Bible Strands
Romans 3:17
and the way of peace they have not known.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church while cataloging the universal moral failure of both Jews and Gentiles. He delivers this line in the middle of a continuous indictment that opens in verse 10 and closes in verse 20.
The words — The Greek ὁδὸν (hodon) and εἰρήνης (eirēnēs) literally render "the way of peace." The verb ἔγνωσαν (egnōsan) paired with οὐκ (ouk) states a definitive negation: "they have not known."
The thread — This phrase directly quotes Isaiah 59:8 to show the continuity of prophetic judgment. It stands in contrast to the peace granted to believers in Romans 5:1 and the guidance of feet into the path of peace described in Luke 1:79.
Why it lands — The text states that unregenerate humanity lacks any innate capacity for true peace. It asks the reader to abandon self-justification and recognize that peace must come from outside the self.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And the way of peace have they not known:
Cross-references
- Isaiah 59:8 The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace.
- Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Luke 1:79 to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
- Matthew 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.
- Isaiah 57:21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”