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Romans 3:28

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

Therefore {G3767} we conclude {G3049} that a man {G444} is justified {G1344} by faith {G4102} without {G5565} the deeds {G2041} of the law {G3551}.

Therefore, we hold the view that a person comes to be considered righteous by God on the ground of trusting, which has nothing to do with legalistic observance of Torah commands.

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Commentary

Commentary on Romans 3:28 (KJV)

Romans 3:28 is a foundational verse in Christian theology, summarizing the core message of the gospel as articulated by the Apostle Paul. It states, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

Context

This verse comes after Paul's extensive argument in the preceding chapters demonstrating the universal sinfulness of both Gentiles and Jews (see Romans 3:23). He shows that no one can be declared righteous before God based on their ability to perfectly keep the Mosaic Law or any other set of rules. The law reveals sin but cannot remove it or provide salvation. This verse presents God's solution to humanity's predicament: justification is available through a different means entirely.

Key Themes

  • Justification by Faith: The central theme is 'justification', which means being declared righteous or acquitted in God's sight. Paul emphatically states this declaration comes 'by faith'. This faith is not mere intellectual assent but a deep trust and reliance on God and His provision for salvation through Jesus Christ. This concept is central to the Christian understanding of salvation, contrasting sharply with attempts to earn favor with God through human effort.
  • Without the Deeds of the Law: The phrase "without the deeds of the law" is crucial. It highlights that justification is not earned or merited by obeying the commandments or rituals of the Mosaic Law, or indeed any human works. Paul argues that trying to be justified by works of the law is futile because no one keeps the law perfectly, and it shifts the focus from God's grace to human performance.
  • The Basis of Salvation: The verse firmly establishes that salvation and right standing with God are received as a gift through faith, not achieved through human merit or law-keeping. This aligns with the broader gospel message that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated 'justified' is dikaioō (δικαιόω). It's a legal term meaning "to declare righteous," "to acquit," or "to pronounce just." It's not about making someone inherently holy (though that is part of God's work), but about God's forensic declaration that a person stands righteous before Him. 'Faith' is from the Greek word pistis (πίστις), signifying trust, belief, and reliance.

Reflection

Romans 3:28 is a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is based on His grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, not on our ability to perfectly follow rules or perform good deeds. It frees believers from the burden of trying to earn God's approval and encourages them to rest in the finished work of Christ. While good works are a natural result of genuine faith and a transformed life, they are not the basis for our justification. Understanding this truth brings assurance and humility, pointing us always to the grace of God. Being justified by faith brings peace with God.

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

  • Titus 3:7 (10 votes)

    That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

  • Galatians 2:16 (10 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.

  • Galatians 3:8 (9 votes)

    And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed.

  • Galatians 3:24 (8 votes)

    Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

  • James 2:24 (7 votes)

    Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

  • Romans 3:26 (7 votes)

    To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

  • Philippians 3:9 (6 votes)

    ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: