Bible Strands
Romans 3:26
He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile believers to clarify how God resolves the tension between His past patience and current justification. He speaks at a moment when the mechanics of divine justice and human boasting require precise explanation.
The words — ἔνδειξιν (endeixin) translates literally as “showing forth” and δικαιοσύνης (dikaiosunēs) as “righteousness.” These terms anchor the verse’s claim that God’s action is a visible demonstration of His moral character.
The thread — The linkage of demonstrated righteousness and faith-based justification runs through Deuteronomy 32:4, Romans 4:5, and Acts 13:38. Each passage connects God’s just nature to the proclamation and crediting of righteousness apart from human works.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to cease boasting in personal merit and place their trust exclusively in faith in Jesus. It demands acceptance that God remains just while simultaneously declaring believers righteous through Christ’s sacrifice.
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
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
- Romans 4:5 However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.
- Acts 13:38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
- Romans 3:30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.
- Psalms 85:10 Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.
- Isaiah 42:21 The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.
- Zephaniah 3:5 The LORD within her is righteous; He does no wrong. He applies His justice morning by morning; He does not fail at dawn, yet the unjust know no shame.
- Romans 8:33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
- Zephaniah 3:15 The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s King, the LORD, is among you; no longer will you fear any harm.
- Revelation 15:3 and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!