Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

ROMANS 3:28KJV
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Romans 3:28 (KJV)

What does Romans 3:28 mean?

Romans 3:28 says that a person is considered right with God because of faith, not by doing the works required by the law. This verse highlights that being justified—declared righteous—comes through trusting God, not by following religious rules or rituals.

Paul, the author of Romans, is writing to both Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Rome. He is explaining that no one can earn a right standing with God by keeping the Jewish law; instead, faith is what matters. This statement is part of a larger argument showing that all people, regardless of background, are offered the same way to be made right with God.

The Greek behind Romans 3:28

  • δικαιοῦται (dikaioutai, "justified"): This word means to be declared righteous or in right standing. In this context, it is about God’s verdict, not about someone becoming morally perfect.
  • πίστις (pistis, "faith"): This term often means trust or confidence, especially in God’s promises. Here, it emphasizes reliance on God rather than on one’s own efforts.
  • ἔργων (ergōn, "deeds"): This word refers to actions or works, especially those required by the Jewish law. Paul is making it clear that these actions are not the basis for being justified.
  • νόμου (nomou, "law"): This refers to the Jewish law, especially the commands given through Moses. Paul is saying that following these rules is not what justifies a person.

Why Romans 3:28 matters

  • Romans 3:28 clarifies that justification is not about earning God’s approval through religious performance, which was a common misunderstanding among Paul’s audience.
  • This verse marks a turning point in Paul’s letter, showing that the way to be right with God is open to everyone, not just those who follow the Jewish law.
  • Romans 3:28 helps set the stage for later discussions in Romans about the role of faith, grace, and the purpose of the law, making it a key verse for understanding Paul’s message.

Where else these words appear

“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 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ 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.

“without” Greek G5565 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
  • Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
  • Hebrews 7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

“conclude” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.