Devine Scripture

Romans 3:26

What does Romans 3:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 3:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 3:26 means

God put forward Christ to demonstrate his righteousness now, so that he remains just while also justifying the one who has faith in Jesus. This verse resolves the great tension: how can God forgive sinners without denying justice? The answer is the cross. There, sin is punished in Christ our substitute, and sinners who believe are declared righteous. God’s justice is not bypassed; it is fulfilled. His grace is not cheap; it is blood-bought. Faith unites us to Christ so that what he accomplished counts for us. Thus, God’s glory shines in being both the uncompromising Judge and the merciful Justifier of those who trust his Son.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for the showing, I say, of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for the showing, I say, of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to make clear his righteousness now, so that he might himself be upright, and give righteousness to him who has faith in Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the shewing forth of His righteousness in the present time, for His being righteous, and declaring him righteous who <FI>is<Fi> of the faith of Jesus.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Through the forbearance of God, for the shewing of his justice in this time: that he himself may be just and the justifier of him who is of the faith of Jesus Christ

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for [the] shewing forth of his righteousness in the present time, so that he should be just, and justify him that is of [the] faith of Jesus.

Context

Completing the explanation begun in verse 25, this verse states the purpose and effect of Christ’s propitiatory work: to vindicate God’s righteousness in the present and to secure just justification for believers. With the theological foundation set, Paul now turns in verses 27–31 to the practical outcomes. There is no room for boasting, since justification is by faith, not works. One God justifies both Jew and Gentile on the same grounds. And far from nullifying the law, this faith establishes it by fulfilling its true aim and confirming its witness. The chapter thus moves from indictment, to atonement, to implications for community and law.

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;

v.26This passage

v.27Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 4:5

    But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

  • Galatians 3:8

    And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed.

  • Deuteronomy 32:4

    The Rock, his work is perfect; For all his ways are justice: A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, Just and right is he.

  • Romans 3:30

    if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.

  • Acts 13:38

    Be it known unto you therefore, brethren, that through this man is proclaimed unto you remission of sins:

  • Zephaniah 3:15

    Jehovah hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even Jehovah, is in the midst of thee; thou shalt not fear evil any more.

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