Devine Scripture

Romans 3:5

What does Romans 3:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 3:5 means

Paul entertains a human-style argument: if our unrighteousness ends up commending God’s righteousness, would it be unjust for God to inflict wrath? He introduces this thought only to expose its folly. To say God cannot judge because sin somehow serves to showcase his glory turns justice upside down and excuses evil. Paul will not let the mystery of God overruling evil for good be twisted into a license for sin or a charge against God’s character. The question is posed to be rejected. God’s wrath is not capricious but the fitting response of a holy Judge whose goodness does not make him indifferent to moral reality.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But if our unrighteousness commendeth the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who visiteth with wrath? (I speak after the manner of men.)

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But if our unrighteousness commendeth the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who visiteth with wrath? (I speak after the manner of men.)

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if the righteousness of God is supported by our wrongdoing what is to be said? is it wrong for God to be angry (as men may say)?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And, if our unrighteousness God's righteousness doth establish, what shall we say? is God unrighteous who is inflicting the wrath? (after the manner of a man I speak)

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if our injustice commend the justice of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust, who executeth wrath?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if our unrighteousness commendGod's righteousness, what shall we say? IsGod unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak according to man.

Context

Following his insistence on God’s truth and justice (verse 4), Paul addresses a common rationalization: if sin magnifies God’s righteousness, why punish sin? He cautions that he is speaking “after the manner of men,” signaling the argument’s flawed, human logic. Verse 6 will rebut it decisively, appealing to the basic belief that God judges the world. Verses 7–8 press the point further, exposing the absurdity and slander of saying, “Let us do evil that good may come.” With these evasions exposed, Paul returns in verse 9 to his main charge: every person, Jew and Greek alike, is under sin and without self-justifying defense before God.

v.4God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment.

v.5This passage

v.6God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

Cross references

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

  • Romans 3:19

    Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

  • Romans 12:19

    Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.

  • Romans 3:7

    But if the truth of God through my lie abounded unto his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?

  • Romans 8:20

    For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope

  • Deuteronomy 32:39

    See now that I, even I, am he, And there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; And there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

  • Nahum 1:2

    Jehovah is a jealous God and avengeth; Jehovah avengeth and is full of wrath; Jehovah taketh vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

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