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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 3:21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/3-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/45_Rom_03_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 3:21 - Righteousness through Faith" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nkjv/romans/3.htm">New King James Version</a> But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, <a href="/nasb_/romans/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, <a href="/nasb/romans/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, <a href="/nasb77/romans/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, <a href="/lsb/romans/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, <a href="/amp/romans/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But now the righteousness of God has been clearly revealed [independently and completely] apart from the Law, though it is [actually] confirmed by the Law and the [words and writings of the] Prophets. <a href="/csb/romans/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/hcsb/romans/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But now, apart from the law, God&#8217s righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets <a href="/asv/romans/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; <a href="/cev/romans/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable, and it isn't by obeying the Law of Moses. <a href="/erv/romans/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; <a href="/gwt/romans/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Now, the way to receive God's approval has been made plain in a way other than Moses' Teachings. Moses' Teachings and the Prophets tell us this. <a href="/gnt/romans/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> But now God's way of putting people right with himself has been revealed. It has nothing to do with law, even though the Law of Moses and the prophets gave their witness to it. <a href="/isv/romans/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> But now, apart from the Law, God's righteousness is revealed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets— <a href="/msb/romans/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/net/romans/3.htm">NET Bible</a> But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (which is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed-- <a href="/nheb/romans/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the Law and the Prophets; <a href="/wbt/romans/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being testified by the law and the prophets; <a href="/wey/romans/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But now a righteousness coming from God has been brought to light apart from any Law, both Law and Prophets bearing witness to it-- <a href="/web/romans/3.htm">World English Bible</a> But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And now apart from law the righteousness of God has been revealed, testified to by the Law and the Prophets, <a href="/blb/romans/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But now apart from Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being borne witness to by the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/ylt/romans/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And now apart from law hath the righteousness of God been manifested, testified to by the law and the prophets, <a href="/slt/romans/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But now without law the justice of God has been made apparent, being testified by the law and by the prophets;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But now without the law the justice of God is made manifest, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. <a href="/cpdv/romans/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But now, without the law, the justice of God, to which the law and the prophets have testified, has been made manifest. <a href="/nabre/romans/3.htm">New American Bible</a> But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, <a href="/nrsvce/romans/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, and the very law and prophets testify to it; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But now the justice of God has been revealed without The Written Law and The Written Law and The Prophets testify of it.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But now, God's plan of justifying men without law is revealed, being attested by the law and the prophets; <a href="/godbey/romans/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And now the righteousness of God without law has been made manifest, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; <a href="/haweis/romans/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But now distinct from the law the righteousness of God is manifest, receiving testimony from the law and the prophets; <a href="/mace/romans/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but the divine justification certified by the law and the prophets, is now clearly proposed independently of the law: <a href="/wey/romans/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But now a righteousness coming from God has been brought to light apart from any Law, both Law and Prophets bearing witness to it-- <a href="/worrell/romans/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But now, apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; <a href="/worsley/romans/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But now, without the law, righteousness before God is manifested, being attested by the law and the prophets; <a href="/parallel/romans/3-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=733" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/3.htm">Righteousness through Faith</a> 20Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. 21<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3570.htm" title="3570: Nyni (Adv) -- A prolonged form of nun for emphasis; just now.">now,</a> <a href="/greek/5565.htm" title="5565: chōris (Prep) -- Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.">apart from</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/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynē (N-NFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">the righteousness</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God</a> <a href="/greek/5319.htm" title="5319: pephanerōtai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.">has been revealed,</a> <a href="/greek/3140.htm" title="3140: martyroumenē (V-PPM/P-NFS) -- To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.">as attested</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</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.">Law</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētōn (N-GMP) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">Prophets.