Devine Scripture

Romans 3:23–24

What does Romans 3:23–24 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 3:23–24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 3:23–24 means

Romans 3:23

All have sinned and continue to fall short of God’s glory. Sin is not only breaking rules but failing to reflect God’s beauty and holiness as we were made to do. The verb suggests an ongoing shortfall—we are not merely people who sinned long ago; we continue to miss the mark of God’s perfect standard. This levels every claim to special standing. It prepares the heart to receive grace by dismantling illusions of adequacy. Our need is not partial but total. Therefore, the righteousness we require must come from outside ourselves. The only hope is a gift that restores us to favor and purpose before God.

Romans 3:24

Sinners are justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Justification is a legal declaration of righteousness, not a reward earned by works. “Freely” underscores that it is unmerited; “by his grace” grounds it in God’s generous favor; “through redemption” evokes the price paid to set captives free. Christ’s cross is that costly ransom. In him, God releases us from sin’s bondage and declares us right with himself. This is not cheap grace; it is grace paid for by Christ. The verse invites humble assurance: our standing rests not on our performance but on the finished work of Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For all have done wrong and are far from the glory of God; And they may have righteousness put to their credit, freely, by his grace, through the salvation which is in Christ Jesus:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for all did sin, and are come short of the glory of God-- being declared righteous freely by His grace through the redemption that <FI>is<Fi> in Christ Jesus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For all have sinned and do need the glory of God. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for all have sinned, and come short of the glory ofGod; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption which [is] in Christ Jesus;

Context

v.23Verse 23 grounds the universality of the offer in verse 22 by asserting the universality of the need: all have sinned and lack God’s glory. Verse 24 immediately supplies the good news: justification is given freely by God’s grace through Christ’s redemption. Verses 25–26 will unfold how this can be just, pointing to Christ’s propitiatory death as the demonstration of God’s righteousness. Then verses 27–31 will draw practical conclusions: there is no room for boasting, God is God of all peoples, and faith in no way nullifies the law but establishes it. This flow secures both grace and justice in God’s saving plan.

v.24After stating humanity’s universal sin (verse 23), Paul declares the divine remedy: justification as a free gift by grace through Christ’s redeeming work. Verses 25–26 will explain how this redemption satisfies God’s justice—Christ is set forth as a propitiation in his blood, validating God’s past forbearance and present righteousness in justification. With the ground of salvation established, verses 27–31 will answer the practical implications. Boasting is excluded, since faith—not works—is the means. One God justifies Jew and Gentile on the same basis. And faith does not cancel the law but establishes it by fulfilling its purpose and testimony.

v.22even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction;

v.23–24This passage

v.25whom God set forth to be a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God;

Cross references

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

  • Ecclesiastes 7:20

    Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:12

    to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.

  • Romans 5:2

    through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

  • Galatians 3:22

    But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

  • Romans 11:32

    For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:14

    whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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