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Romans 3:20 Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.
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The law simply shows us how sinful we are.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore by works of <i>the</i> Law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through <i>the</i> Law <i>is</i> knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law <i>is</i> the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law <i>is</i> the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law <i>comes</i> knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law <i>comes</i> the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />because by the works of the Law NO FLESH WILL BE JUSTIFIED IN HIS SIGHT, for through the Law <i>comes</i> the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For no person will be justified [freed of guilt and declared righteous] in His sight by [trying to do] the works of the Law. For through the Law we become conscious of sin [and the recognition of sin directs us toward repentance, but provides no remedy for sin].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For no one will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For no one will be justified in His sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God doesn't accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Not one person can have God's approval by following Moses' Teachings. Moses' Teachings show what sin is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For no one is put right in God's sight by doing what the Law requires; what the Law does is to make us know that we have sinned. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, God will not justify any human being by means of the actions prescribed by the Law, for through the Law comes the full knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore by the deeds of the law, there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For on the ground of obedience to Law no man living will be declared righteous before Him. Law simply brings a sure knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for this reason by works of law will no flesh be declared righteous before Him, for through law is a knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore by works of <i>the</i> Law, not any flesh will be justified before Him; for through <i>the</i> Law <i>is</i> knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> wherefore by works of law shall no flesh be declared righteous before Him, for through law is a knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Therefore from the works of the law shall no flesh be justified before him: for by the law the knowledge of sin.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Because by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified before him. For by the law is the knowledge of sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For in his presence no flesh shall be justified by the works of the law. For knowledge of sin is through the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />since no human being will be justified in his sight by observing the law; for through the law comes consciousness of sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For by the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be justified before his presence: for by means of the law, sin is known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Because by works of The Written Law no one is justified before him, for by The Written Law sin has been made known.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, by works of law, no flesh shall be justified in his sight; for by law is the knowledge of sin.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore no flesh shall be justified by works of law: for through law there is a perfect knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified before God: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for by the observation of the law no one shall be justified in his sight, since it is the law that takes cognizance of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For on the ground of obedience to Law no man living will be declared righteous before Him. Law simply brings a sure knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />because, by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through <i>the</i> law <i>is</i> the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified before Him: for by the law <i>is</i> the knowledge of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/3-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=723" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/3.htm">There is No One Righteous</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1360.htm" title="1360: dioti (Conj) -- On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasa (Adj-NFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">one</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarx (N-NFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. "></a> <a href="/greek/1344.htm" title="1344: dikaiōthēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- From dikaios; to render just or innocent.">will be justified</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">in His sight</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergōn (N-GNP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">works</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">of the law.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">the law</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">merely brings</a> <a href="/greek/1922.htm" title="1922: epignōsis (N-NFS) -- From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.">awareness</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartias (N-GFS) -- From hamartano; a sin.">of sin.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a></span><br />know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10-11</a></span><br />All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” / Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24</a></span><br />So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a></span><br />and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a></span><br />For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-10.htm">James 2:10</a></span><br />Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Hebrews 10:1</a></span><br />For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-39.htm">Acts 13:39</a></span><br />Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">2 Corinthians 3:7-9</a></span><br />Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? / For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-17.htm">John 1:17</a></span><br />For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/143-2.htm">Psalm 143:2</a></span><br />Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a></span><br />We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a></span><br />The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a></span><br />But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.</p><p class="hdg">Therefore.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Romans 3:28</a></b></br> Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a></b></br> (For not the hearers of the law <i>are</i> just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Romans 4:13</a></b></br> For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, <i>was</i> not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.</p><p class="hdg">no flesh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/25-4.htm">Job 25:4</a></b></br> How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean <i>that is</i> born of a woman?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/130-3.htm">Psalm 130:3</a></b></br> If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/143-2.htm">Psalm 143:2</a></b></br> And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.</p><p class="hdg">in his sight.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-15.htm">Job 15:15</a></b></br> Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/25-5.htm">Job 25:5</a></b></br> Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.</p><p class="hdg">for by the.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Romans 7:7-9</a></b></br> What shall we say then? <i>Is</i> the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/2-19.htm">Galatians 2:19</a></b></br> For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/3-6.htm">Able</a> <a href="/romans/2-2.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/romans/2-16.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/acts/28-18.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Human</a> <a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Justified</a> <a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/romans/3-8.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Simply</a> <a href="/romans/3-9.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/romans/2-19.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/romans/2-10.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/4-21.htm">Able</a> <a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/romans/3-24.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/romans/4-1.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/3-27.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Human</a> <a href="/romans/3-24.htm">Justified</a> <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/romans/3-27.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/romans/3-31.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/romans/3-24.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/romans/3-29.htm">Simply</a> <a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/romans/4-22.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/romans/3-27.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/3-1.htm">The Jews prerogative;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/3-3.htm">which they have not lost;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/3-9.htm">howbeit the law convinces them also of sin;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/3-20.htm">therefore no one is justified by the law;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/3-28.htm">but all, without difference, by faith, only;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/3-31.htm">and yet the law is not abolished.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law.</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the futility of relying on the law for justification before God. In the context of Paul's letter to the Romans, he addresses both Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting that adherence to the Mosaic Law cannot achieve righteousness. Historically, the Jewish people held the law in high regard, believing it to be the path to righteousness. However, Paul argues that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through legalistic observance. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who fulfilled the law (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>) and offered a new covenant through His sacrifice. The concept of justification by faith is further supported in <a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a>, where Paul reiterates that no one is justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.<p><b>For the law merely brings awareness of sin.</b><br>The law serves as a mirror, reflecting humanity's sinful nature and inability to achieve God's standard of holiness. In <a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Romans 7:7</a>, Paul explains that the law reveals sin, such as coveting, which he would not have recognized without the law. This awareness is crucial because it underscores the need for a savior, pointing to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the law and the one who offers redemption. The law's role in highlighting sin is also seen in the Old Testament, where the sacrificial system was established to atone for sins, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Theologically, this phrase underscores the purpose of the law as a tutor leading to Christ (<a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24</a>), emphasizing that salvation is a gift of grace, not a result of human effort.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the capital of the Roman Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a></b><br>Refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/justification.htm">Justification</a></b><br>A theological term referring to being declared righteous before God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sin.htm">Sin</a></b><br>The moral failing or transgression against God's law, which the law reveals to humanity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_the_law.htm">The Purpose of the Law</a></b><br>The law serves to reveal sin, not to provide a means of justification. It acts as a mirror, showing us our need for a Savior.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justification_by_faith.htm">Justification by Faith</a></b><br>True justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human efforts or adherence to the law.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_sin.htm">Awareness of Sin</a></b><br>Understanding the law's role in highlighting sin should lead us to repentance and reliance on God's grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_grace.htm">The Role of Grace</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of grace in the Christian life, as it is by grace we are saved through faith, not by works.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_freedom.htm">Living in Freedom</a></b><br>Believers are called to live in the freedom that comes from being justified by faith, not bound by the law's condemnation.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Therefore.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">because.</span> All mankind alike owe the penalty for their sins. <span class= "ital">Because</span> not even the Law can protect its votaries. It has no power to justify. <span class= "ital">All</span> it can do is to expose in its true colours the sinfulness of sin.<p>The proposition is thrown into a general form: not by the works of the (Jewish) Law, but by "works of law"--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> by any works done in obedience to any law. Law, in the abstract, as such, is unable to justify. It might perhaps, we gather from later portions of the Epistle, if men could really keep it, but no law can be kept strictly and entirely.<p><span class= "bld">Knowledge of sin.</span>--"Full and thorough knowledge."<p>In the state anterior to law, man is not supposed to know what is sinful and what is not. Conscience, gradually developed, comes in to give him some insight into the distinction, but the full knowledge of right and wrong, in all its details, is reserved for the introduction of positive law. Law has, however, only this enlightening faculty; it holds the mirror up to guilt, but it cannot remove it.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/3-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Therefore</span><br /><span class="grk">διότι</span> <span class="translit">(dioti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1360.htm">Strong's 1360: </a> </span><span class="str2">On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="grk">πᾶσα</span> <span class="translit">(pasa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be justified</span><br /><span class="grk">δικαιωθήσεται</span> <span class="translit">(dikaiōthēsetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1344.htm">Strong's 1344: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dikaios; to render just or innocent.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in His sight</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐνώπιον</span> <span class="translit">(enōpion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξ</span> <span class="translit">(ex)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">works</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔργων</span> <span class="translit">(ergōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Law.</span><br /><span class="grk">νόμου</span> <span class="translit">(nomou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] Law</span><br /><span class="grk">νόμου</span> <span class="translit">(nomou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">merely brings</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">awareness</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπίγνωσις</span> <span class="translit">(epignōsis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1922.htm">Strong's 1922: </a> </span><span class="str2">From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of sin.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἁμαρτίας</span> <span class="translit">(hamartias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hamartano; a sin.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/3-20.htm">NT Letters: Romans 3:20 Because by the works of the law (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/3-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 3:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 3:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/3-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 3:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 3:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>