Romans 3:27 (KJV)

What does Romans 3:27 mean?

Romans 3:27 says that there is no room for anyone to boast about their own achievements before God, because being accepted by God does not come from following rules or doing good works, but through faith. The verse makes clear that human pride has no place, since it is faith—not personal effort—that matters.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, explaining that both Jews and Gentiles are made right with God in the same way. In the surrounding verses, Paul has just finished showing that everyone falls short and that God’s acceptance is a gift. Romans 3:27 drives home the point that no one can claim credit for their salvation, since it comes by trusting God rather than by earning it.

The Greek behind Romans 3:27

• καύχησις (kauchēsis, "boasting"): This word refers to pride or taking credit for something. Paul uses it to challenge the idea that anyone can claim personal achievement before God.
• ἐξέκλεισθη (exekleisthē, "excluded"): This word means "shut out" or "eliminated," stressing that boasting is completely ruled out—there is no exception.
• νόμος (nomos, "law"): Here, "law" can mean a principle or rule, not just the Mosaic Law. Paul contrasts the "law of works" (earning by doing) with the "law of faith" (receiving by trusting).
• πίστις (pistis, "faith"): This word means trust or belief. Paul highlights that faith, not works, is the basis for being accepted by God.

Why Romans 3:27 matters

• Romans 3:27 corrects the common misunderstanding that people can earn God’s favor by their own good deeds or religious observance.
• The verse emphasizes that faith is the only way to be accepted by God, which is a central theme in Paul’s letter and a key difference from many religious systems of the time.
• Romans 3:27 connects to the larger argument that all people are equal before God, and that salvation is available to everyone on the same basis—by faith, not by background or performance.