Romans 1:17 (KJV)

What does Romans 1:17 mean?

Romans 1:17 says that God’s righteousness is made known in the gospel, and this righteousness is connected to faith from start to finish. The verse quotes, “The just shall live by faith,” showing that living in right relationship with God is based on trusting Him, not on human effort or law-keeping.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining the core message of the gospel he preaches. He points out that God’s way of making people right with Himself is revealed through faith, echoing a promise from the Old Testament. This sets up the main theme for the whole letter: faith is the foundation of a right relationship with God.

The Greek behind Romans 1:17

• δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, “righteousness”): This word refers to being in right standing with God. In this verse, it highlights that God’s own righteousness—His way of making people right—is what is revealed.
• ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν (ek pisteōs eis pistin, “from faith to faith”): This phrase is often understood as showing that faith is involved at every stage—from beginning to end—in receiving God’s righteousness.
• δίκαιος (dikaios, “just” or “righteous”): This word describes the person who is right with God. The verse says such a person “shall live by faith,” emphasizing trust in God rather than personal achievement.

Why Romans 1:17 matters

• Romans 1:17 clarifies that being right with God is not about following rules or traditions but about trusting Him, which was a major shift for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences.
• The verse connects the gospel to the Old Testament by quoting “The just shall live by faith,” showing continuity in God’s plan across the Bible.
• This statement introduces the main theme of Romans, preparing the reader for Paul’s detailed explanation of faith, grace, and righteousness throughout the letter.