Devine Scripture

Romans 3:22

What does Romans 3:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 3:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 3:22 means

This righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ and is extended to all who believe, without distinction. Faith is the hand that receives what God provides in Christ. It shifts trust from self to the Savior. Paul’s emphasis on “to all” and “no distinction” shows that the same door stands open to Jew and Gentile alike. The ground of acceptance is not ethnicity or performance, but Christ alone. This does not encourage presumption; it invites confidence in the sufficiency of Jesus. The universality of the offer matches the universality of the need. Since all are under sin, all must come the same way—by faith in Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

That is, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all those who have faith; and one man is not different from another,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the righteousness of God <FI>is<Fi> through the faith of Jesus Christ to all, and upon all those believing, --for there is no difference,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Even the justice of God, by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all, and upon all them that believe in him: for there is no distinction.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

righteousness ofGod by faith of Jesus Christ towards all, and upon all those who believe: for there is no difference;

Context

Following the unveiling of God’s righteousness apart from the law (verse 21), this verse identifies the instrument of receiving it—faith in Jesus Christ—and declares its universal reach. Verse 23 will justify that universality by reminding us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Verse 24 will state that justification is a free gift of grace through redemption in Christ. Verses 25–26 will explain how Christ’s blood, received by faith, propitiates God’s wrath and demonstrates his righteousness. The chapter’s final section (verses 27–31) will then explore how this excludes boasting, unites Jew and Gentile under one God, and upholds rather than nullifies the law.

v.21But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

v.22This passage

v.23for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 9:30

    What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith:

  • Matthew 22:11

    But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment:

  • Romans 2:1

    Wherefore thou art without excuse, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest dost practise the same things.

  • Luke 15:22

    But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

  • Galatians 3:28

    There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.

  • Romans 10:12

    For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him:

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