Romans 3:27

KJV

Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith.

American Standard Version

Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 3:27 serves as a pivotal conclusion to Paul's preceding argument for justification by faith, asserting that God's chosen method of declaring humanity righteous completely eliminates any grounds for human boasting or self-glory. By contrasting the "law of works" with the "law of faith," Paul demonstrates that salvation is not attained through human effort or adherence to legalistic demands, but is a gracious gift received solely through trust in God's provision in Christ, thereby ensuring that all glory belongs to God alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's profound theological exposition in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Having established that both Jews and Gentiles are universally under the power of sin ([Romans 3:9-19](/romans/3-9-19 "Romans 3:9-19 - Universal Guilt")), Paul introduces God's solution: a righteousness "apart from the law" but "through faith in Jesus Christ" ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Apart from Law")). He emphasizes that all have sinned ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")) and are "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justification by Grace")). Verse 27, therefore, acts as a logical and rhetorical culmination, posing the question of human boasting in light of this divinely initiated and faith-based justification. It sets the stage for further elaboration on the role of the Law and the implications for both Jews and Gentiles in [Romans 3:28-31](/romans/3-28-31 "Romans 3:28-31 - Conclusion on Justification by Faith").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans addresses a diverse Christian community in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. A significant tension existed regarding the role of the Mosaic Law and traditional Jewish practices (like circumcision) in salvation. Many Jewish believers, and some Gentiles influenced by them, believed that adherence to the Law was necessary for righteousness or provided a basis for spiritual superiority. In the broader Greco-Roman world, boasting (καύχησις) was a common social and rhetorical practice, often tied to one's accomplishments, lineage, or wisdom. Paul directly confronts this human inclination towards self-glory, whether rooted in Jewish legalism or Gentile pride, by presenting a salvation method that leaves no room for such boasting. His argument dismantles the cultural foundations of human merit, redirecting all glory to God.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 3:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Exclusion of Boasting**, a recurring motif in Paul's writings where he consistently attributes salvation entirely to God's grace, thus precluding any human pride ([1 Corinthians 1:29-31](/1_corinthians/1-29-31 "1 Corinthians 1:29-31 - No Boasting Before God")). Secondly, it sharpens the **Contrast Between Faith and Works**, presenting them as two fundamentally different principles for relating to God for salvation. This distinction is central to Paul's doctrine of justification, where human effort ("works of the law") is rendered insufficient and faith in Christ becomes the sole pathway ([Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith, Not Works")). Finally, the verse highlights the **Divine Initiative in Salvation**, emphasizing that the method of salvation is determined by God's sovereign will and grace, not by human performance or merit. This theme reinforces God's absolute righteousness and His gracious provision for humanity's sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boasting (Greek, _kaúchēsis'_):** From G2746, this term refers to the act of glorying, boasting, or pride. In this context, Paul uses it in a negative sense, denoting self-glory or taking credit for one's spiritual standing before God. It encompasses any form of human pride that would arise from perceived merit or achievement in the realm of salvation.
* **Excluded (Greek, _ekkleíō'_):** Derived from G1576, meaning "to shut out" or "exclude." This is a strong and definitive verb, emphasizing that the possibility of human boasting is not merely diminished but completely and absolutely removed or shut out. It signifies a decisive and irreversible elimination of any basis for human pride in the process of justification.
* **Law (Greek, _nómos'_):** From G3551, this word can refer to a specific set of commandments (like the Mosaic Law) or, more broadly, to a principle, system, or way of operating. In Romans 3:27, Paul uses "law" in the latter sense, contrasting the "principle/system of works" (where human effort is the basis) with the "principle/system of faith" (where trust in God's grace is the basis). It's not about two different sets of rules, but two different fundamental approaches to righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Where [is] boasting then?"**: Paul opens with a rhetorical question, a common device in his arguments. He challenges the reader to consider the logical outcome of his preceding explanation of justification by faith. If salvation is by grace through faith, what room is left for human pride or self-congratulation? This question anticipates and disarms any human inclination to take credit.
* **"It is excluded."**: This is Paul's emphatic and definitive answer to his own question. The Greek term (ekkleíō) signifies a complete and decisive shutting out or removal. There is no ambiguity; any basis for human boasting in salvation is utterly and irrevocably eliminated by God's method of justification.
* **"By what law?"**: Paul poses another rhetorical question, probing the specific mechanism or principle by which boasting is excluded. He is not asking about a specific set of commandments, but about the governing rule or system that accomplishes this exclusion.
* **"of works? Nay:"**: Paul immediately rejects the "law of works" as the means by which boasting is excluded. A system based on human performance, obedience, or merit would inherently provide a basis for boasting, as individuals could point to their achievements. The emphatic "Nay" (ouchí) underscores his strong disagreement.
* **"but by the law of faith."**: This final clause provides the definitive answer. Boasting is excluded "by the law of faith," meaning by the principle or system where righteousness is received through trust in God's grace, rather than earned through human effort. This "law" or principle of faith ensures that all credit and glory belong to God, as salvation is entirely His gift.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 3:27 is rich in rhetorical and conceptual devices. Paul employs a **Rhetorical Question** ("Where is boasting then?") to engage the reader directly and to highlight the obvious conclusion of his argument, making the answer ("It is excluded") all the more impactful. The verse is built upon a stark **Antithesis** or contrast: the "law of works" versus the "law of faith." This juxtaposition effectively clarifies the two mutually exclusive paths to righteousness, one based on human effort and the other on divine grace. The term "law" (`nómos`) itself is used in a **Metonymical** sense, referring not to a legal code but to a governing principle or system of operation. By using "law" in this broader sense, Paul frames faith as the new, divinely ordained principle that governs humanity's relationship with God for salvation, replacing the old principle of works as a means of justification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 3:27 stands as a cornerstone of Pauline theology, profoundly articulating the nature of salvation as entirely a work of God's grace, received through faith, and utterly devoid of human merit. This truth ensures that all glory redounds to God alone, dismantling any human pride or self-congratulation. It underscores the radical difference between a covenant of works, where human performance could theoretically provide a basis for boasting, and the new covenant of grace, where Christ's perfect work is the sole foundation. This principle is foundational to understanding the gospel's humility and God's sovereignty in salvation.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith, Not Works")
* [1 Corinthians 1:29-31](/1_corinthians/1-29-31 "1 Corinthians 1:29-31 - Boasting in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 3:27 is a powerful reminder that the gospel is fundamentally about God's initiative and our humble response of faith, not about our own ability to perform or achieve righteousness. This truth should cultivate profound humility within every believer, eradicating any tendency to boast in our spiritual achievements, religious practices, or moral uprightness. Our standing before God is solely a gift, received through faith in Christ's finished work, which leaves no room for self-glory. This understanding also fosters a spirit of grace and non-judgment towards others, as we recognize that all believers, regardless of their background or perceived spiritual maturity, stand equally before God on the same basis of faith in Christ. It compels us to direct all praise and gratitude to God, who alone is worthy of glory for our salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Romans 3:27 challenge my natural inclination to take credit for my spiritual walk or achievements?**
* **In what areas of my life might I still be subtly relying on "works" rather than fully embracing the "law of faith"?**
* **How does the exclusion of boasting impact my relationships with other believers, fostering humility and unity rather than comparison or judgment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that all glory for my salvation and spiritual growth is consistently directed to God?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "law of faith" in contrast to "law of works"?**

