Romans 10:4 (KJV)

What does Romans 10:4 mean?

Romans 10:4 says that Christ is the goal or completion of the law as a way to become righteous for everyone who believes in him. This means that, according to Paul, trusting in Christ is now the way people are made right with God, not following the law’s commands.

Paul is writing to both Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Rome, explaining how Jesus changes the way people relate to God’s law. In this verse, Paul sums up his teaching that faith in Christ, not law-keeping, is what brings righteousness. This statement comes in the middle of his discussion about Israel’s pursuit of righteousness and how it is now available to all through faith.

The Greek behind Romans 10:4

• τέλος (telos, "end" or "goal"): This Greek word can mean "end," "goal," or "completion." Here, it suggests that Christ is the intended outcome or fulfillment of the law, not just the stopping point.
• νόμος (nomos, "law"): Refers to the Jewish law, especially the commandments given through Moses. Paul is addressing how the law’s role changes with Christ.
• δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, "righteousness"): This word means being made right or just before God. Paul connects it to faith rather than law-keeping.
• πιστεύων (pisteuōn, "believeth"): This is about ongoing trust or faith. Paul emphasizes that this righteousness is for everyone who continues to believe, not just for a particular group.

Why Romans 10:4 matters

• Romans 10:4 helps clear up the idea that Christians must keep the Jewish law to be accepted by God, showing that faith in Christ is now central.
• The verse highlights Paul’s teaching that Jesus fulfills what the law pointed toward, shifting the focus from rule-keeping to trust in Christ.
• This verse connects to Paul’s larger argument in Romans about how both Jews and Gentiles can be made right with God on the same basis—faith, not heritage or works.