Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

ROMANS 3:25KJV
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Romans 3:25 (KJV)

What does Romans 3:25 mean?

Romans 3:25 says that God presented Jesus as a “propitiation” (a sacrifice that turns away wrath) through faith in his blood, to show God’s righteousness by forgiving sins committed in the past, because of God’s patience. This verse explains how God deals with sin and shows his justice while offering forgiveness.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, explaining how God’s plan in Jesus addresses the problem of human sin. Paul says that God did not ignore sins in the past but waited patiently, and now, through Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s righteousness and mercy are both made clear. The verse highlights both God’s justice and his willingness to forgive.

The Greek behind Romans 3:25

  • “propitiation” (ἱλαστήριον, hilastērion): This word refers to something that makes peace or turns away anger, often used for the “mercy seat” on the ark in the Jewish temple. Here, it means Jesus is the place or means by which God deals with sin.
  • “remission” (πάρεσιν, paresin): This word means “passing over” or “letting go” of sins. Paul is saying God did not punish sins right away but waited, showing patience.
  • “forbearance” (ἀνοχή, anochē): This word means restraint or holding back. It emphasizes that God delayed judgment on past sins, showing patience until the time of Jesus.

Why Romans 3:25 matters

  • Romans 3:25 clears up the idea that God ignored sin in the past; instead, God patiently waited to deal with it fully through Jesus.
  • The verse highlights that forgiveness is not automatic but comes “through faith in his blood,” stressing trust in what Jesus did.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s larger argument that both Jews and Gentiles need forgiveness and that God’s way of making people right with himself is open to all through Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“propitiation” Greek G2435 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 9:5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

“forbearance” Greek G463 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

“forth” Greek G4388 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you,(but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
  • Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

“declare” Greek G1732 · used in 4 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
  • Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.