Romans 3:28

KJV

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} we conclude {G3049} that a man {G444} is justified {G1344} by faith {G4102} without {G5565} the deeds {G2041} of the law {G3551}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, we hold the view that a person comes to be considered righteous by God on the ground of trusting, which has nothing to do with legalistic observance of Torah commands.

Berean Standard Bible

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

American Standard Version

We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 3:28 stands as a pivotal declaration within Paul's epistle, encapsulating the profound truth of justification by faith. This verse succinctly asserts that humanity's right standing before God is not achieved through adherence to the Mosaic Law or any human works, but rather is graciously imputed solely through faith. It serves as the climactic conclusion to Paul's preceding arguments concerning universal sinfulness and the inability of the law to provide righteousness, pointing instead to God's divinely provided solution in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 3:28 is the theological zenith of Paul's argument from [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Sin") through [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin"). In these chapters, Paul meticulously establishes the universal culpability of all humanity—both Gentiles, who suppress the truth of God, and Jews, who possess the Law but fail to keep it perfectly. He demonstrates that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). The Law, Paul concludes in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Purpose of the Law"), serves not to justify, but to make sin known. Immediately preceding verse 28, Paul introduces God's righteousness revealed apart from the law, which is "through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe" ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith") functions as the conclusive summary of this grand theological exposition, affirming that the only path to righteousness is through faith, distinct from any legalistic performance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, was deeply steeped in the Jewish understanding of the Mosaic Law as the covenantal standard for righteousness and the means by which Israel distinguished itself as God's chosen people. For centuries, Jewish identity and piety were intricately linked to obedience to the Torah, including its ceremonial and moral precepts. Within this framework, "deeds of the law" (ἔργων νόμου) referred to the practices and commandments prescribed by the Law of Moses, which many Jews believed were essential for maintaining a right relationship with God and achieving salvation. Paul's radical assertion that justification comes "without the deeds of the law" directly challenged this deeply ingrained cultural and religious paradigm, particularly for Jewish Christians who struggled to reconcile their heritage with the freedom of the gospel. His message was revolutionary, positing that God's plan for righteousness transcended ethnic boundaries and legalistic requirements, making salvation accessible to all, Jew and Gentile alike, on the same basis of faith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes of the book of Romans and Christian theology at large. The primary theme is **Justification by Faith**, which is the declaration of a sinner as righteous in God's sight, not on the basis of their own merit, but on the basis of Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, received through faith. This stands in stark contrast to **Justification by Works of the Law**, which Paul systematically dismantles throughout [Romans 1-3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1-3 - The Universal Need for Righteousness"). The Law's inability to justify highlights the theme of **Universal Sinfulness**, emphasizing that all humanity is condemned under sin, necessitating a divine intervention for salvation. Consequently, the verse points to **God's Righteousness** as a gift, freely given, rather than something earned. This divine initiative underscores the theme of **Grace**, where salvation is a gratuitous act of God's love, not a reward for human effort. These themes are further developed as Paul continues to explain the implications of this new covenant reality in subsequent chapters, such as the freedom from sin's dominion in [Romans 6](/romans/6 "Romans 6 - Freedom from Sin") and the new life in the Spirit in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **conclude (Greek, _logízomai'_):** From G3049, meaning "to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively):--conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on)." Paul uses this term to signify a reasoned judgment or a logical deduction drawn from the preceding arguments. It implies a careful consideration of the evidence presented, leading to an undeniable conclusion about the nature of justification. This is not a mere opinion, but a theological summation.
* **justified (Greek, _dikaióō'_):** From G1344, meaning "from δίκαιος; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:--free, justify(-ier), be righteous." This is a forensic or legal term. It does not mean to "make righteous" in an ethical sense, but to "declare righteous," "acquit," or "pronounce innocent" in a court of law. When God justifies, He declares the sinner to be righteous in His sight, effectively removing the guilt and penalty of sin, and imputing Christ's righteousness.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From G4102, meaning "from πείθω; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity." In this context, "faith" is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, personal trust, reliance, and commitment to God and His saving work in Jesus Christ. It is the instrumental means by which God's righteousness is received.
* **deeds (Greek, _érgon'_):** From G2041, meaning "from a primary (but obsolete) (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act:--deed, doing, labour, work." Here, "deeds" specifically refers to the "deeds of the law" (G3551, _nómos_), meaning the actions or works prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Paul's point is that human effort, religious observance, or perfect adherence to legal codes cannot establish a righteous standing before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore we conclude":** This phrase, introduced by the Greek conjunction _oûn_ (G3767, "therefore"), signals a logical inference drawn from the extensive arguments presented in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Sin") through [Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Displayed"). Paul has systematically demonstrated the universal sinfulness of humanity and the inability of the Law to provide righteousness. "We conclude" (G3049, _logízomai_) indicates a reasoned and settled judgment, a definitive theological statement derived from the preceding evidence.
* **"that a man is justified by faith":** This is the central assertion. "A man" (G444, _ánthrōpos_) signifies any human being, emphasizing the universal scope of this truth. To be "justified" (G1344, _dikaióō_) means to be declared righteous in God's sight, acquitted of guilt and given a right standing before Him. The crucial instrumental means for this justification is "by faith" (G4102, _pístis_). This faith is not a work or a merit, but a trusting reliance upon God's provision in Christ, making it the sole channel through which God's grace is received.
* **"without the deeds of the law":** This phrase (G5565, _chōrís_ "without," G2041, _érgon_ "deeds," G3551, _nómos_ "law") is a decisive exclusion. It categorically denies that human effort, obedience to the Mosaic Law, or any other form of self-righteous performance contributes to one's justification. This is not to say that good works are unimportant for the believer, but rather that they are not the basis or means by which one is declared righteous before God. Justification is entirely a work of God, received by faith alone.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith") to underscore his theological argument. Foremost is **Antithesis**, a stark contrast between "faith" and "the deeds of the law." By placing these two concepts in direct opposition, Paul highlights that these are mutually exclusive paths to justification; one cannot be justified by both. This rhetorical strategy emphasizes the radical shift from a performance-based system to a grace-based one. Furthermore, Paul uses **Legal Language**, employing terms like "justified" and "conclude," which evoke the imagery of a courtroom. This frames God as the righteous Judge and humanity as the accused, making the declaration of "justified" a profound legal verdict of acquittal. The use of "Therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) at the beginning of the verse signifies **Logical Conclusion**, indicating that this statement is the inevitable and irrefutable outcome of his preceding arguments concerning universal sin and the Law's inability to save. This logical progression lends immense weight and authority to his declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 3:28 is a cornerstone of evangelical theology, articulating the doctrine of *sola fide* (faith alone), a central tenet of the Protestant Reformation. It clarifies that humanity's greatest need—reconciliation with a holy God—is met not by human striving or religious performance, but by God's gracious initiative, received through trust in Christ. This truth liberates believers from the impossible burden of earning salvation and places the full weight of redemption on the finished work of Jesus. It establishes a level playing field for all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, demonstrating that God's righteousness is available to all who believe, thereby dismantling any basis for boasting or self-righteousness. This profound theological truth undergirds the entire Christian understanding of salvation as a gift, fostering humility and profound gratitude.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")
* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification Not by Works")
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 3:28 offers immense spiritual nourishment and practical application for every believer. It serves as a constant reminder that our standing with God is not precarious, dependent on our daily performance or moral perfection, but is firmly grounded in His unmerited favor received through faith in Christ. This truth liberates us from the exhausting treadmill of trying to earn God's love or approval, fostering a deep sense of peace and security. It calls us to rest in the finished work of Jesus, acknowledging that our good works, while a vital outflow of genuine faith and gratitude, are never the basis for our justification. Instead, they become the joyful expression of a life transformed by grace. Understanding this verse cultivates humility, eradicates spiritual pride, and fuels a desire to live for God out of love, not out of a desperate need to prove ourselves. It encourages us to extend the same grace we have received to others, recognizing that all stand in equal need of God's saving power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding justification by faith alone free you from the burden of performance or self-righteousness in your relationship with God?**
* **In what ways might you still be subtly relying on "deeds of the law" (your own efforts, good behavior, or religious practices) rather than solely on Christ's work for your acceptance by God?**
* **If justification is by faith without works, what is the role of good works in the life of a believer, according to other New Testament passages?**
* **How does this truth impact your evangelism and your view of people from different religious or cultural backgrounds?**

