Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

ROMANS 3:24KJV
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Romans 3:24 (KJV)

What does Romans 3:24 mean?

Romans 3:24 says that people are declared right with God as a free gift, not because of anything they have done, but because of God's kindness, made possible through what Jesus Christ accomplished. This verse emphasizes that being "justified"—made right with God—comes entirely from God's grace, through the redemption found in Jesus.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how everyone—regardless of background—can be made right with God. The verse follows a section where Paul has shown that all people fall short, and now he explains that God offers justification freely, not as something earned. The focus is on God's grace and Jesus' role in making this possible.

The Greek behind Romans 3:24

  • δικαιούμενοι (dikaioumenoi, "justified"): This word means to be declared righteous or made right with God. In this context, it is something done to people, not something they do for themselves.
  • δωρεάν (dōrean, "freely"): This word means "as a gift" or "without cost." It stresses that justification is not earned or deserved.
  • χάριτι (chariti, "grace"): This word refers to undeserved favor or kindness. Here, it highlights that God's action is motivated by generosity, not obligation.
  • ἀπολυτρώσεως (apolutrōseōs, "redemption"): This word carries the sense of being set free or released, often used for freeing slaves or prisoners. In this verse, it points to Jesus' work as the means by which people are set free from sin.

Why Romans 3:24 matters

  • Romans 3:24 clears up the idea that people can earn their way to God; it insists that being right with God is a gift, not a reward.
  • The verse highlights the central role of Jesus' work—described as "redemption"—as the means by which God's grace is given.
  • This verse connects to Paul's larger argument that both Jews and Gentiles are in need of grace and that God offers justification to all on the same basis.

Where else these words appear

“freely” Greek G1432 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

“redemption” Greek G629 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
  • Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
  • Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

“justified” Greek G1344 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
  • Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

“grace” Greek G5485 · used in 147 verses

  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.