Romans 3:23

KJV

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} all {G3956} have sinned {G264}, and {G2532} come short {G5302} of the glory {G1391} of God {G2316};

Complete Jewish Bible

since all have sinned and come short of earning God’s praise.

Berean Standard Bible

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

American Standard Version

for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 3:23 stands as a pivotal declaration within Paul's letter, succinctly articulating the universal human condition: all humanity, without exception, has fallen into sin and, as a result, is utterly incapable of attaining God's perfect standard of righteousness and glory. This verse serves as the theological bedrock, establishing the profound and pervasive spiritual deficiency of humankind, thereby setting the indispensable stage for the subsequent revelation of God's gracious provision for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 3:23 is the climactic summary of Paul's extensive argument concerning universal human sinfulness, meticulously developed from [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness"). In the preceding chapters, Paul systematically indicts both the Gentiles, who suppressed the truth of God revealed in creation ([Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - The Guilt of the Gentiles")), and the Jews, who, despite possessing the Law, failed to keep it and often relied on their heritage rather than true obedience ([Romans 2](/romans/2 "Romans 2 - The Guilt of the Jews")). Specifically, [Romans 3:9-18](/romans/3-9-18 "Romans 3:9-18 - Universal Unrighteousness") compiles a series of Old Testament citations to demonstrate that "there is no one righteous, not even one." Thus, [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") functions as the conclusive, sweeping statement that seals the case for humanity's collective guilt, emphasizing that sin is not merely an individual failing but a pervasive, systemic condition affecting every person. This stark reality then creates the urgent need for the divine solution presented immediately thereafter in [Romans 3:24-26](/romans/3-24-26 "Romans 3:24-26 - Justification Through Christ's Redemption").
* **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. The concept of "sin" (ἁμαρτία) was understood differently in various cultural contexts. For Jews, sin was primarily a transgression of God's revealed Law (Torah), and righteousness was often associated with adherence to its precepts and covenant identity. For Gentiles, particularly those influenced by Greek philosophy, moral failure might be seen as ignorance or a lack of virtue. Paul, however, transcends these distinctions by asserting a universal theological understanding of sin as a failure to meet God's perfect standard, a concept rooted in the Old Testament narrative of the Fall ([Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity")). The Roman legal system, with its emphasis on justification and condemnation, also provides a backdrop for Paul's forensic language of "righteousness" and "justification," highlighting that humanity stands condemned before the divine court, unable to plead its own case.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and biblical theology. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Universal Sinfulness**, demonstrating that sin is not an isolated phenomenon but a pervasive condition that affects every human being, regardless of their background or religious observance. This truth shatters any illusion of self-righteousness, whether based on ethnic heritage (for Jews) or moral striving (for Gentiles), establishing a level playing field of guilt before God. Second, it highlights the theme of **God's Absolute Righteousness and Holiness**. The phrase "come short of the glory of God" implies an inherent standard of divine perfection that humanity, due to sin, utterly fails to meet. This emphasizes God's unblemished character against which all human actions and nature are measured. Finally, by establishing humanity's profound inability to save itself, the verse lays the groundwork for the crucial theme of **Justification by Grace Through Faith**. It creates the theological necessity for God's free gift of righteousness, which is revealed in [Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith") and fully expounded upon in the subsequent chapters, demonstrating that salvation is entirely a work of divine grace, not human merit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sinned (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** From G264, this verb literally means "to miss the mark." In a theological context, it signifies a failure to hit the target of God's perfect standard of righteousness, obedience, and moral excellence. It encapsulates the idea of falling short of God's expectations and violating His holy character, not merely through isolated acts but as an inherent condition of human nature.
* **come short (Greek, _hysteréō'_):** From G5302, this verb means "to be later," "to be inferior," or "to fall short" or "be deficient." It emphasizes a complete lack or insufficiency. In the context of Romans 3:23, it denotes humanity's utter inability to measure up to God's standard, to achieve His glory, or to earn His favor through any human effort or merit. It highlights a fundamental spiritual deficit.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, this noun refers to God's inherent radiance, majesty, honor, and perfect moral character. It encompasses His divine perfection, His intrinsic worth, and the visible manifestation of His presence and attributes. To "come short of the glory of God" means humanity has failed to reflect God's image as originally intended ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")), to honor Him as He deserves, and to embody the moral and spiritual perfection that He embodies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For all have sinned":** This clause serves as the universal indictment. The Greek word "all" (G3956, _pâs_) is absolute, leaving no exceptions. It signifies that sin is a pervasive, shared human experience and condition, not limited to a specific group or individual acts. The perfect tense of "have sinned" (G264, _hamartánō_) indicates a past action with ongoing results, meaning humanity's fallen state is a settled reality, continually manifesting in individual transgressions. This establishes the foundational problem that necessitates God's intervention.
* **"and come short of the glory of God;":** This second clause explains the consequence and nature of sin. The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) connects the act of sin with its direct result. To "come short" (G5302, _hysteréō_) implies an utter deficiency or failure to reach a standard. The "glory of God" (G1391, _dóxa_ of G2316, _theós_) refers to God's inherent perfection, majesty, and moral excellence. Humanity, by sinning, has failed to reflect God's image, to live up to His holy standard, or to give Him the honor and worship that is His due. This is not merely a failure to perform good deeds, but a fundamental inability to attain the divine perfection required for fellowship with a holy God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") to convey his message with striking clarity and impact. The use of **Hyperbole** or universal generalization in "for all have sinned" underscores the absolute and pervasive nature of human depravity, leaving no room for exceptions and ensuring that every reader recognizes their inclusion in this indictment. This sweeping statement is not meant to be statistically precise but rhetorically forceful, emphasizing the totality of the human condition. Furthermore, the phrase "miss the mark" (inherent in the Greek _hamartánō_) functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, drawing on the imagery of an archer failing to hit the target. This vivid image effectively communicates that sin is not merely breaking a rule but failing to achieve the intended purpose or standard set by God. Finally, the verse presents a clear **Antithesis** between human failure ("have sinned," "come short") and divine perfection ("the glory of God"). This stark contrast highlights the vast chasm that separates fallen humanity from a holy God, thereby intensifying the need for a divine solution to bridge that gap.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 3:23 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, serving as the definitive statement on humanity's universal need for salvation. It dismantles any notion of human self-sufficiency or earned righteousness, unequivocally declaring that sin is a pervasive condition affecting every individual, rendering all equally incapable of meeting God's perfect standard. This profound truth is not meant to condemn without hope but rather to establish the absolute necessity of God's grace and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. By exposing the depth of human sin, the verse magnifies the immeasurable love and mercy of God, who, in His divine wisdom, provided a means for reconciliation where humanity had utterly failed. It underscores that salvation is not a reward for human effort but a free gift, received by faith, transforming the condemned into the justified.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered Through One Man")
* [Galatians 3:22](/galatians/3-22 "Galatians 3:22 - Scripture Imprisons All Under Sin")
* [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - If We Say We Have No Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 3:23 is a profoundly humbling verse, confronting us with the unvarnished truth of our inherent sinfulness and our complete inability to achieve righteousness on our own. It shatters any illusions of self-merit, moral superiority, or the capacity to earn God's favor through good deeds or religious observance. This realization is crucial, as it leads to a profound sense of humility and dependence on God. Yet, this verse is also deeply liberating. By acknowledging that "all have sinned," it levels the playing field, removing any basis for pride or despair based on perceived moral standing. It means that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, and everyone stands in equal need of His mercy. This truth compels us to abandon self-reliance and embrace the radical grace offered through Jesus Christ, leading to a deeper appreciation for the cross and a life lived in gratitude for a salvation freely given, not earned. It calls us to extend the same grace and understanding to others, recognizing our shared fallenness and shared need for a Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does acknowledging "all have sinned" challenge my natural inclination toward self-righteousness or comparing myself to others?**
* **How does understanding that I "come short of the glory of God" deepen my appreciation for God's grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**
* **If salvation is not earned, what implications does this have for how I view my good works or religious practices?**
* **How can the truth of universal sinfulness foster greater compassion and humility in my interactions with others, recognizing our shared human condition?**