### FAQ
**Does "without the deeds of the law" mean that good works are unimportant for Christians?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith") emphatically states that good works do not *justify* a person before God, it does not diminish their importance in the life of a believer. Paul consistently teaches that genuine faith, which justifies, will inevitably produce good works as its fruit. For example, in [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works"), Paul writes, "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 evidence of a transformed life, a demonstration of love for God and neighbor, and a means by which believers glorify God and serve His kingdom. They are the *result* of salvation, not the *means* to it. The distinction is crucial: we are saved *by* faith *for* good works, not *by* good works.

**What exactly does Paul mean by "the law" and "deeds of the law" in this context?**

Answer: In [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith"), "the law" (Greek: _nomos_) primarily refers to the Mosaic Law, the covenant given to Israel through Moses, encompassing its moral, ceremonial, and civil precepts. "Deeds of the law" (Greek: _erga nomou_) refers to the specific acts of obedience and religious observances prescribed by this Law. This includes practices like circumcision, dietary laws, Sabbath keeping, and adherence to the Ten Commandments. Paul's argument is that no one can perfectly keep the entire Law, and therefore, no one can be declared righteous by their own performance of these deeds. The Law's purpose, as Paul explains in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin"), is to reveal sin and demonstrate humanity's inability to meet God's perfect standard, thereby pointing to the need for a different kind of righteousness—one provided by God through faith in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 3:28 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "faith" by which a man is justified is not a generic belief, but a specific, saving faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the crucified and risen Savior. Christ is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law that humanity could not keep, living a sinless life of complete obedience to God ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). His death on the cross was the atoning sacrifice that fully satisfied the demands of God's justice, bearing the penalty for our sins ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the righteousness by which we are justified is not our own, but Christ's righteousness, imputed to us when we believe ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). 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 one in whom "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Therefore, [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith") is not merely a theological statement about how we are saved, but a glorious declaration of the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ's redemptive work as the sole basis for our acceptance before God.

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

Titus 3:7

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Galatians 2:16

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Galatians 3:8

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Galatians 3:24

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

James 2:24

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

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.

Philippians 3:9

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: