Romans 3:4

KJV

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

KJV (with Strong's)

God forbid {G3361}{G1096}: yea {G1161}, let {G1096} God {G2316} be {G1096} true {G227}, but {G1161} every {G3956} man {G444} a liar {G5583}; as {G2531} it is written {G1125}, That {G3704} thou mightest {G302} be justified {G1344} in {G1722} thy {G4675} sayings {G3056}, and {G2532} mightest overcome {G3528} when {G1722} thou {G4571} art judged {G2919}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Heaven forbid! God would be true even if everyone were a liar! — as the Tanakh says,

“so that you, God, may be proved right in your words
and win the verdict when you are put on trial.”

Berean Standard Bible

Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.”

American Standard Version

God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 3:4 powerfully asserts the absolute and unwavering truthfulness of God, standing in stark contrast to the inherent unreliability and sinfulness of humanity. Paul emphatically declares that even if human unfaithfulness abounds, it can never diminish or nullify the faithfulness of God. This verse underscores God's steadfast character and His ultimate vindication, drawing on an Old Testament quotation to affirm that God's integrity and righteousness will always be upheld, regardless of human failings or judgments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 3:4 is an integral part of Paul's unfolding argument concerning the universal sinfulness of humanity and the necessity of justification by faith. Following the indictment of both Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32) and Jews (Romans 2:1-29) under the condemnation of sin, Paul anticipates and addresses potential Jewish objections in [Romans 3:1-8](/romans/3-1-8 "Romans 3:1-8 - Paul Addresses Jewish Objections"). Specifically, [Romans 3:1-2](/romans/3-1-2 "Romans 3:1-2 - The Advantage of the Jew") raises the question of the "advantage" of being a Jew, given the covenant and the Law. Paul concedes that there is indeed an advantage—primarily that "unto them were committed the oracles of God." However, [Romans 3:3](/romans/3-3 "Romans 3:3 - Jewish Unbelief") immediately counters with the problem of Jewish unbelief. Verse 4 serves as a vehement rebuttal to the idea that human unfaithfulness could somehow invalidate God's covenant promises or His character. The phrase "God forbid" (Greek: *mē genoito*) is a strong Pauline interjection used to emphatically dismiss a proposition, signaling a crucial theological point about God's unchangeable nature and the reliability of His word, which human sin cannot undermine. This sets the stage for Paul's declaration in [Romans 3:9-20](/romans/3-9-20 "Romans 3:9-20 - All Under Sin"), that "all are under sin," leading to the glorious revelation of God's righteousness through faith in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was grappling with the relationship between Judaism and Christianity, particularly the role of the Mosaic Law and the covenant with Israel. Many Jewish believers held that their lineage and adherence to the Law granted them a unique status before God. Paul, writing to a diverse church in Rome, needed to carefully navigate these tensions. The idea that God's faithfulness might be contingent on human obedience was a significant theological challenge. The Old Testament, particularly the Psalms, frequently extols God's truthfulness and faithfulness (e.g., [Psalm 89:1-2](/psalms/89-1-2 "Psalm 89:1-2 - God's Faithfulness Endures")). Paul's quotation in Romans 3:4 is from [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin"), specifically from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament), which was widely used in the early church. This quotation grounds Paul's theological assertion in the established scriptures of Israel, demonstrating that God's vindication and truthfulness, even in the face of human sin, is a consistent theme throughout salvation history. The cultural understanding of "truth" and "lying" in the ancient world often extended beyond mere verbal accuracy to encompass faithfulness, reliability, and integrity of character. Thus, "every man a liar" implies a fundamental unreliability and spiritual deceitfulness inherent in fallen humanity, contrasting sharply with the perfect integrity of God.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Romans and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Absolute Sovereignty and Unwavering Faithfulness of God**. Paul underscores that God's character and promises are not dependent on human performance or fidelity. His truth remains true, regardless of human unfaithfulness, as seen in [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful"). This theme is foundational to understanding God's covenant with Israel and His ultimate plan of salvation. Secondly, the verse highlights **Universal Human Sinfulness and Unreliability**. By declaring "every man a liar," Paul emphasizes the pervasive nature of sin, which renders humanity untrustworthy and incapable of perfectly upholding God's standards. This sets the stage for the need for divine intervention and a righteousness that comes from God, not from human effort, as elaborated in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Divine Justice and Vindication**. The Old Testament quote from [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin") illustrates that when God's actions or judgments are scrutinized, His truth and righteousness are ultimately proven, and He is shown to be just and victorious in His declarations. This theme of God's righteous judgment is central to Paul's argument throughout the first three chapters of [Romans](/romans/1 "The Book of Romans").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God forbid (Greek, _gínomai'_):** While "God forbid" translates the strong Greek negative *mē genoito* (literally "may it not be" or "let it not happen"), the verb *gínomai* (G1096) is crucial here. It means "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." In this context, it expresses a fervent wish that a certain state of affairs (God's truth being nullified by human unfaithfulness) should absolutely *not* come into existence. It's a powerful rejection of a theological absurdity, emphasizing the impossibility of human actions undermining divine attributes.
* **true (Greek, _alēthḗs'_):** This word (G227) comes from a root meaning "not concealing." It denotes that which is genuine, factual, and corresponds to reality. When applied to God, it signifies His absolute veracity, reliability, and integrity. God is not merely someone who speaks truth, but He *is* Truth itself. His nature is consistent, dependable, and without deceit, providing a firm foundation for faith.
