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Romans 3:23

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For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

For {G1063} all {G3956} have sinned {G264}, and {G2532} come short {G5302} of the glory {G1391} of God {G2316};

since all have sinned and come short of earning God’s praise.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

Commentary

This pivotal verse in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans serves as a foundational statement regarding the human condition. It concisely summarizes the universal reality of sin and its consequence.

Context

Paul has meticulously built a case throughout the initial chapters of Romans, demonstrating that both Gentiles (Romans 1) and Jews (Romans 2 - 3:8) are under the power of sin and accountable to God. He quotes Old Testament scriptures in Romans 3:10-18 to further emphasize the pervasive nature of human unrighteousness. Verse 23 acts as a concluding summary statement for this section, establishing the universal need for God's righteousness, which is then introduced in the following verses (Romans 3:21ff).

Key Themes

  • Universal Sinfulness: The phrase "For all have sinned" emphatically declares that sin is not limited to a specific group or individual but is a condition affecting all humanity. This establishes a level playing field in terms of our need for salvation.
  • Falling Short of God's Glory: To "come short of the glory of God" means to fail to meet God's perfect standard, to fall short of the divine image or character humanity was created to reflect. It signifies a deficiency in achieving the purpose for which we were made and separation from God's perfect presence and approval.
  • The Need for Salvation: This verse clearly articulates *why* salvation is necessary. Because everyone has sinned and failed to meet God's standard, no one can achieve righteousness or restore their relationship with God through their own efforts.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "sinned" is hemartesan, meaning "to miss the mark." It's an archery term that signifies failing to hit the intended target. The word for "come short" is hysterountai, meaning "to be deficient," "to lack," or "to fall behind." Together, these words powerfully convey humanity's failure to live up to God's perfect standard and reflect His divine character or "glory" (doxan tou theou).

Significance and Application

Romans 3:23 is a foundational truth in Christian theology. It highlights the depth of human depravity and our inability to save ourselves. Understanding this verse is crucial because it leads directly to the good news that follows: God provides a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him, not based on human merit, but through grace by faith in Jesus Christ. This truth sets the stage for the doctrine of justification by faith, as explained in Romans 3:24-26. It reminds us that our hope lies entirely in God's provision, not in our own performance.

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

  • Ecclesiastes 7:20 (220 votes)

    For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

  • 1 John 1:8 (128 votes)

    ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

  • 1 John 1:10 (128 votes)

    If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

  • Romans 3:9 (63 votes)

    What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

  • Galatians 3:22 (58 votes)

    But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

  • Romans 11:32 (40 votes)

    For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:12 (23 votes)

    That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.