Romans 3:22

KJV

Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

KJV (with Strong's)

Even {G1161} the righteousness {G1343} of God {G2316} which is by {G1223} faith {G4102} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} unto {G1519} all {G3956} and {G2532} upon {G1909} all {G3956} them that believe {G4100}: for {G1063} there is {G2076} no {G3756} difference {G1293}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and it is a righteousness that comes from God, through the faithfulness of Yeshua the Messiah, to all who continue trusting. For it makes no difference whether one is a Jew or a Gentile,

Berean Standard Bible

And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,

American Standard Version

even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 3:22 unveils the core of God's redemptive plan, presenting the divine righteousness as a gracious gift, freely offered and universally accessible through faith in Jesus Christ. This verse powerfully declares that God's method of justification transcends all human distinctions, establishing a level playing field where Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, stand equally in need of and equally able to receive God's saving grace, thereby dismantling any basis for human boasting or privilege.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 3:22 stands as a pivotal declaration within Paul's magnum opus on justification by faith. It immediately follows Paul's exhaustive argument (from [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Sin") through [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law's Purpose")) demonstrating the universal sinfulness of humanity—both Gentiles, who suppressed the truth in unrighteousness, and Jews, who failed to uphold the Law they possessed. Having established that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - Universal Sinfulness")), Paul introduces God's divinely provided solution. Verses [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith") collectively present the "righteousness of God" as revealed apart from the Law, highlighting its availability through faith in Christ and its demonstration of God's justice in passing over former sins. This verse, therefore, is the direct answer to humanity's desperate spiritual condition, setting the stage for the glorious implications of justification by grace through faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, a melting pot of cultures, social strata, and religious backgrounds. The primary tension Paul addresses throughout Romans is the relationship between Jews and Gentiles within God's redemptive plan. For centuries, Jewish identity was intrinsically linked to the Mosaic Law and the covenant with Abraham, often leading to a sense of spiritual superiority over Gentiles. In this context, Paul's declaration that "there is no difference" (referring to the means of salvation) was revolutionary and deeply challenging to prevailing cultural and religious assumptions. It directly confronted the Jewish belief that their lineage or adherence to the Law provided a unique advantage before God, while simultaneously affirming the inclusion of Gentiles on equal terms. This statement laid the theological groundwork for a unified church where ethnic, social, or religious distinctions no longer determined one's standing with God.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 3:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Righteousness of God**, not merely as an attribute of God's character, but as a status that God graciously imputes to believers, a righteousness that is "apart from the law" ([Romans 3:21](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21 - Righteousness Apart from the Law")). Secondly, it firmly establishes **Justification by Faith** as the sole means of salvation, contrasting sharply with any attempt to achieve righteousness through human effort or adherence to the Mosaic Law. This theme is foundational to Paul's argument throughout [Romans](/romans "The Book of Romans"). Thirdly, the verse proclaims the **Universality of Salvation**, extending God's righteousness "unto all and upon all them that believe," emphasizing that God's saving grace is not limited to any particular group but is available to all who respond in faith. Finally, the concluding phrase "for there is no difference" powerfully asserts the **Equality in Christ**, dismantling all human distinctions and privileges in the realm of salvation, a truth echoed in other Pauline epistles, such as [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** This term (G1343) refers to equity of character or act, and specifically in a Christian context, to justification. In Romans 3:22, it signifies not merely God's inherent attribute of being just, but more profoundly, the righteous status that God graciously bestows upon humanity. It is a forensic declaration, a legal verdict by which God declares sinners to be righteous in His sight, based on the perfect work of Christ. This righteousness is not earned by human merit but is a divine gift.
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This word (G4102) denotes persuasion, credence, or moral conviction, particularly reliance upon Christ for salvation. In this verse, "faith" is the instrumental means by which God's righteousness is received. It is not merely intellectual assent but a profound trust and reliance on Jesus Christ as the sole source of salvation. This highlights the active response required from humanity to appropriate God's free gift.
* **Difference (Greek, _diastolḗ'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to divide" or "to distinguish," _diastolḗ_ (G1293) signifies a variation or distinction. In the context of Romans 3:22, its use in the negative ("no difference") emphatically asserts the absolute equality of all humanity before God concerning their need for salvation and the singular means by which it is obtained. It obliterates any perceived advantage or disadvantage based on ethnicity, social status, or religious background.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even the righteousness of God":** This phrase introduces the central theme: God's own righteousness, which is not merely an attribute of His character but a righteous status that He provides. It is God's just way of making unrighteous people righteous, a divine provision that originates from Him and aligns with His perfect nature. This righteousness is revealed and made available "apart from the law" ([Romans 3:21](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21 - Righteousness Apart from the Law")), indicating it is not achieved through human obedience to legal codes.
* **"[which is] by faith of Jesus Christ":** This clause specifies the instrumental means through which God's righteousness is accessed. The preposition "by" (Greek, _diá'_ - G1223) signifies the channel or means. The genitive phrase "of Jesus Christ" (Greek, _Iēsoû Christoû'_) is best understood as an objective genitive, meaning "faith *in* Jesus Christ." It is through personal trust, belief, and reliance upon Jesus and His atoning work that this divine righteousness is appropriated by the individual. This underscores that salvation is not by works, but by grace through faith.
* **"unto all and upon all them that believe":** This segment emphasizes the universal offer and specific application of God's righteousness. The righteousness is "unto all," meaning it is offered broadly and without restriction to all humanity. However, it is "upon all them that believe," indicating that while the offer is universal, its reception and application are conditional upon an individual's active faith. This clarifies that salvation is not automatic but requires a personal response of belief.
* **"for there is no difference":** This concluding statement powerfully reinforces the universality and equality inherent in God's plan of salvation. The particle "for" (Greek, _gár'_ - G1063) introduces the reason for the preceding declaration. It asserts that there is no distinction (Greek, _diastolḗ'_ - G1293) between any groups of people—Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, male or female—in their need for God's righteousness or in the means by which they receive it. All are equally sinful, and all are equally saved by the same faith in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in Romans 3:22. The most prominent is **Universal Declaration**, achieved through the emphatic repetition of "all" ("unto all and upon all them that believe") and the definitive negation "no difference." This repetition serves to underscore the boundless scope of God's grace and the absolute equality of all humanity before Him in the context of salvation. This pervasive "all" functions as a powerful rhetorical device, dismantling any lingering notions of ethnic or social privilege that might have persisted among his readers. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** at play, though not explicitly stated within this single verse, it is the bedrock of Paul's preceding argument. The "righteousness of God" is implicitly contrasted with human attempts at self-righteousness through the Law, setting up the radical shift in paradigm that Paul champions. The concise, declarative nature of the verse also lends it a sense of **Aphorism**, making it a memorable and foundational statement of Christian doctrine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 3:22 is a theological cornerstone, articulating the heart of the Gospel: God's righteousness is not earned but freely given through faith in Christ. This concept of imputed righteousness—where God credits the believer with Christ's perfect righteousness—is central to Protestant theology and provides the basis for our standing before a holy God. It underscores God's initiative in salvation, His unwavering justice in punishing sin, and His boundless love in providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. The declaration of "no difference" profoundly impacts our understanding of the church, fostering unity and dismantling barriers, as all believers, regardless of background, are united by the same faith in the same Savior. This truth eliminates boasting and cultivates humility, recognizing that salvation is entirely a work of divine grace.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"): For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Christ"): 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.
* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith, Not Works"): Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 3:22 offers profound spiritual comfort and a radical call to humility. For the believer, it provides immense assurance: our acceptance before God is not contingent on our fluctuating performance, but on the unshakeable foundation of Christ's perfect righteousness, received by faith. This truth liberates us from the exhausting burden of trying to earn God's favor and instead invites us into a relationship of grateful trust. It means that our past failures, our present struggles, and our future imperfections do not disqualify us from God's love or His saving grace, provided we continue to place our faith in Jesus. This verse also serves as a powerful antidote to any form of spiritual pride or elitism. Since salvation is equally available to "all" and there is "no difference" in how it is received, it compels us to embrace unity within the body of Christ, celebrating our shared identity in Him rather than our earthly distinctions. It reminds us that our mission is to extend this universal offer of righteousness to a world desperately in need, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for every person who believes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that God's righteousness is "by faith of Jesus Christ" change your perspective on your own efforts to please God?**
* **In what ways does the statement "for there is no difference" challenge any lingering biases or judgments you might hold towards others, particularly within the church?**
* **How does understanding God's imputed righteousness impact your daily assurance of salvation and your freedom from guilt and shame?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live out the truth that salvation is "unto all and upon all them that believe," especially in your interactions with those outside your immediate faith community?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: In [Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness by Faith"), "the righteousness of God" (Greek: _dikaiosýnē theou_) refers primarily to a righteous status that God provides and imputes to believers. It is not merely God's inherent attribute of being just, but rather His just act of declaring sinners righteous. Because humanity is universally sinful ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - Universal Sinfulness")), we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Therefore, God, in His perfect justice and love, provides His own righteousness, which is credited to those who believe in Jesus Christ. This is a forensic, or legal, declaration by God, making the unrighteous righteous in His sight through Christ's atoning work.