* **liar (Greek, _pseústēs'_):** This term (G5583) refers to a falsifier or one who speaks falsehoods. However, in this theological context, "every man a liar" extends beyond mere verbal untruths. It signifies humanity's inherent unfaithfulness, unreliability, and spiritual deceitfulness due to sin. It points to a fundamental inability of humanity to live up to God's perfect standard of truth and faithfulness, contrasting sharply with God's perfect *alēthḗs*.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God forbid:"** This is Paul's emphatic rejection of the previous implied question: "Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" (Romans 3:3). The Greek *mē genoito* is a powerful, almost indignant, dismissal, indicating that the very thought is abhorrent and impossible. It sets a definitive boundary, asserting that human sin can never negate divine faithfulness.
* **"yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;"** This clause presents a stark and absolute contrast. It is a theological axiom: God's truthfulness is non-negotiable and supreme. "Let God be true" is a declaration of His inherent nature, not a command for Him to become true. Conversely, "every man a liar" highlights the universal condition of humanity's fallenness, unreliability, and inability to perfectly reflect God's truth and faithfulness. This is not necessarily about constant verbal deceit but about a fundamental spiritual unfaithfulness that permeates all of humanity.
* **"as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."** This introduces a quotation from the Septuagint version of [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin"). Paul uses this scripture to underscore the point that God's truth and righteousness are vindicated even when He is "judged" or questioned by humanity. David's confession in Psalm 51 acknowledges God's justice in condemning his sin, thereby justifying God's pronouncements ("sayings") and demonstrating His victory ("overcome") in any judgment or dispute concerning His character and actions. This confirms that God's truth is not only inherent but also demonstrably proven in His dealings with humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 3:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the absolute truth and faithfulness of God against the universal unreliability and sinfulness of humanity ("let God be true, but every man a liar"). This stark juxtaposition highlights the vast chasm between divine perfection and human fallenness. Paul also uses a **Rhetorical Question** (implied by the preceding verse) and an immediate, forceful **Exclamation** ("God forbid!") to dismiss any notion that human unfaithfulness could nullify God's truth. This interjection serves to heighten the dramatic impact and underscore the theological impossibility of such a scenario. Furthermore, the verse features a direct **Quotation/Allusion** to [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - David's Confession of Sin"), grounding Paul's theological assertion in the authoritative Old Testament scriptures. This use of scripture lends weight and divine authority to his argument, demonstrating the consistency of God's character throughout redemptive history. Finally, the phrase "every man a liar" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the pervasive and universal nature of human sinfulness and unreliability, rather than a literal statement about every individual's constant verbal deceit. This exaggeration serves to underscore the theological point about humanity's fallen state and its inability to stand righteous before God on its own merits.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 3:4 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of God and the human condition. It establishes God's absolute immutability and faithfulness as foundational truths, asserting that His character is not contingent upon human response. Even when humanity proves faithless or untruthful, God remains steadfastly true to Himself and His promises. This divine consistency provides the ultimate ground for hope and salvation, as human unreliability necessitates a righteousness that comes from God alone. The verse thus prepares the reader for Paul's exposition on justification by faith, where God's truthfulness is manifested not in condemning all humanity (though He is just in doing so), but in providing a means of salvation that upholds His justice while extending His mercy.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful Even When We Are Faithless")
* [Psalm 116:11](/psalms/116-11 "Psalm 116:11 - All Men Are Liars")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 3:4 offers profound comfort and a sobering call to humility. In a world often characterized by shifting truths, broken promises, and pervasive deceit, the declaration that "let God be true" provides an unshakeable anchor for our faith. It reminds us that our trust is not placed in the fallible promises of humans or the fleeting trends of culture, but in the unchanging, perfectly reliable character of God Himself. This truth should inspire confidence in His Word, His promises, and His plan for our lives, even when circumstances seem to contradict them or when our own faith falters. Furthermore, the stark reality that "every man a liar" serves as a crucial reminder of our inherent sinfulness and unreliability. This recognition should foster deep humility, preventing self-righteousness and driving us to depend entirely on God's grace and righteousness, rather than our own perceived merits. It challenges us to examine our own lives for areas where we might be untruthful, unfaithful, or unreliable, and to seek God's transforming power to align our character more closely with His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the absolute truthfulness of God, as declared in Romans 3:4, impact your trust in His promises and His Word, especially during times of doubt or uncertainty?**
* **In what ways does the statement "every man a liar" resonate with your understanding of human nature and the challenges of living faithfully in a fallen world?**
* **How does this verse deepen your appreciation for God's grace and the necessity of salvation through faith, given humanity's inherent unreliability?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "God forbid" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "God forbid" translates the Greek *mē genoito* (G3361, G1096), which is a very strong negative interjection. It literally means "may it never be," "let it not happen," or "certainly not!" Paul uses this phrase frequently in his letters (e.g., [Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Shall We Continue in Sin?"), [Galatians 2:17](/galatians/2-17 "Galatians 2:17 - If While Seeking to Be Justified in Christ, We Ourselves Are Found Sinners?")) to vehemently reject a false conclusion or an absurd implication that might be drawn from his preceding statements. In [Romans 3:4](/romans/3-4 "Romans 3:4 - God is True, Every Man a Liar"), it's a powerful dismissal of the idea that human unfaithfulness could in any way nullify or diminish the faithfulness and truth of God.

