Romans 3:21 (KJV)

What does Romans 3:21 mean?

Romans 3:21 says that now, apart from following the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed, and this new way is confirmed by both the law and the prophets. This means that being right with God is not about keeping religious rules, but about something God has shown in a different way.

Paul, the author, is writing to believers in Rome—both Jews and non-Jews—explaining how God’s way of making people righteous is not limited to the Jewish law. He emphasizes that this new revelation is not a break from the Old Testament, but is actually supported by it, showing continuity in God’s plan.

The Greek behind Romans 3:21

• δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, “righteousness”): This word means being in right standing with God. Here, it highlights that God’s righteousness is now accessible in a new way, not tied to law-keeping.
• χωρὶς (chōris, “without”): This word means “apart from” or “separate from.” Paul stresses that God’s righteousness is now revealed independently of the law, which would have been a major shift for Jewish listeners.
• μαρτυρουμένη (martyroumenē, “witnessed”): This word means “testified” or “witnessed.” Paul points out that the law and the prophets (the Old Testament) actually support this new way, so it is not a contradiction of what came before.

Why Romans 3:21 matters

• Romans 3:21 clears up the idea that people can earn God’s approval by following rules; it shows that God’s righteousness is available apart from the law.
• The verse connects the message of Jesus to the whole story of the Bible, showing that the Old Testament already pointed toward this new way.
• It marks a turning point in Paul’s letter, shifting from humanity’s problem with sin to God’s solution, setting up the explanation of faith and grace that follows.