**Does "faith of Jesus Christ" mean our faith *in* Jesus, or Jesus's own faithfulness?**

Answer: While grammatically the Greek phrase _dia pisteōs Iēsou Christou_ (διὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ) could technically be interpreted as either "faith *in* Jesus Christ" (objective genitive) or "the faithfulness *of* Jesus Christ" (subjective genitive), the overwhelming weight of Pauline theology and the broader context of Romans strongly support the interpretation of "faith *in* Jesus Christ." Paul consistently emphasizes the necessity of personal belief and trust in Christ as the means of justification throughout his epistles (e.g., [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe")). While Christ's faithfulness is certainly foundational to salvation, this verse highlights the human response of belief as the instrumental cause for receiving God's righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 3:22 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is simultaneously the source and object of the faith that brings God's righteousness. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, living a sinless life under the Law (as alluded to in [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Fulfilling All Righteousness")) and offering Himself as the spotless sacrifice for sin. His obedient life and atoning death on the cross constitute the very basis upon which God can justly declare unrighteous sinners righteous. The "righteousness of God" is thus perfectly demonstrated in Christ, who became "sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Therefore, faith in Jesus is not merely a mental exercise but a radical reliance on His completed work, recognizing that He alone is our righteousness. He is the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making possible the universal offer of salvation to all who believe, for "there is no difference" in His saving power or in our need for Him.

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

Romans 10:12

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 2:16

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Romans 8:1

¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Romans 5:1

¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:11

And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.