**If "every man a liar," does that mean all humans are constantly speaking falsehoods?**

Answer: While the word "liar" (Greek: *pseústēs*, G5583) can certainly refer to someone who speaks untruths, in this theological context, Paul's statement "every man a liar" goes deeper than mere verbal deceit. It speaks to the universal condition of human sinfulness and unreliability. Due to the Fall, humanity is inherently unfaithful to God, unable to perfectly uphold His righteous standards, and prone to spiritual deceit and rebellion. It highlights a fundamental spiritual untrustworthiness and a failure to live in accordance with God's truth. This deep-seated unreliability contrasts sharply with God's perfect and unwavering truthfulness, underscoring humanity's need for a righteousness that comes from outside themselves, found only in God. This concept is further developed in passages like [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10-18 "Romans 3:10-18 - No One Is Righteous").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 3:4, with its stark declaration of God's absolute truthfulness against the backdrop of universal human unreliability, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's truth, the perfect "Amen" to all of God's promises, as [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises Are Yes in Christ") proclaims. While "every man a liar" underscores humanity's inability to stand righteous before God, Christ alone lived a life of perfect truth and faithfulness, untainted by sin or deceit. He is the "way, the truth, and the life," and no one comes to the Father except through Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In His atoning sacrifice, God's truth and justice were perfectly upheld, for He "made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, God's truth is not compromised by forgiving sinners; rather, it is magnificently displayed in Christ's work, where God is both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). Christ's victory over sin and death, as He "mightest overcome when thou art judged," is the ultimate vindication of God's righteous plan, demonstrating His faithfulness even to faithless humanity.

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

Psalms 51:4

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.

Psalms 116:11

I said in my haste, All men [are] liars.

Galatians 2:17

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

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.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Job 36:3

I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.