Romans 3:17
What does Romans 3:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 3:17 means
The way of peace is unknown on these paths. Peace here is more than the absence of conflict; it is wholeness with God and neighbor. Sin blinds us to this way, so we choose strife, self-assertion, and division. Even our attempts at peace are often self-serving or superficial. This diagnosis explains why human efforts cannot create lasting shalom without a change of heart. God must reveal the way of peace and reconcile us to himself. Only then can peace flow outward. This verse points ahead to the Gospel that proclaims peace through Jesus Christ, who reconciles sinners to God and breaks down walls between people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the way of peace have they not known:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the way of peace have they not known:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the way of peace have they not known:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And of the way of peace they have no knowledge:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And a way of peace they did not know.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the way of peace they have not known.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and way of peace they have not known:
Context
After describing violent speech and action (verses 13–16), verse 17 sums up the character of sinful paths: they do not know peace. This statement leads to the root diagnosis in verse 18—no fear of God—closing Paul’s biblical proof of universal depravity. With the evidence established, Paul moves in verses 19–20 to the function of the law: to silence self-justification and bring knowledge of sin. That negative but necessary work prepares for verses 21–26, where peace with God becomes possible through the righteousness revealed apart from the law, received by faith in Jesus Christ, whose work satisfies God’s justice and brings reconciliation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 5:1
Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
- Isaiah 59:8
The way of peace they know not; and there is no justice in their goings: they have made them crooked paths; whosoever goeth therein doth not know peace.
- Isaiah 57:21
There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
- Luke 1:79
To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; To guide our feet into the way of peace.
- Matthew 7:14
For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.
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