Answer: Paul is not referring to two different sets of commandments or legal codes. Instead, he is using the term "law" (Greek: _nomos_) in a broader sense to mean a governing principle, system, or way of operation. The "law of works" refers to the principle that one could achieve righteousness or earn salvation through adherence to religious laws, moral performance, or human effort. This system would naturally allow for boasting, as individuals could claim credit for their obedience. In contrast, the "law of faith" refers to the principle or system where righteousness and salvation are received as a free gift from God, solely through trust (faith) in Jesus Christ and His atoning work. This system inherently excludes boasting because there is nothing a person has done to earn it; it is entirely God's gracious provision, received by humble reliance on Him. This contrast is central to Paul's argument for justification by grace through faith, as seen throughout [Romans](/romans "The Book of Romans") and [Galatians](/galatians "The Book of Galatians").

**Does this verse mean that good works are unimportant for Christians?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While Romans 3:27 emphatically states that salvation is not *by* works (as a means of earning righteousness), it does not diminish the importance of good works *after* salvation. Paul consistently teaches that believers are saved by grace through faith for the purpose of good works. As he states in [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works"), "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Good works are the natural and necessary fruit of genuine faith and a transformed life, not the root or cause of salvation. They serve as evidence of our faith and glorify God, but they never provide a basis for boasting before Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 3:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "law of faith" is not an abstract principle but is entirely centered on Christ as its object. It is through His perfect obedience, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection that God's righteousness is revealed and made available to humanity. Because Christ perfectly fulfilled the demands of the "law of works" on our behalf and then bore the penalty for our failure to do so ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - Christ Fulfills the Law")), our justification is entirely His accomplishment. There is no room for human boasting because our righteousness is not our own; it is Christ's righteousness imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). 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")), the propitiation through faith in His blood ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Therefore, any glory or credit for our salvation belongs solely to Christ, ensuring that "he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Boasting in the Lord")).

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 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.