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Romans 3:20

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Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.

Therefore {G1360} by {G1537} the deeds {G2041} of the law {G3551} there shall {G1344} no {G3956}{G3756} flesh {G4561} be justified {G1344} in his {G846} sight {G1799}: for {G1063} by {G1223} the law {G3551} is the knowledge {G1922} of sin {G266}.

For in his sight no one alive will be considered righteous on the ground of legalistic observance of Torah commands, because what Torah really does is show people how sinful they are.

Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.

Commentary

This verse, Romans 3:20, is a foundational statement in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, powerfully articulating the limitations of the Law of Moses in achieving salvation and highlighting its true purpose.

Context

Romans chapters 1-3 build a compelling case for the universal sinfulness of humanity, demonstrating that both Gentiles (without the Law) and Jews (under the Law) are accountable to God and fall short of His glory (see Romans 3:23). Paul argues that adherence to the Law, while revealing God's standards, cannot remove sin or make a person righteous in God's sight. This verse serves as a summary conclusion to this argument, setting the stage for the revelation of God's method of justification through faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Themes

  • The Law's Inability to Justify: The primary message is that obedience to the Law's commands cannot earn salvation or make a person righteous before God. "No flesh" (meaning no human being) can be justified this way.
  • Universal Sinfulness: The verse implicitly reinforces the idea that all people are sinners and therefore incapable of perfectly fulfilling the Law's demands.
  • The Law's Purpose: The Law's true function is not to provide salvation but to provide "the knowledge of sin." It reveals God's perfect standard and exposes humanity's failure to meet it, thus demonstrating the need for a different path to righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The word "justified" comes from the Greek word dikaioō (δικαιόω), which means to be declared righteous, acquitted, or put into a right relationship with God. Paul's point is that this state cannot be achieved through human effort in keeping the Law. The phrase "knowledge of sin" uses the Greek word epignōsis (ἐπίγνωσις), suggesting a full, clear knowledge or recognition of sin's reality and extent, brought about by the Law's clear commands and prohibitions.

Reflection

Romans 3:20 is crucial for understanding the New Testament's message of salvation by grace through faith. It frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our performance. Instead, it points us to the reality of our sinfulness and the necessity of God's provision for righteousness. The Law acts like a mirror, showing us our spiritual condition and driving us to the solution found in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Understanding this verse helps us appreciate the immense gift of justification by faith apart from works of the Law, as further explained by Paul (see Galatians 2:16).

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Galatians 2:16 (25 votes)

    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.

  • Acts 13:39 (19 votes)

    And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

  • Romans 3:28 (16 votes)

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

  • Galatians 2:19 (15 votes)

    For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

  • Romans 4:15 (14 votes)

    Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression.

  • Romans 9:32 (10 votes)

    Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

  • Romans 5:20 (9 votes)

    Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: