The Meaning of Romans 3:21 Explained

Romans 3:21

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

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

Darby: But now without law righteousness of God is manifested, borne witness to by the law and the prophets;

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

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does Romans 3:21 Mean?

Study Notes

righteousness of God
The righteousness of God is neither an attribute of God, not the changed character of the believer, but Christ Himself, who fully met in our stead and behalf every demand of the law, and who is, but the act of God called imputation Leviticus 25:50 ; James 2:23 , "made unto us. . righteousness" 1 Corinthians 1:30 .
"The believer in Christ is now, by grace, shrouded under so complete and blessed a righteousness that the law from Mt. Sinai can find neither fault nor diminution therein. This is that which is called the righteousness of God by faith."--Bunyan.
2 Corinthians 5:21 ; Romans 4:6 ; Romans 10:4 ; Philippians 3:9 ; Romans 3:26

Verse Meaning

In beginning the next section of his argument Paul returned to the major subject of this epistle, the righteousness of God ( Romans 3:21; cf. Romans 1:17). He also repeated the need for faith ( Romans 3:22; cf. Romans 1:16) and summarized his point that everyone is guilty before God ( Romans 3:22; cf. Romans 1:18 to Romans 3:20). This brief recapitulation introduces his explanation of the salvation that God provides for guilty sinners that follows.
"The first main division of the epistle forms a powerful negative argument for the second, and was evidently so intended. Since man is a sinner with no help in himself and none in the law, what is left to him but to look to the mercy of God? ... In a court of justice it is only after every defense has failed and the law itself has been shown to be broken, it is only at this point that the appeal is made to the judge for his clemency. The epistle has brought us to such a point." [1]

Context Summary

Romans 3:21-31 - All Freely Justified By Grace
From the universal need the Apostle turns to the all-sufficient remedy. The Law and the Prophets hinted dimly at justification by faith, but did not unveil it. God's way of justification is to impute righteousness to the believer. He places us in that position in law, before proceeding by the Holy Spirit to bring us into the condition of holiness. The perfect day is imputed to the dawn, the perfect flower to the seed, the finished picture to the crude sketch. As soon as we trust in Jesus we are viewed as standing in Him and justified before the Law; but before us lies the great work of assimilation to His perfect likeness by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
It is sin to come short, Romans 3:23; and who among us has fulfilled his possibilities of godlikeness? Romans 3:24; Genesis 1:26-27. Though justification costs us nothing but the sacrifice of our pride, it has cost Christ His own blood, Romans 3:25. The propitiatory, or mercy seat, was the golden lid of the Ark which the high priest sprinkled with blood. See Hebrews 9:5. Faith has no room in her household for vaunting and boasting, Romans 3:27. The Law is best honored when the Lawgiver, dwelling within us, fulfills it through us. [source]

Chapter Summary: Romans 3

1  The Jews prerogative;
3  which they have not lost;
9  howbeit the law convinces them also of sin;
20  therefore no one is justified by the law;
28  but all, without difference, by faith, only;
31  and yet the law is not abolished

Greek Commentary for Romans 3:21

But now apart from the law [νυνι δε χωρις νομου]
He now (νυνι — nuni emphatic logical transition) proceeds carefully in Romans 3:21-31 the nature of the God-kind of righteousness which stands manifested (δικαιοσυνη τεου πεπανερωται — dikaiosunē theou pephanerōtai perfect passive indicative of πανεροω — phaneroō to make manifest), the necessity of which he has shown in 1:18-3:20. This God kind of righteousness is “apart from law” of any kind and all of grace (χαριτι — chariti) as he will show in Romans 3:24. But it is not a new discovery on the part of Paul, but “witnessed by the law and the prophets” (μαρτυρουμενη — marturoumenē present passive participle, υπο του νομου και των προπητων — hupo tou nomou kai tōn prophētōn), made plain continuously by God himself. [source]
Now [νυνὶ]
Logical, not temporal. In this state of the case. Expressing the contrast between two relations - dependence on the law and non-dependence on the law. [source]
Without the law []
In a sphere different from that in which the law says “Do this and live.” [source]
Is manifested [πεφανέρωται]
Rev., hath been manifested, rendering the perfect tense more strictly. Hath been manifested and now lies open to view. See on John 21:1, and see on revelation, Revelation 1:1The word implies a previous hiding. See Mark 4:22; Colossians 1:26, Colossians 1:27. [source]
Being witnessed [μαρτυρουμένη]
Borne witness to; attested. The present participle indicates that this testimony is now being borne by the Old Testament to the new dispensation. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 3:21

John 21:1 Shewed [ἐφανέρωσεν]
This rendering might easily convey merely the sense of appearing; but its meaning is much deeper. Occurring frequently in the New Testament, it is used most frequently of God and Christ, or of men in their relation to these. Thus, of Christ in person while upon earth (Mark 16:12, Mark 16:14; John 1:31; John 2:11; 1 Peter 1:20; 1 John 1:2). Of the works of Christ (John 2:11; John 9:3; 1 John 3:5). Of Christ in redemption (1 John 3:5). Of Christ in His second coming (1 John 2:28). Of Christ in glory (1 John 3:2; Colossians 3:4). It is used of God. Of His revelation to men of the knowledge of Himself (Romans 1:19). Of His manifestation in Christ (1 Timothy 3:16). Of His righteousness (Romans 3:21). Of His love (1 John 4:9). It is used of men. As epistles manifesting the character and spirit of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:11). In the judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). In all these cases the appearing is not merely an appeal to sense, but is addressed to spiritual perception, and contemplates a moral and spiritual effect. It is the setting forth of the law or will or character of God; of the person or work of Christ; of the character or deeds of men, with a view to the disclosure of their quality and to the producing of a moral impression. Rev., manifested. [source]
Romans 16:26 By the scriptures of the prophets [δια γραπων προπητικων]
“By prophetic scriptures.” Witnessed by the law and the prophets (Romans 3:21). This thread runs all through Romans. According to the command of the eternal God (κατ επιταγην του αιωνιου τεου — kat' epitagēn tou aiōniou theou). Paul conceives that God is in charge of the redemptive work and gives his orders (Romans 1:1-5; Romans 10:15.). The same adjective αιωνιος — aiōnios is here applied to God that is used of eternal life and eternal punishment in Matthew 25:46. Unto obedience of faith See note on Romans 1:5. Made known unto all the nations (εις παντα τα ετνη γνωριστεντος — eis panta ta ethnē gnōristhentos). First aorist passive participle of γνωριζω — gnōrizō still the genitive case agreeing with μυστηριου — mustēriou in Romans 16:25. [source]
Romans 3:28 We reckon therefore [λογιζομετα ουν]
Present middle indicative. Westcott and Hort read γαρ — gar instead of ουν — oun “My fixed opinion” is. The accusative and infinitive construction occurs after λογιζομετα — logizometha here. On this verb λογιζομαι — logizomai see Romans 2:3; Romans 4:3.; Romans 8:18; Romans 14:14. Paul restates Romans 3:21. [source]
Romans 3:31 Nay, we establish the law [αλλα νομον ιστανομεν]
Present indicative active of late verb ιστανω — histanō from ιστημι — histēmi This Paul hinted at in Romans 3:21. How he will show in chapter 4 how Abraham himself is an example of faith and in his life illustrates the very point just made. Besides, apart from Christ and the help of the Holy Spirit no one can keep God‘s law. The Mosaic law is only workable by faith in Christ. [source]
Romans 8:4 Might be fulfilled [ινα πλερωτηι]
Purpose of the death of Christ by ινα — hina and first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροω — plēroō Christ met it all in our stead (Romans 3:21-26). Not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (μη κατα σαρκα αλλα κατα πνευμα — mē kata sarka alla kata pneuma). The two laws of life (κατα σαρκα — kata sarka in 7:7-24, κατα πνευμα — kata pneuma Romans 8:1-11). Most likely the Holy Spirit or else the renewed spirit of man. [source]
Romans 8:33 It is God that justifieth [τεος ο δικαιων]
God is the Judge who sets us right according to his plan for justification (Romans 3:21-31). The Accuser must face the Judge with his charges. [source]
Romans 3:21 But now apart from the law [νυνι δε χωρις νομου]
He now (νυνι — nuni emphatic logical transition) proceeds carefully in Romans 3:21-31 the nature of the God-kind of righteousness which stands manifested (δικαιοσυνη τεου πεπανερωται — dikaiosunē theou pephanerōtai perfect passive indicative of πανεροω — phaneroō to make manifest), the necessity of which he has shown in 1:18-3:20. This God kind of righteousness is “apart from law” of any kind and all of grace (χαριτι — chariti) as he will show in Romans 3:24. But it is not a new discovery on the part of Paul, but “witnessed by the law and the prophets” (μαρτυρουμενη — marturoumenē present passive participle, υπο του νομου και των προπητων — hupo tou nomou kai tōn prophētōn), made plain continuously by God himself. [source]
