Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Where {G4226} is boasting {G2746} then {G3767}? It is excluded {G1576}. By {G1223} what {G4169} law {G3551}? of works {G2041}? Nay {G3780}: but {G235} by {G1223} the law {G3551} of faith {G4102}.
So what room is left for boasting? None at all! What kind of Torah excludes it? One that has to do with legalistic observance of rules? No, rather, a Torah that has to do with trusting.
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith.
Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith.
-
Romans 2:23
Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? -
Romans 4:2
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God. -
1 Corinthians 1:29
That no flesh should glory in his presence. -
1 Corinthians 1:31
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. -
Romans 2:17
¶ Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, -
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: -
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Romans 3:27 (KJV): "Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith."
Context
This verse follows Paul's profound explanation in Romans 3:21-26 regarding how both Jews and Gentiles are justified (declared righteous) before God. He has established that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The solution presented is not through adherence to the Mosaic Law or performing good deeds, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Verse 27 serves as a logical conclusion to this argument, particularly the statement in Romans 3:24 that justification is a gift by God's grace.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word translated "boasting" is the Greek word kauchesis (καύχησις), which refers to the act of glorying, boasting, or pride. The phrase "law of works" (νόμος ἔργων - nomos ergon) and "law of faith" (νόμος πίστεως - nomos pisteos) use nomos, which can mean 'law' in the sense of rule or commandment, but here likely refers to a principle, system, or way of operating. Paul is contrasting the principle of trying to be saved by doing (works) with the principle of being saved by believing (faith).
Commentary and Application
Paul's rhetorical question, "Where is boasting then?", anticipates the objection or the natural human inclination to take credit. His emphatic answer, "It is excluded," underscores that God's chosen method of salvation through faith alone completely removes any basis for human pride. If salvation were based on works, we could point to our achievements, our obedience, or our religious practices and boast. However, since it is a gift received by faith in Christ's finished work on the cross, there is nothing we have *done* to earn it.
The contrast between the "law of works" and the "law of faith" isn't about two different sets of rules, but two fundamentally different ways of relating to God for salvation. The way of works is about human performance; the way of faith is about divine grace received through trust. This truth is echoed in other parts of scripture, like Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that salvation is by grace through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast. Understanding this helps us approach God with humility and gratitude, recognizing that our standing with Him is solely because of Christ.
Reflection
Romans 3:27 reminds us that the gospel is fundamentally about God's grace and our response of faith, not about our own ability to perform or achieve righteousness. This should lead to humility and a focus on glorifying God, not ourselves. It challenges any tendency to look down on others based on perceived levels of obedience or spiritual performance, as all believers stand equally before God on the basis of faith in Christ.