Romans 3:7

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

For {G1063} if {G1487} the truth {G225} of God {G2316} hath more abounded {G4052} through {G1722} my {G1699} lie {G5582} unto {G1519} his {G846} glory {G1391}; why {G5101} yet {G2089} am {G2919} I also {G2504} judged {G2919} as {G5613} a sinner {G268}?

“But,” you say, “if, through my lie, God’s truth is enhanced and brings him greater glory, why am I still judged merely for being a sinner?”

However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?

But if the truth of God through my lie abounded unto his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?

Commentary

Romans 3:7 (KJV): "For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?"

Context

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's intricate argument in Romans chapters 1-3, where he systematically demonstrates the universal sinfulness of both Gentiles and Jews. Paul is addressing potential objections to his teaching. Here, he anticipates a perverse line of reasoning: if a person's sin (their "lie" or unrighteousness) somehow serves to highlight or increase the perception of God's truth and glory, why should that person still be judged and condemned? It's a rhetorical question presenting a flawed justification for sin, which Paul firmly rejects in the following verses.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Sin: Sin is characterized as a "lie" or falsehood, standing in opposition to God's truth. It is not merely a mistake but a deliberate deviation from divine righteousness.
  • God's Truth and Glory: God's truth and glory are ultimate realities that are not diminished by human sin; in fact, the contrast between human sinfulness and God's perfect righteousness can paradoxically serve to magnify His attributes, particularly His justice and grace (though this does not excuse the sin).
  • Flawed Justification for Sin: The verse articulates the faulty logic that one's sin could be beneficial or acceptable because it might indirectly highlight God's character. Paul utterly rejects this idea.
  • Divine Judgment: Despite the twisted logic presented, the verse underscores the reality that God's judgment on sin is just and inevitable for the unrighteous.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "lie" is the Greek word pseusma (ψεῦσμα), which means a falsehood or deceit. In this context, it represents any act of unrighteousness or deviation from God's truth. The phrase "hath more abounded" comes from perisseuo (περισσεύω), meaning to abound, overflow, or increase. This suggests that God's truth is seen more clearly or its abundance is emphasized *in contrast* to the background of human failure and sin, rather than being caused or improved by the sin itself.

Reflection and Application

Romans 3:7 challenges any attempt to rationalize our sin or excuse it by claiming it serves some greater purpose for God. Our unrighteousness is a lie against God's truth and rightly deserves judgment, as the wages of sin is death. While God can and does work all things together for His good purposes, even using the consequences of sin to display His attributes (like mercy and justice), this never makes the sin itself acceptable or removes personal culpability. We are called to pursue holiness and truth, not to think our failures somehow contribute positively to God's glory in a way that justifies us.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 3:4 (5 votes)

    God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

  • Romans 9:19 (3 votes)

    Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

  • Romans 9:20 (3 votes)

    Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?

  • Acts 13:27 (2 votes)

    For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning [him].

  • Acts 13:29 (2 votes)

    And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took [him] down from the tree, and laid [him] in a sepulchre.

  • 2 Kings 8:10 (1 votes)

    And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.

  • 2 Kings 8:15 (1 votes)

    And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped [it] in water, and spread [it] on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.