2 Corinthians 1:12 The testimony of our conscience [το μαρτυριον της συνειδησεως ημων]
In apposition with καυχησις — kauchēsis Sincerity of God (ειλικρινειαι του τεου — eilikrineiāi tou theou). Like δικαιοσυνη τεου — dikaiosunē theou (Romans 1:17; Romans 3:21), the God-kind of righteousness. So the God-kind (genitive case) of sincerity. Late word from ειλικρινης — eilikrinēs See note on 1 Corinthians 5:8. Not in fleshly wisdom See 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Corinthians 2:4, 1 Corinthians 2:13. Paul uses sarkikos five times and it occurs only twice elsewhere in N.T. See note on 1 Corinthians 3:3. We behaved ourselves (ουκ εν σοπιαι σαρκικηι — anestraphēmen). Second aorist passive indicative of anastrephō old verb, to turn back, to turn back and forth, to walk. Here the passive is used as in late Greek as if middle. More abundantly to you-ward They had more abundant opportunity to observe how scrupulous Paul was (Acts 18:11). [source]
2 Corinthians 1:12 Sincerity of God [ειλικρινειαι του τεου]
Like δικαιοσυνη τεου — dikaiosunē theou (Romans 1:17; Romans 3:21), the God-kind of righteousness. So the God-kind (genitive case) of sincerity. Late word from ειλικρινης — eilikrinēs See note on 1 Corinthians 5:8. [source]
Galatians 6:14 Hath been crucified unto me [εμοι εσταυρωται]
Perfect passive indicative of σταυροω — stauroō stands crucified, with the ethical dative again This is one of the great sayings of Paul concerning his relation to Christ and the world in contrast with the Judaizers. Cf. Galatians 2:19.; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:4.; 1 Corinthians 1:23.; Romans 1:16; Romans 3:21.; Romans 4:25; Romans 5:18. World (κοσμος — kosmos) has no article, but is definite as in 2 Corinthians 5:19. Paul‘s old world of Jewish descent and environment is dead to him (Philemon 3:3.). [source]
Ephesians 5:17 Understanding [συνιέντες]
See on prudent, Matthew 11:25; foolish, see on Romans 3:21. [source]
Colossians 3:4 Shall appear [φανερωθῇ]
Rev., correctly, shall be manifested. Compare 1 John 3:2, note. See on Romans 3:21. [source]
Hebrews 11:2 The elders obtained a good report [ἐμαρτυρηθήσαν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι]
The elders for the more common the fathers: the saints of the O.T. dispensation, many of whose names are recorded in this chapter. Εμαρτυρηθήσαν , lit. were borne witness to. God bore witness to them in the victory of their faith over all obstacles, and their characters and deeds as men of faith were recorded in Scripture. For this use of ματυρεῖν in the passive, see Acts 6:3; Acts 10:22; Acts 16:12; Romans 3:21; Hebrews 7:8, Hebrews 7:17. Notice that the statement in this verse does not begin the list of examples, which commences with Hebrews 11:4, but is closely attached to the definition in Hebrews 11:1as a comprehensive justification of it. [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 3:21 mean?

Now however apart from law [the] righteousness of God has been revealed being borne witness to by the and the Prophets
Νυνὶ δὲ χωρὶς νόμου δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ πεφανέρωται μαρτυρουμένη ὑπὸ τοῦ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν

Νυνὶ  Now 
Parse: Adverb
Root: νυνί  
Sense: now, at this very moment.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
χωρὶς  apart  from 
Parse: Preposition
Root: χωρίς  
Sense: separate, apart.
νόμου  law 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: νόμος  
Sense: anything established, anything received by usage, a custom, a law, a command.
δικαιοσύνη  [the]  righteousness 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: δικαιοσύνη  
Sense: in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
πεφανέρωται  has  been  revealed 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: φανερόω  
Sense: to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way.
μαρτυρουμένη  being  borne  witness  to 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: μαρτυρέω  
Sense: to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.
προφητῶν  Prophets 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: προφήτης  
Sense: in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things.