Romans 3:3

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

For {G1063} what {G5101} if {G1487} some {G5100} did not believe {G569}?{G3361} shall {G2673} their {G846} unbelief {G570} make {G2673} the faith {G4102} of God {G2316} without effect {G2673}?

If some of them were unfaithful, so what? Does their faithlessness cancel God’s faithfulness?

What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?

For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God?

Commentary

Romans 3:3 is a verse from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, where he is laying the foundational arguments for human sinfulness and God's righteousness. In this verse, he addresses a potential objection regarding the value of God's covenant with Israel, given that many Jews did not believe.

Context

Leading up to this verse, Paul has established that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin (Romans 3:9). However, he first acknowledges the specific advantages given to the Jews, particularly in receiving God's oracles (Romans 3:2). This verse anticipates a challenge: if some of those entrusted with God's word failed to believe it, does that failure somehow invalidate God's faithfulness or His promises?

Key Themes

  • God's Faithfulness vs. Human Unbelief: The central contrast is between the steadfast character of God and the wavering nature of human belief.
  • The Reliability of God's Word: The verse asserts that the failure of humans to believe does not diminish the truth or effectiveness of God's promises or plan. God remains true to Himself and His word, regardless of human response.
  • God's Immutability: God's nature and purposes are not contingent upon human actions or faith; He is unchanging and always faithful.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the faith of God" (Greek: pistis theou) in the KJV can be interpreted in two primary ways: human faith directed towards God, or God's own faithfulness. In this context, given the contrast with human "unbelief," the latter interpretation—God's faithfulness or reliability—is the most fitting and widely accepted understanding. Paul is emphasizing that God's fidelity is not undermined by human infidelity.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers profound assurance. It teaches us that our own doubts, failures, or even the widespread unbelief in the world, do not negate the reality of God or the truth of His word. God's character is constant, and His promises are sure, independent of whether we or others believe them. This provides a firm foundation for faith, reminding us that the effectiveness of God's plan rests on His perfect faithfulness, not on our imperfect belief. It echoes the truth found elsewhere that God remains faithful, even if we are faithless, for He cannot deny Himself.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 2:13 (25 votes)

    If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

  • Hebrews 4:2 (18 votes)

    For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].

  • Romans 9:6 (12 votes)

    ¶ Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:

  • Isaiah 55:11 (6 votes)

    So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.

  • Romans 10:16 (5 votes)

    But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (5 votes)

    We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

  • 1 Samuel 15:29 (5 votes)

    And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent.