Romans 3:21

← Romans 3:20 Romans 3:22 →

Romans 3:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.

King James Version KJV

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

American Standard Version ASV

But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Bible in Basic English BBE

But now without the law there is a revelation of the righteousness of God, to which witness is given by the law and the prophets;

Free Bible Version FBV

But now God's character of goodness and right has been demonstrated. It has nothing to do with law-keeping, even though it was spoken of by the law and the prophets.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But nowe is the righteousnesse, of God made manifest without the Lawe, hauing witnes of the Lawe and of the Prophets,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And now apart from law hath the righteousness of God been manifested, testified to by the law and the prophets,

World English Bible WEB

But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being testified by the law and the prophets;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But now without the law the justice of God is made manifest, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.

Translation for Translators T4T

But God’s ◄erasing the record of our sins/declaring us no longer guilty► does not depend on our obeying the laws that he gave Moses. It has now been {God has now} revealed to us how he erases the record of our sins by a different way. It was written about by Moses {Moses wrote about it} in the laws [PRS] God gave him, and it was also written about by the prophets {the prophets also wrote about it}.

Plain English Version PEV

But now it is different. God showed us a different way. And if we follow his way, he will be happy with us and say that we are all right. His way is not about that law, it is about us trusting Jesus Christ. God tells us about this in his book. God says that if we trust in Jesus, he will save us. It doesn’t matter who we are. God treats everybody the same.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 3:21

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Romans 3:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK νυνι δε χωρις νομου δικαιοσυνη θεου πεφανερωται μαρτυρουμενη υπο του νομου και των προφητων

νυνι nuni G3570 now Adv

δε de G1161 then Conj

χωρις chōris G5565 without Adv

νομου nomos G3551 law Noun-GSM

δικαιοσυνη dikaiosunē G1343 righteousness Noun-NSF

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

πεφανερωται phaneroō G5319 to reveal Verb-RPI-3S

μαρτυρουμενη martureō G3140 to testify Verb-PPP-NSF

υπο hupo G5259 by/under: by Prep

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

νομου nomos G3551 law Noun-GSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

προφητων prophētēs G4396 prophet Noun-GPM

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Romans 3:21

νυνι nuni G3570 "now" Adv

Now refers to the present time, as seen in Acts 24:13 and Romans 15:23. It is used to indicate something is happening at this moment.

Definition: νῦνί an Attic strengthened form of νῦν (in cl. always of time, and most often strictly of the pres.), [in LXX : Job.5:1-27, Psa.2:1-12, 1-12, 4Ma.4:1-26, Ep. Je* ;] now; __1. of time: with praes., Act.24:13, Rom.15:23, 25, 1Co.13:13, 2Co.8:11 8:22, Phm 9 11; with pf., Rom.3:21; with pret., Rom.6:22 11:30 (WH, mg.) Rom.7:6, Eph.2:13, Col.1:21 3:8; ἡ ν. ἀπολογία, Act.22:1. __2. Of logical sequence (not so in cl.): Rom.7:17, 1Co.5:11 (νῦν, WH) 1Co.12:18 (νῦν, WH, txt.) 1Co.15:20, Heb.8:6 (νῦν, WH, txt.), Heb.9:26 (cf. WM, 24, 579n).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: now See also: 1 Corinthians 12:18; Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 8:6.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

χωρις chōris G5565 "without" Adv

Without something, like in John 15:5 where Jesus says we can do nothing without him. It can also mean separately or apart from something.

Definition: χωρίς adv., __1. separately, apart: Jhn.20:7. __2. As prep., with genitive, __(a) separate from, apart from, without (practically equiv. to ἄνευ; see Field, Notes, 103): Mat.13:34, Mrk.4:34, Luk.6:49, Jhn.1:3 15:5, Rom.3:21, 28 4:6 7:8-9 10:14, 1Co.4:8 11:11, 2Co.12:3, Eph.2:12, Php.2:14, 1Ti.2:8 5:21, Phm 14, Heb.4:15 7:7, 20 9:7, 18 9:22, 28 10:25 11:6, 40 12:8, 14 (οὗ χωρίς; see Bl., § 82, 3), Jas.2:18, 20 2:26; __(b) besides: Mat.14:21 15:38, 2Co.11:28.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: beside, by itself, without See also: 1 Corinthians 4:8; James 2:20; Hebrews 4:15.

νομου nomos G3551 "law" Noun-GSM

The Greek word for law, referring to a set of rules or regulations, such as Moses' law or the law of Christ in Galatians 6:2.

Definition: νόμος, -ου, ὁ (νέμω, to deal out, distribute), [in LXX chiefly for תּוֹרָה, also for חֻקָּה, etc. ;] that which is assigned, hence, usage, custom, then law; in NT (only in Mt, Jo, Ja, and the Lucan and Pauline bks.); __1. of law in general: Rom.3:27 5:13b; pl., of divine laws, Heb.8:10 10:16; ὁ ν. τ. Χριστοῦ, Gal.6:2; (τ.) ἐλευθερίας, Jas.1:25 2:12; βασιλικιός (Hort., in l.; Deiss., LAE, 267:3), Jas.2:8. __2. Of a force or influence impelling to action: Rom.7:21, 23a, 25 8:2. __3. Of the Mosaic law: Mat.5:18, Luk.2:27, Jhn.1:17, Act.6:13, Rom.2:15, 1Co.9:8, 1Ti.1:8, Heb.7:19; al.; Μωυσέως, Luk.2:22, Jhn.7:23, Act.15:5, al.; κυρίου, Luk.2:39; κατὰ τὸν ν., Act.22:12, Heb.7:5 9:22. __4. As printed, Abbott-Smith mistakenly numbers this as 3.Anarthrous (Bl, §46, 8; ICC on Rom.2:12, 13), νόμος, __(a) of law in general: Rom.2:12, 14b 3:20, 21 4:15, al.; __(b) of the Mosaic law in its quality as law: Rom.2:14a 5:20 10:4, Gal.2:19, al.; οἱ ἐκ ν., Rom.4:14; ὑπὸ νόμον, 1Co.9:20, Gal.4:5; ν. πράσσειν (πληροῦν), Rom.2:25 13:8. __5. Of Christian teaching: ν. πίστεως, Rom.3:27; τ. Χριστοῦ, Gal.6:2. __6. By meton., of the books which contain the law; __(a) of the Pentateuch: Mat.12:5, Jhn.1:45, al.; ὁ ν. καὶ οἱ προφῆται, Mat.5:17, Luk.16:16, al.; ὁ ν. καὶ προφῆται κ. ψαλμοί, Luk.24:44. __(b) of the OT Scriptures in general (as Heb. תּוֹרָה): Jhn.10:34 12:34 15:25, 1Co.14:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: law See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; John 7:51; Hebrews 7:5.

δικαιοσυνη dikaiosunē G1343 "righteousness" Noun-NSF

Righteousness is about living according to God's will, as seen in Matthew 5:6 and Romans 4:3, where it's about being in right relationship with God.

Definition: δικαιοσύνη, -ης, ἡ (δίκαιος), [in LXX chiefly for צֶדֶק, and cognates, Gen.15:6, al., rarely for חֶסֶד, Gen.19:19 ;] the character of ὁ δίκαιος (which see) __1. in broad sense, righteousness, conformity to the Divine will in purpose, thought and action: Mat.5:6, Jhn.16:8, Act.13:10, Rom.4:3; λόγος δικαιοσύνης, teaching of r., Heb.5:13; βασιλεὺς δ. (cf. FlJ, BJ, vi, 10, β. δίκαιος), Heb.7:2; ὅπλα δ., Rom.6:13; ὁδὸς δ., Mat.21:32; θώραξ τῆς δ., Eph.6:14; διὰκονοι δ., 2Co.11:15; ὁσιότης καὶ δ., Luk.1:75, cf. Eph.4:24; ἀγαθωσύνῃ καὶ δ., Eph.5:9; δ. κ. εἰρήνη κ. χαρά, Rom.14:17; δ. κ. ἁγιασμός, 1Co.1:30; opposite to ἁμαρτία, Rom.8:10; ἀνομία, 2Co.6:14; άδικία, Rom.3:5; ποιεῖν τὴν δ., 1Jn.2:29 Jn 3:7; id. as an inclusive term for the active duties of the religious life (ICC, in l; Abbott, Essays, 73 ff), Mat.6:1; ἐργάζεσθαι δ., Act.10:35; διώκειν δ., 1Ti.6:11; πληροῦν πᾶσαν δ., Mat.3:15; ζῆν τῇ δ., 1Pe.2:24; δ. θεοῦ, a righteousness divine in its character and origin, Mat.6:33, Jas.1:20, (where it also includes the idea of God's personal r.; see ICC, on Rom.1:17) Rom.1:17 3:5, 21-26 10:3, 2Co.5:21, Php.3:9; ἡ δ. τ. πίσιεως, Rom.4:11; ἡ ἐκ π. δ., Rom.9:30; ἡ κατὰ π. δ., Heb.11:7; opposite to this is ἡ ἐκ νόμου δ., Rom.10:5; ἡ δ. ἐν ν., Php.3:6; ἡ ἰδία δ., Rom.10:3, cf. Php.3:9 __2. In narrower sense (cf. δίκαιος), justice: Act.17:31, 2Pe.1:1, Rev.19:11 (DCG, ii, 529 ff.; Cremer, 190, 690). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 86 NT verses. KJV: righteousness See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Luke 1:75; 1 Peter 2:24.

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

πεφανερωται phaneroō G5319 "to reveal" Verb-RPI-3S

This word means to reveal or make something visible, as in John 2:11 and Romans 1:19. It can be used to describe the act of making something clear or known, like in 1 Corinthians 4:5 and 2 Corinthians 2:14.

Definition: φανερόω, -ώ [in LXX: Jer.40:6 (33:6) (גָּלָה pi.) * ;] to make visible, clear, manifest or known: with accusative of thing(s), Jhn.2:11 17:6, Rom.1:19, 1Co.4:5, 2Co.2:14 11:6, Col.4:4, Tit.1:3; pass., Mrk.4:22, Jhn.3:21 9:3, Rom.3:21 16:26, 2Co.4:10-11, Eph.5:13, Col.1:26, 2Ti.1:10, Heb.9:8, 1Jn.3:2 Jn 4:9, Rev.3:18 15:4; with accusative of person(s), of Christ, Jhn.7:4 21:1; pass., 2Co.3:3 5:10-11, 1Jn.2:19; of Christ, Mrk.16:12, 14, Jhn.1:31 21:14, Col.3:4, 1Ti.3:16, Heb.9:26, 1Pe.1:20 5:4, 1Jn.1:2 (ἡ ζωή; see Westc., in l) 1Jn.2:28 Jn 3:2 Jn 3:5 Jn 3:8.† SYN.: see: ἀποκαλύπτω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 43 NT verses. KJV: appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:5; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 1:20.

μαρτυρουμενη martureō G3140 "to testify" Verb-PPP-NSF

To testify means to be a witness or give evidence, as seen in John and Acts where people testify about Jesus and their faith.

Definition: μαρτυρέω, -ῶ (μάρτυς), [in LXX chiefly for עֵד (עֵד (Gen.31:47-48, al.), also for עוּד hi. (Gen.43:3, La 2:13), עָנָה (Num.35:30) ;] __(a) prop., to be a witness, bear witness, testify: absol. (find., al.), Jhn.15:27, Act.26:5; parenthetical (Bl., § 79, 7; MM, xvi), 2Co.8:3; with dative of person(s) (comm. and incomm.; El., § 37, 2), Act.22:5, Heb.10:15; id. before ὅτι, Mat.23:31, Rom.10:2, al.; accusative and inf., Act.10:43; with accusative of thing(s) (cl.), Jhn.3:11, Rev.22:16, 20; with accusative cogn., before περί, Jhn.5:32, 1Jn.5:10; with dative of thing(s), Jhn.5:33, Act.14:3, al.; before περί, with genitive (of person(s) and of thing(s)), Jhn.1:7-8, 15 2:25 18:23 21:24, al.; id. before ὅτι, Jhn.5:36 7:7; ὅτι, Jhn.1:34 4:44 al.; ὅτι recit., Jhn.4:39; κατά before ὅτι, 1Co.15:15; pass., Heb.7:8; ptcp., Rom.3:21; impers., Heb.7:17; __(b) in late Gk., to witness favourably, give a good report, approve (Bl., § 54, 3; MM, xvi; Deiss., BS, 265): with dative of person(s), Luk.4:22; before ἐπί with dative of thing(s), Heb.11:4; pass., Act.6:3; before ἐν, 1Ti.5:10, Heb.11:2; διά, with genitive of thing(s), Heb.11:39; with genitive of person(s), Act.10:22, al.; impers., III Jn 12 (cf. ἐπι, συν-επι-, κατα-, συν-μαρτυρέω) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 73 NT verses. KJV: charge, give (evidence), bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness See also: 1 Corinthians 15:15; John 1:32; Hebrews 7:8.

υπο hupo G5259 "by/under: by" Prep

Under or by something, like under a person's authority, as in Matthew 8:9, or under a place, as in Luke 7:8.

Definition: ὑπό (before smooth breathing ὑπ᾽, Mat.8:9b, Luk.7:8b; before rough breathing ὑφ᾽, Rom.3:9; on the neglect of elision in Mt, Lk, ll. witha, Gal.3:22, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., iv), prep. with genitive, dative (not in NT), accusative __I. C. genitive, primarily of place, under, hence, metaphorically, of the efficient cause, by: after passive verbs, with genitive of person(s), Mat.1:22, Mrk.1:5, Luk.2:18, Jhn.14:21, Act.4:11, 1Co.1:11, Heb.3:4, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Mat.8:24, Luk.7:24, Rom.3:21, al.; with neut. verbs and verbs with pass, meaning, Mat.17:12, Mrk.5:26, 1Co.10:9, 10 1Th.2:14, al. __II. C. accusative, under; __1. of motion: Mat.5:15 8:8, Mrk.4:21, Luk.13:34; hence, metaphorically, of subjection, Rom.7:14, 1Co.15:27, Gal.3:22, 1Pe.5:6, al. __2. Of position: Jhn.1:49, Act.4:12, Rom.3:13, 1Co.10:1, al.; hence, metaphorically, under, subject to, Mat.8:9, Rom.3:9, 1Co.9:20, Gal.4:5, al. __3. Of time, about: Act.5:21. __III. In composition: under (ὑποδέω), hence, of subjection (ὑποτάσσω), compliance (ὑπακούω), secrecy (ὑποβάλλω), diminution (ὑποπνέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 209 NT verses. KJV: among, by, from, in, of, under, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; Hebrews 2:3; 1 Peter 2:4.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

νομου nomos G3551 "law" Noun-GSM

The Greek word for law, referring to a set of rules or regulations, such as Moses' law or the law of Christ in Galatians 6:2.

Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: law See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; John 7:51; Hebrews 7:5.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

προφητων prophētēs G4396 "prophet" Noun-GPM

A prophet is someone who acts as an interpreter of God's will, as seen in Matthew 5:12 and Romans 11:3. They speak forth God's message to others.

Definition: προφήτης, -ου, ὁ [πρόφημι, to speak forth), [in LXX chiefly for נָבִיא ;] one who acts as an interpreter or forth-teller of the Divine will (see Lft., Notes, 83f.; Tr., Syn., §vi), a prophet; __1. in cl. (Æsch., Hdt., Plat., al.), of the interpreters of oracles. __2. In NT, __(a) of the OT prophets: Mat.5:12, Mrk.6:15, Luk.4:27, Jhn.8:52, Rom.11:3, al.; __(b) of prophets in general: Mat.10:41 13:57 21:46, Mrk.6:4, Luk.13:33, al.; __(with) of John the Baptist: Mat.21:26, Mrk.6:15, Luk.1:76; __(d) of Christ: Mat.21:11, Jhn.6:14, Act.3:22, 23 7:37" (LXX) ; __(e) of Christian prophets in the apostolic age: Act.15:32, 1Co.12:28, Eph.2:20, al.; __(f) by meton., of the writings of prophets: Luk.24:27, Act.8:28, al.; __(g) of a poet: Tit.1:12 (on the use of the term in π. and Inscr., see Deiss., BS, 235f.; MM, xxii). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 142 NT verses. KJV: prophet See also: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Luke 9:19; 1 Peter 1:10.

Study Notes — Romans 3:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Romans 3:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Romans 3:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 3:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 3:21
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 3:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 3:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 3:21
Cambridge Bible on Romans 3:21
Barnes' Notes on Romans 3:21
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 3:21
Sermons on Romans 3:21

Context — Righteousness through Faith in Christ

19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

21But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.

22And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 10:43	All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
2	Jeremiah 33:16	In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely, and this is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
3	Philippians 3:9	and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
4	Jeremiah 23:5–6	Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
5	Isaiah 51:8	For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.”
6	Galatians 3:8	The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”
7	Isaiah 61:10	I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
8	Romans 10:3–4	Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.
9	Isaiah 46:13	I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor.
10	Romans 5:19	For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Romans 3:21 Summary

[This verse tells us that God has shown us how to be right with Him, and it's not by following a list of rules, but by trusting in Jesus Christ. As it says in Romans 3:22, this righteousness comes through faith in Jesus. The law and the prophets in the Bible pointed forward to Jesus, who would make us right with God. This means we can have a loving relationship with God, not because of what we do, but because of what Jesus has done for us, as seen in John 3:16.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the righteousness of God has been revealed apart from the law?

This means that God's plan for making people right with Himself is not based on following a set of rules, but rather through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 3:22 and supported by verses like Ephesians 2:8-9.

How can the Law and the Prophets attest to this righteousness if it is apart from the law?

The Law and the Prophets, such as in Isaiah 53:11 and Jeremiah 23:6, point forward to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would bring righteousness to God's people, demonstrating that God's plan was always to bring salvation through faith, not just law-keeping.

Does this mean that the law is no longer important?

No, the law is still important as it shows us our sin and our need for a Savior, as stated in Romans 3:20, but it is not the means by which we are made right with God; that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Romans 3:22 and Galatians 2:16.

How does this revelation of God's righteousness affect our relationship with God?

This revelation means that we can have a personal, loving relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, not based on our ability to keep rules, but on God's grace and love, as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I have tried to earn God's favor through my actions, and how can I shift my focus to faith in Jesus Christ?
How does the idea that God's righteousness is apart from the law change my understanding of salvation and my relationship with God?
In what ways can I apply the truth of Romans 3:21 to my daily life, trusting in God's righteousness rather than my own efforts?
What are some scriptures, like Isaiah 61:10, that speak of God's righteousness and how can they encourage my heart?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 3:21

But now the righteousness of God,.... The apostle having proved that all men are unrighteous, and that no man can be justified in the sight of God by his obedience, either to the law of nature or of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 3:21

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; But now - [ nuni (G3570) de (G1161)].

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 3:21

But now: q.d. Though justification be not by the law, yet it is to be obtained in another way, as follows. The righteousness of God: see . Without the law; inasmuch as the law, pressing obedience to be performed by us in our own persons, seems plainly ignorant of the righteousness of another imputed to us. Is manifested; this righteousness nevertheless is revealed plainly, now since the coming of Christ, and in the gospel, as in . Being witnessed by the law and the prophets; that there may be no suspicion of novelty: see ,47. The testimonies be refers to are very numerous: see 15:6 22:17,18 Isaiah 53 Jer 31:31,33 Da 9:24,25. See the same argument used, 26:22 28:23.

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 3:21

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Ver. 21. But now] Since Christ came.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 3:21

(21-26) This then introduces the solemn enunciation, repeated more fully from Romans 1:16-17, of the great subject of the Epistle, the declaration of that new scheme by which, through Christ, God had removed the guilt which the Law (whether Jewish or any other) could not remove.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 3:21

Verse 21. But now the righteousness of God] God's method of saving sinners is now shown, by the Gospel, to be through his own mere mercy, by Christ Jesus; without the law-without any right or claim which might result from obedience to the law; and is evidently that which was intended by God from the beginning; for it is witnessed by the law and the prophets-the rites and ceremonies of the one, and the preachings and predictions of the others, all bearing testimony to the great design of God, and to the absolute necessity there was for the sacrifice and salvation which God has provided.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 3:21

21–31. The Divine method of holy pardon, alike for all21. But now] i.e. “But as things are, as the fact is.”Here the great argument of Pardon and Salvation begins, to close with the triumphant words of Rom 8:37-39.the righteousness of God] See note on Romans 1:17. In Romans 3:5 this phrase had a reference different from that of most other passages in this Epistle[35]. Its meaning in that verse is modified and determined by the words “our unrighteousness,” which, by contrast, fix it to mean there the Divine veracity and fidelity. Here, and through the rest of this argument, it means the divinely-granted, and righteous, acceptance of believers. [35] See however the footnote there.without the law] “Apart from the code of precepts.” The best comment on this most important phrase is the rest of this chapter and Romans 4:4-8. The very essence of the argument here demands that the words should mean “to the total exclusion of any work of obedience of man’s from the matter of his justification.”is manifested] Lit. has been manifested; i.e. historically, “by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 1:10.witnessed by the law and the prophets] Its reality and virtue is by them attested, confirmed, to those who accept the O. T. as the Word of God.—“The Law” is here, by the context, the Pentateuch, with its prophecies of redemption, and its Levitical ritual, priesthood, and tabernacle, all which was (see the Epistle to the Hebrews) a “prophecy in act” of the “better things to come.”—“The Prophets,” including the Psalter, are full not only of direct predictions of the Redeemer and His Work, but of language of love and pardon from the Holy One which only that Work can reconcile with the awful sanctions of the moral law.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 3:21

But now - The apostle, having shown the entire failure of all attempts to be justified by the “Law,” whether among Jews or Gentiles, proceeds to state fully the plan of justification by Jesus Christ in the gospel.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 3:21

21. But—The small yet great hinging word on which the mighty argument turns—the transition point of the scheme and of the epistle.

Sermons on Romans 3:21

	Sermon	Description
	The Gospel, Possessions and Prosperity - Session 1 by David Platt	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel and its implications for our lives. He highlights five different threads of the gospel, emphasizin
	Genesis #11 Ch. Mazzaroth - Testimony of the Stars by Chuck Missler	In this video, Chuck Misler conducts a supplementary study on the book of Genesis, specifically focusing on the testimony of the stars. He acknowledges that this topic may be consi
	(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 1. God's So Great Salvation by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the topic of salvation, specifically in the book of Romans. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the depth and significance of salva
	(Postmodern Times) Faith in the Cross of Christ by D.A. Carson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land as described in the Bible. He highlights how the Israelites, despite witnessing numero
	Suicide by Jack Hayford	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the sin of suicide and its scriptural implications. He emphasizes that suicide is not an acceptable way to handle life's problems, as it goes
	America's Only Hope by Manley Beasley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of righteousness and sin in the lives of Christians. He expresses concern that many Christians today resemble the world in th
	Justification by Faith by John Murray	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the word of God. He highlights that when confronted with the message of the gospel, one is confronted with the vo