For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "from faith to faith" isn't just about faith growing stronger; it highlights that God's righteousness is revealed from the very act of faith and is aimed towards producing even more faith. This means faith isn't just a stepping stone, but the entire pathway God uses to reveal His righteous nature to us and then build within us.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul begins by declaring he is not ashamed of the gospel, explaining it's the powerful means of salvation for everyone who believes, first for the Jew and then for the Gentile. He then dives into the core of this gospel message: the righteousness of God is revealed through faith, which then leads to more faith, as the prophet Habakkuk foretold that the righteous person will live by faith.
Paul says 'the righteousness of God is revealed.' But what exactly is this righteousness, and why is it so crucial?
The phrase 'righteousness of God' is central to Romans. It doesn't primarily refer to God's own moral perfection (though that's the standard!). Instead, it points to a gift from God – a state of being declared righteous in His eyes.
A Gift, Not a Grasp
Paul describes this righteousness as being 'from faith to faith.' What does this dynamic, ongoing relationship look like in our lives?
The phrase 'from faith to faith' (or 'by faith unto faith' in some translations) speaks to the continuous nature of our relationship with God through Christ. It’s not a one-time event, but a life lived in dependence on Him.
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The Journey of Trust
The verse quotes Habakkuk: 'The righteous shall live by faith.' Why is this Old Testament declaration so critical for Paul's argument?
This quote from Habakkuk isn't just an ancient add-on; it's the foundational proof text for Paul's entire argument about righteousness and faith. It shows that this principle wasn't new with the Gospel but was God's way all along.
An Enduring Truth
Understand the original words
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
God's standard of holiness and moral perfection, or His act of justifying those who believe. It describes both God’s intrinsic character and His judicial declaration that a person is righteous.
This is the direct Old Testament quote Paul uses, foundational to the concept that righteousness is achieved through faithfulness to God's promises and character, not just through adherence to law.
Galatians 3:11Paul reiterates the principle from Habakkuk, emphasizing that 'the righteous shall live by faith,' underscoring that justification comes solely through faith, not through works of the law.
Hebrews 10:38This passage also quotes Habakkuk 2:4, highlighting that the righteous person, through faith and unwavering trust in God, will find life, contrasting with those who draw back.
Philippians 3:9Paul contrasts his own 'righteousness' (based on law-keeping) with the 'righteousness from God that depends on faith,' directly echoing the theme of Romans 1:17 and showing the personal application of this truth.
henryRomans 1:16-17: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
1:16,17 In these verses the apostle opens the design of the whole epistle, in which he brings forward a charge of sinfulness against all flesh; declares the only method of deliverance from condemnation, by faith in the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ; and then builds upon it purity of heart, grateful obedience, and ear…
meyerRomans 1:17: "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
Romans 1:17 illustrates and gives a reason for the foregoing affirmation: δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν εἰς σωτ . π . τ . πιστ ., which could not be the case, unless δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ κ . τ . λ [400] δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ ] That this does not denote, as in Romans 3:5 , an attribute of God,[401] is plain from the passage cited in proof from Habakkuk 2:4 , where, by necessity of the c…
The phrase "from faith to faith" isn't just about faith growing stronger; it highlights that God's righteousness is revealed from the very act of faith and is aimed towards producing even more faith. This means faith isn't just a stepping stone, but the entire pathway God uses to reveal His righteous nature to us and then build within us.
Paul begins by declaring he is not ashamed of the gospel, explaining it's the powerful means of salvation for everyone who believes, first for the Jew and then for the Gentile. He then dives into the core of this gospel message: the righteousness of God is revealed through faith, which then leads to more faith, as the prophet Habakkuk foretold that the righteous person will live by faith.
Paul begins by declaring he is not ashamed of the gospel, explaining it's the powerful means of salvation for everyone who believes, first for the Jew and then for the Gentile. He then dives into the core of this gospel message: the righteousness of God is revealed through faith, which then leads to more faith, as the prophet Habakkuk foretold that the righteous person will live by faith.
"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”" — The phrase "from faith to faith" isn't just about faith growing stronger; it highlights that God's righteousness is revealed from the very act of faith and is aimed towards producing even more fa…
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Last reviewed October 2026