Romans 3:23

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 3:23 is a foundational verse in Christian theology, powerfully encapsulating the universal human condition and the necessity of God's grace. It serves as a stark declaration of humanity's fallen state, setting the stage for the glorious solution found in Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's profound theological argument in the Book of Romans, particularly in chapters 1-3, where he systematically establishes the guilt of both Gentiles and Jews before God. He meticulously demonstrates that no one, regardless of their background or adherence to law, can achieve righteousness through their own efforts. Prior to this verse, Paul cites Old Testament passages to paint a grim picture of universal unrighteousness (Romans 3:10-18), concluding that "there is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:23 acts as a concise summary statement, confirming that this spiritual deficiency is not isolated but a pervasive reality for all mankind, establishing the universal need for God's divine intervention.

Key Themes

  • Universal Sinfulness: The phrase "for all have sinned" leaves no room for exception. It highlights that sin is not merely a collection of individual bad acts but a pervasive condition of humanity's heart and nature. This truth applies to every person, regardless of their moral standing or religious devotion. It underscores the shared brokenness that separates humanity from a holy God, originating from the fall of Adam (Romans 5:12).
  • Falling Short of God's Glory: To "come short of the glory of God" signifies a profound failure to meet God's perfect standard. The "glory of God" here can be understood as God's radiant perfection, His inherent righteousness, and the divine image in which humanity was originally created (Genesis 1:27). Because of sin, humanity has fallen from this exalted position, failing to reflect God's character and honor Him as He deserves. It means we cannot achieve true righteousness or fellowship with God on our own terms.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "sinned" is hamartano (ἁμαρτάνω), which literally means "to miss the mark." It evokes the image of an archer failing to hit the target. In a theological sense, it means failing to meet God's perfect standard of righteousness and obedience.
  • "Come short" is from the Greek hustereo (ὑστερέω), meaning "to be behind," "to lack," or "to fail." It emphasizes a deficiency or an insufficiency. We are not just missing the mark; we are utterly lacking what is required to attain God's glory.
  • "Glory of God" (doxa tou Theou - δόξα τοῦ Θεοῦ) refers to God's inherent radiance, majesty, and perfect moral character. We have failed to live up to this standard and to give God the honor due to His name.

Practical Application

Romans 3:23 is both humbling and liberating. It forces us to acknowledge our inherent inability to save ourselves or earn God's favor through works. This understanding removes any basis for pride or self-righteousness. However, this verse also sets the stage for the incredible good news that follows immediately in Romans 3:24 and subsequent verses: because all have sinned, God, in His infinite love, provided a way for justification and redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. It underscores the profound need for God's grace and the finished work of Christ for salvation, leading to a deeper appreciation for the gift of salvation by grace through faith and peace with God (Romans 5:1).

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.

  • 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.
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