Romans 3:30

Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Seeing {G1897} it is one {G1520} God {G2316}, which {G3739} shall justify {G1344} the circumcision {G4061} by {G1537} faith {G4102}, and {G2532} uncircumcision {G203} through {G1223} faith {G4102}.

because, as you will admit, God is one. Therefore, he will consider righteous the circumcised on the ground of trusting and the uncircumcised through that same trusting.

since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.

Commentary

Romans 3:30 is a pivotal verse in Paul's argument concerning justification, emphasizing the universal scope of God's salvation through faith.

Context

This verse concludes a section (Romans 3:21-30) where Paul contrasts justification by works of the law with justification by faith in Jesus Christ. He has established that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, no one, Jew or Gentile, can be declared righteous by perfectly keeping the law. Paul introduces the concept of righteousness from God, available through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (Romans 3:22). Verse 30 serves as a concluding statement to this argument, highlighting the unity of God and the single path to righteousness.

Key Themes

  • The Unity of God: The phrase "one God" is central. It underscores that the God of the Jews is also the God of the Gentiles, dismantling any idea of separate deities or separate methods of salvation for different groups.
  • Justification by Faith: The core message is that righteousness (justification) is granted by God based on faith. Whether one comes from a background of circumcision (Jewish) or uncircumcision (Gentile), the means of being declared righteous is the same: faith in Christ.
  • Universal Salvation: This verse powerfully declares that God's plan of salvation through faith is for all people, regardless of ethnic or religious background. It breaks down the barrier between Jew and Gentile in terms of access to God's saving grace.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "by faith" for the circumcision and "through faith" for the uncircumcision. While some translations might use the same preposition for both, the Greek prepositions (ek for "by" and dia for "through") carry slightly different nuances, though in this context, they both signify faith as the instrumental means of justification. The emphasis remains on faith, not the background (circumcision status) of the believer.

Reflection

Romans 3:30 is a cornerstone verse emphasizing the non-discriminatory nature of God's grace. It challenges any system that would suggest a particular group has exclusive access to God based on their heritage or adherence to ritual. The same God who entered into covenant with Abraham and his descendants now justifies anyone – Jew or Gentile – who places their faith in Jesus Christ. This truth should lead to humility and unity among believers, recognizing that all are saved by the same grace through the same faith. It reinforces the message that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek (Galatians 3:28), but all are one in Him, justified by faith.

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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 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 3:20 (7 votes)

    Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one, but God is one.

  • Philippians 3:3 (6 votes)

    For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

  • Colossians 2:10 (5 votes)

    And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

  • Colossians 2:11 (5 votes)

    In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

  • Galatians 6:15 (4 votes)

    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

  • Galatians 2:14 (4 votes)

    But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?