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Romans 3:22

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Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Even {G1161} the righteousness {G1343} of God {G2316} which is by {G1223} faith {G4102} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} unto {G1519} all {G3956} and {G2532} upon {G1909} all {G3956} them that believe {G4100}: for {G1063} there is {G2076} no {G3756} difference {G1293}:

and it is a righteousness that comes from God, through the faithfulness of Yeshua the Messiah, to all who continue trusting. For it makes no difference whether one is a Jew or a Gentile,

And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,

even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction;

Commentary

Romans 3:22 (KJV): "Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"

Context

This verse is a pivotal point in Paul's letter to the Romans. Having established the universal sinfulness of humanity, both Jews and Gentiles (as summarized in Romans 3:23), Paul now introduces God's solution for salvation. The previous verses (Romans 3:21-26) describe a "righteousness of God" revealed apart from the law, highlighting the transition from justification by works to justification by faith in Christ Jesus.

Key Themes

  • The Righteousness of God: This refers not just to God's attribute of being righteous, but specifically to the righteous status that God provides to believers. It is a gift from God, not something earned.
  • By Faith of Jesus Christ: This righteousness is received through faith. The phrase "faith of Jesus Christ" can be understood as faith *in* Jesus Christ, or potentially the faithfulness *of* Jesus Christ. The common theological understanding is that it is received through personal trust and belief in Jesus. This method contrasts sharply with seeking righteousness through adherence to the law.
  • Unto All and Upon All Them That Believe: The offer of this God-given righteousness is extended universally ("unto all"), but it is only received and applied ("upon all") to those who actively believe in Jesus Christ.
  • For There is No Difference: This powerful statement emphasizes the equality of all people before God regarding salvation. Whether Jew or Gentile, educated or uneducated, rich or poor, salvation is available through the same means – faith in Jesus Christ. This reinforces the message that God's plan is for all humanity. See Galatians 3:28 for a similar statement on equality in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "righteousness of God" translates the Greek dikaiosynē theou (δικαιοσύνη θεοῦ). This term is central to Paul's theology in Romans and can carry the sense of both God's inherent justice and the just status He bestows upon believers. The phrase "by faith of Jesus Christ" uses the Greek dia pisteōs Iēsou Christou (διὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ). As noted, the genitive construction (Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ) can be interpreted as objective genitive (faith *in* Jesus Christ) or subjective genitive (the faithfulness *of* Jesus Christ). While the latter is a valid grammatical possibility and highlights Christ's perfect obedience, the broader context of Romans 3 and Paul's emphasis elsewhere strongly supports the interpretation of faith *in* Jesus Christ as the means of receiving this righteousness.

Practical Application

This verse provides immense assurance for believers. It teaches that our standing before God is not based on our performance but on the perfect righteousness of Christ received through faith. This truth leads to humility, as there is no room for boasting (as Romans 3:27 states), and fosters unity among believers from all backgrounds, recognizing that all are saved by the same grace through the same faith. It also fuels evangelism, reminding us that God's offer of righteousness is for "all" who will believe.

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

  • Romans 10:12 (20 votes)

    ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

  • Galatians 3:28 (18 votes)

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • Galatians 2:16 (14 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.

  • Romans 8:1 (14 votes)

    ¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

  • Colossians 3:11 (10 votes)

    Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

  • Romans 5:1 (10 votes)

    ¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

  • Romans 5:11 (10 votes)

    And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.