</a> 22And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21-22</a> Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law. / But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a> God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a> For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” <a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Romans 10:3-4</a> Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. / For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes. <a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a> 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. <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a> 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. <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">Hebrews 11:7</a> By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. <a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Isaiah 53:11</a> After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. <a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Jeremiah 23:5-6</a> Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. <a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a> Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness. <a href="/habakkuk/2-4.htm">Habakkuk 2:4</a> Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith— <a href="/isaiah/45-24.htm">Isaiah 45:24-25</a> Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. / In the LORD all descendants of Israel will be justified and will exult. <a href="/psalms/32-1.htm">Psalm 32:1-2</a> Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit. <a href="/daniel/9-24.htm">Daniel 9:24</a> Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to stop their transgression, to put an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;righteousness.<a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a> For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.<a href="/romans/5-19.htm">Romans 5:19,21</a> For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous… <a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Romans 10:3,4</a> For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God… being.<a href="/deuteronomy/18-15.htm">Deuteronomy 18:15-19</a> The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; … <a href="/luke/24-44.htm">Luke 24:44</a> And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.<a href="/john/1-45.htm">John 1:45</a> Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.and the.<a href="/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2</a> (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)<a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Romans 16:26</a> But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:<a href="/acts/3-21.htm">Acts 3:21-25</a> Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/2-27.htm">Although</a> <a href="/romans/2-12.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/acts/27-27.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/1-19.htm">Manifested</a> <a href="/romans/1-2.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/romans/2-5.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/romans/2-5.htm">Revelation</a> <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Testified</a> <a href="/acts/26-5.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Witnessed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/5-7.htm">Although</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/romans/8-16.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/romans/9-22.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/romans/3-27.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Manifested</a> <a href="/romans/11-3.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Revelation</a> <a href="/romans/3-22.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-15.htm">Testified</a> <a href="/romans/8-16.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/romans/8-16.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Witnessed</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 3</div>1. <a href="/romans/3-1.htm">The Jews prerogative;</a> 3. <a href="/romans/3-3.htm">which they have not lost;</a> 9. <a href="/romans/3-9.htm">howbeit the law convinces them also of sin;</a> 20. <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">therefore no one is justified by the law;</a> 28. <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">but all, without difference, by faith, only;</a> 31. <a href="/romans/3-31.htm">and yet the law is not abolished.</a> </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'; 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It contrasts the previous discussion of humanity's universal sinfulness and the inability of the law to bring about righteousness. The "now" indicates a new era in salvation history, inaugurated by the coming of Jesus Christ.apart from the law This emphasizes that the righteousness of God is revealed independently of the Mosaic Law. The law, while holy and good, was unable to justify humanity. This statement underscores the idea that salvation is not based on adherence to the law but is a gift of grace through faith.the righteousness of God This refers to God's own righteousness, which He imparts to believers. It is a key theme in Romans, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His just nature. This righteousness is not earned but is given through faith in Jesus Christ.has been revealed The revelation of God's righteousness is made manifest in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This revelation was previously hidden but is now made clear through the gospel. It signifies the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.as attested by the Law and the Prophets This phrase indicates that the righteousness of God, though apart from the law, is not contrary to it. The Law and the Prophets, representing the Old Testament, bear witness to this righteousness. This connection shows continuity in God's plan, as the Old Testament foreshadowed the coming of Christ and the new covenant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> 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. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a> The city to which the letter was addressed, Rome was the center of the Roman Empire and home to a diverse Christian community. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a> Refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_prophets.htm">The Prophets</a> The Old Testament prophets who spoke God's word to the people of Israel, often pointing to the coming Messiah. 5. <a href="/topical/r/righteousness_of_god.htm">Righteousness of God</a> A central theme in Romans, referring to God's perfect standard of justice and holiness, now revealed through faith in Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/righteousness_apart_from_the_law.htm">Righteousness Apart from the Law</a> God's righteousness is not achieved through human effort or adherence to the Law but is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. <a href="/topical/f/fulfillment_of_the_law_and_the_prophets.htm">Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets</a> The Law and the Prophets bear witness to the righteousness of God, which is now fully revealed in Christ, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. <a href="/topical/f/faith_as_the_means_of_righteousness.htm">Faith as the Means of Righteousness</a> Emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus as the means by which believers are made righteous before God, apart from works. <a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_god's_righteousness.htm">The Universality of God's Righteousness</a> God's righteousness is available to all people, regardless of their background or adherence to the Law, underscoring the inclusivity of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_light_of_god's_righteousness.htm">Living in the Light of God's Righteousness</a> Encourage believers to live in a way that reflects God's righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and to share this message with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 3</a> <a href="/q/how_is_righteousness_apart_from_law.htm">(Romans 3:21–22) How do we reconcile the idea of being made righteous “apart from the law” with Old Testament passages that emphasize strict adherence to the law? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_21's_judgment_align_with_god's_mercy.htm">How can the severe judgment imagery in Ezekiel 21 be reconciled with teachings elsewhere in Scripture about God's mercy?</a> <a href="/q/when_was_nehemiah_written.htm">What does it mean Jesus became sin for us?</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_53_reflect_human_behavior.htm">Does Psalm 53’s universal condemnation of humanity accurately reflect observable human behavior and morality? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21-26) This then introduces the solemn enunciation, repeated more fully from <a href="/context/romans/1-16.htm" title="For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.">Romans 1:16-17</a>, of the great subject of the Epistle, the declaration of that new scheme by which, through Christ, God had removed the guilt which the Law (whether Jewish or any other) could not remove.(21-22) Such was the condition of the world up to the coming of Christ. But now, in contrast with the previous state of things, a new system has appeared upon the scene. In this system law is entirely put on one side, though the system itself was anticipated in and is attested by those very writings in which the Law was embodied. Law is now superseded, the great end of the Law, the introduction of righteousness, being accomplished in another way, viz., through faith in Christ, by which a state of righteousness is superinduced upon all believers.(21) But now.--In these latter days. The Apostle conceives of the history of the world as divided into periods; the period of the Gospel succeeds that of the Law, and to it the Apostle and his readers belong. (Comp. for this conception of the gospel, as manifested at a particular epoch of time, <a href="/context/romans/16-25.htm" title="Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,">Romans 16:25-26</a>; <a href="/acts/17-30.htm" title="And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:">Acts 17:30</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-23.htm" title="But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up to the faith which should afterwards be revealed.">Galatians 3:23</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-25.htm" title="But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.">Galatians 3:25</a>; <a href="/context/galatians/4-3.htm" title="Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:">Galatians 4:3-4</a>; <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm" title="That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:">Ephesians 1:10</a>; <a href="/context/ephesians/2-12.htm" title="That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:">Ephesians 2:12-13</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm" title=" And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled">Colossians 1:21</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-26.htm" title=" Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:">Colossians 1:26</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/2-6.htm" title="Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.">1Timothy 2:6</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-10.htm" title="But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:">2Timothy 1:10</a>; <a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm" title="God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,">Hebrews 1:1</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm" title="Who truly was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,">1Peter 1:20</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 21-31. - (4) The righteousness of God, manifested in Christ and apprehended by faith, is the sole remedy, and available for all. The position enunciated in <a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Romans 1:18</a> being now sufficiently established, the apostle enters here on his main argument, announced in <a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a>. Verse 21. - But now (νυνὶ here may have either its temporal sense of at the present time, or its logical sense of as things are. For its use in the latter sense, cf. <a href="/romans/7-17.htm">Romans 7:17</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/5-11.htm">1 Corinthians 5:11</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/13-13.htm">1 Corinthians 13:13</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-20.htm">1 Corinthians 15:20</a>) the righteousness of God without law (i.e. apart from law) is (or, has been) manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets. On the essential meaning of God's righteousness (Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνη), see on Romans 1:17, and Introduction. This passage, in which the thesis of <a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a> is formally enunciated, is consistent with this meaning; in confirmation of which observe vers. 25, 26, where δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ evidently means God's own righteousness, as also above, ver. 5. If this view is correct, there is no need to follow commentators into their discussions of the significance of χωρὶς νόμου in supposed connection with the idea of man's imputed righteousness; such as whether it is meant to declare justification through Christ to be without the aid of the Law - "sine legis adminiculo" (Calvin) - or to exclude all legal works, done before, or even after justification, from any share in the office of justification. However true these positions may be, what is said here seems simply to mean that God's righteousness has been manifested in Christ in a different way, and on a different principle, from that of law. The principle of law is to enjoin and forbid, and to require complete obedience; but law, even as exhibited in the Divine Law of the Jews, has been shown to fail to enable man thus to attain to δικαιοσύνη; therefore, apart from this exacting principle, the righteousness of God is now revealed to man, embracing him in itself. The absence of the article before νόμου here, and its insertion in the latter clause of the same verse, where the Mosaic Law is definitely referred to, is fully explained by what has been said above under Romans 2:13. Being witnessed, etc., is introduced parenthetically by way of intimating that this manifestation of God's righteousness, though "apart from law," is not in any opposition to the teaching of the Law and the prophets, being, in fact, anticipated by them. The proof of this appears afterwards in ch. 4. <a href="/commentaries/romans/3-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. now, Νυνὶ (Nyni) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3570.htm">Strong's 3570: </a> A prolonged form of nun for emphasis; just now. apart from χωρὶς (chōris) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5565.htm">Strong's 5565: </a> Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from. [the] Law, νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. [the] righteousness δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. of God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. has been revealed, πεφανέρωται (pephanerōtai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5319.htm">Strong's 5319: </a> To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent. as attested μαρτυρουμένη (martyroumenē) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3140.htm">Strong's 3140: </a> To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Prophets. προφητῶν (prophētōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">NT Letters: Romans 3:21 But now apart from the law (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/3-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 3:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 3:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/3-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 3:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 3:22" /></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>