### FAQ

**Does "all" in "for all have sinned" truly mean every single human being, without exception?**

Answer: Yes, in this context, "all" (Greek: _pâs_) is used in an absolute and universal sense, meaning every human being, past, present, and future, is included in this declaration of sinfulness. Paul's preceding argument in [Romans 1-3](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - The Guilt of the Gentiles") meticulously demonstrates that both Gentiles (those without the Mosaic Law) and Jews (those with the Law) are under the power of sin. This universality is crucial because it establishes that no one can claim righteousness based on their own efforts, heritage, or adherence to any law, thus highlighting the absolute necessity of God's grace for salvation, which is equally available to all who believe ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith")).

**What exactly does it mean to "come short of the glory of God"?**

Answer: To "come short of the glory of God" means humanity has failed to meet God's perfect standard, to reflect His character, and to give Him the honor and worship He deserves. The "glory of God" refers to His inherent majesty, perfection, holiness, and radiant presence. Originally, humanity was created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")) to reflect His glory and live in perfect fellowship with Him. However, sin has marred that image, corrupted human nature, and separated humanity from God's perfect standard. Therefore, "coming short" signifies a fundamental deficiency and inability to achieve the righteousness and moral perfection required to stand in God's presence or to fulfill humanity's intended purpose of glorifying Him. It's not just a matter of failing to do enough good deeds, but a deep-seated spiritual inability to attain divine perfection.

**How does Romans 3:23 relate to the concept of original sin?**

Answer: Romans 3:23 strongly implies and is consistent with the concept of original sin, though it doesn't explicitly define it. The phrase "all have sinned" points not just to individual acts of sin, but to a universal, inherent condition of sinfulness that affects every human being. This condition is further explained in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered Through One Man"), where Paul states that "just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." This indicates that Adam's original sin resulted in a fallen nature inherited by all humanity, making everyone prone to sin and inherently separated from God's glory from birth. Therefore, Romans 3:23 describes the universal manifestation of this inherited sinful nature, demonstrating that no one is exempt from its effects.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 3:23, by unequivocally declaring the universal sinfulness of humanity and its utter inability to attain God's glory, serves as the essential dark backdrop against which the radiant light of Christ's redemptive work shines most brightly. This verse establishes humanity's desperate need for a Savior, demonstrating that no one can earn salvation through their own merit or effort. It is precisely because "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" that God, in His infinite love and wisdom, provided His Son, Jesus Christ, as the perfect solution. Christ fulfills the requirements of God's righteousness that humanity could not meet; He is the one who perfectly reflected the "glory of God" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Through His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and resurrection, Jesus became the propitiation for our sins, satisfying God's just wrath and offering a righteousness that is imputed to all who believe ([Romans 3:24-26](/romans/3-24-26 "Romans 3:24-26 - Justification Through Christ's Redemption")). He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, this verse, far from being a message of despair, is the necessary prelude to the glorious good news that in Christ, we are freely justified by His grace, receiving a righteousness not our own, so that we might once again reflect God's glory and live in fellowship with Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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

Ecclesiastes 7:20

For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Romans 3:9

What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

Galatians 3:22

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Romans 11:32

For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

1 Thessalonians 2:12

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.