and liberation to those who labor under the burden of trying to earn God's favor through their own efforts. It shatters the illusion that our standing before God depends on our performance, obedience to rules, or moral achievements. Instead, it directs our gaze to God's magnificent initiative: He provides the righteousness we desperately need but can never produce. This truth should lead to deep humility, recognizing our utter dependence on His grace, and overflowing gratitude for such a costly and freely given gift. For the believer, it means security and peace, knowing that our acceptance by God is based entirely on His perfect righteousness, not our fluctuating worthiness. For those still seeking, it points the way to true salvation, inviting them to lay down their striving and receive what God has already manifested.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "righteousness of God without the law" impact your perception of your own efforts to please God?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of the Old Testament's purpose?**
* **If this righteousness is a gift, what is your appropriate response to it in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**What does "the righteousness of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Romans 3:21, "the righteousness of God" (G1343, G2316) refers primarily to a righteous status or standing that God Himself provides and imputes to believers. It's not merely God's inherent attribute of being righteous, but His divine act of making sinful humans righteous in His sight. This righteousness is a gift, freely given, and is the basis for our justification before Him. It is the perfect righteousness of Christ credited to us.

**How can righteousness be "without the law" yet "witnessed by the law and the prophets"?**

Answer: This apparent paradox is central to Paul's argument. Righteousness is "without the law" (G5565, G3551) in the sense that human obedience to the Mosaic Law is not the means by which one obtains this righteous standing. No one can earn it through works. However, it is "witnessed by the law and the prophets" (G3140, G3551, G4396) because the Old Testament Scriptures consistently pointed forward to God's plan of salvation by grace through faith. The Law revealed humanity's need for a Savior ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")), and the Prophets foretold the coming of a Messiah who would bring righteousness and redemption ([Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - The Righteous Servant")). Thus, the Old Testament prepared the way and testified to the very righteousness that is now fully revealed in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 3:21 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "righteousness of God" (G1343, G2316) that is "manifested" (G5319) is none other than the righteousness accomplished and embodied by Jesus Himself. He alone lived a life of perfect obedience to the Law, fulfilling all its righteous demands where humanity failed ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His sacrificial death on the cross served as the propitiation for sin, satisfying God's just wrath and providing the basis for this divine righteousness to be freely offered to all who believe ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation Through Faith in His Blood")). The Old Testament "Law and the Prophets" (G3551, G4396) bore witness to Him, foreshadowing His coming and His atoning work, as seen in the Suffering Servant passages in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") or the promise of a new covenant in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). Therefore, Christ is the very embodiment and source of this righteousness, and it is "through faith in Jesus Christ" that it is given "to all who believe" ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")), making Him the central figure in God's plan of salvation and the perfect fulfillment of all that the Scriptures testified.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.