Romans 3:26

To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

To {G4314} declare {G1732}, I say, at {G1722} this {G3568} time {G2540} his {G846} righteousness {G1343}: that {G1519} he might be {G1511} just {G1342}, and {G2532} the justifier {G1344} of him {G846} which believeth {G4102} in {G1537} Jesus {G2424}.

and it vindicates his righteousness in the present age by showing that he is righteous himself and is also the one who makes people righteous on the ground of Yeshuaโ€™s faithfulness.

He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.

for the showing, I say, of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus.

Commentary

Romans 3:26 is a pivotal verse within Paul's explanation of the doctrine of justification by faith in his letter to the Romans. It concludes a passage that highlights humanity's universal sinfulness and introduces God's solution through Jesus Christ. This verse beautifully encapsulates how God's righteousness is demonstrated in salvation, showing that He can remain perfectly just while simultaneously declaring sinners righteous.

Context

This verse comes after Paul has established that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. He then introduces the concept that believers are "justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24). Verse 25 explains that God set forth Jesus as a propitiation (a sacrifice that satisfies divine justice) through faith in His blood, demonstrating God's righteousness in passing over former sins. Verse 26 builds on this, explaining *why* this demonstration of righteousness was necessary and what it accomplishes "at this time" (referring to the era of Christ's work).

Key Themes

  • God's Righteousness Declared: The verse emphasizes that the cross is God's way of publicly declaring His perfect justice and righteousness. It shows He does not overlook sin but has provided a just penalty through Christ.
  • Justification by Faith: The core message is that God justifies, or declares righteous, those who place their faith in Jesus. This righteousness is not earned but received through belief.
  • God is Just and Justifier: This highlights a profound theological truth โ€“ God is simultaneously just (upholding His perfect standard) and the justifier (making sinners righteous). This is possible because Christ bore the penalty for sin, satisfying the demands of God's justice on behalf of believers.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words for "just" (*dikaios*) and "justifier" (*dikaioo*) come from the same root, related to righteousness (*dikaiosunฤ“*). The verse presents a powerful paradox: God is righteous Himself (*dikaios*) and yet He is the one who makes others righteous (*dikaioo*). This isn't a compromise of His character but a demonstration of His perfect justice being met through Christ's sacrifice, enabling Him to extend righteousness to those who believe.

Reflection

Romans 3:26 assures believers that their salvation is built on the solid foundation of God's perfect character. We are not saved by a God who ignores sin, but by a God who has righteously dealt with sin through His Son. Our justification is not based on our merit but on Christ's work and our faith in Him. This truth brings immense peace and confidence, knowing that our standing before God is secure because He is both just and the one who justifies us through faith in Jesus.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 4:5

    But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

  • Deuteronomy 32:4

    [He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

  • Romans 3:30

    Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

  • Acts 13:38

    Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

  • Acts 13:39

    And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

  • Zephaniah 3:5

    The just LORD [is] in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

  • Romans 8:33

    Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justifieth.
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