Romans 3:20
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The law doesn't justify us because its true purpose is to reveal our sinfulness, showing us how far we fall short of God's perfect standard. Rather than making us righteous, it highlights our need for something beyond our own efforts—a revelation of God's own righteousness found elsewhere.
Paul is dismantling the idea that anyone can earn God's approval by following the Law. He's just shown that both Jews and Gentiles fall short of God's standards, and that the Law itself actually highlights their sinfulness rather than providing a path to righteousness. Therefore, no one, absolutely no one, can stand before God and claim to be "right" based on their own efforts to obey any law.
We often think of 'the law' as rules to follow for God's approval. But what if its main job is something else entirely?
Paul makes a powerful statement here: 'by the law comes knowledge of sin.' This isn't just about knowing that sin exists, but a deep, personal realization of our own sinful state.
If the Law reveals our sin, can we ever 'earn' our way to being declared righteous by God?
The verse clearly states, 'by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight.' This is a radical concept that shatters any notion of achieving salvation through our own efforts.
Understand the original words
erga nomou · Greek Noun Phrase
Human efforts or religious observances performed in an attempt to earn God's favor or merit salvation. The Bible consistently contrasts these with the gift of grace received through faith.
dikaioō · Greek Verb
To be declared righteous, acquitted, or set in a right legal standing before God. It is a forensic act of God based solely on faith in Jesus Christ, not personal merit.
hamartia · Greek Noun
A missing of the mark; the violation of God’s moral law and the inherent condition of rebellion against His character and commands.
Paul is writing to a community grappling with the relationship between God's Law and salvation. The historical context of the Mosaic Law's establishment and subsequent interpretation, contrasted with Jesus' fulfillment and the early church's understanding of faith, directly shapes Paul's argument that perfect adherence to the Law is impossible and that true righteousness comes through Christ alone.
c. 1500 BC - 400 BC
The Law Given to Israel
God gives the Mosaic Law to Israel, encompassing moral, civil, and ceremonial commands. This Law is intended to guide their lives and set them apart.
c. 400 BC - AD 1
The Law Interpreted and Applied
Over centuries, Jewish leaders and scholars developed extensive interpretations and applications of the Law, often emphasizing meticulous observance of its rules.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Jesus fulfills the Law and teaches a radical interpretation, emphasizing the heart's intent over mere external actions, often challenging the self-righteousness of religious leaders.
c. AD 33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus' death and resurrection provide the ultimate atonement, demonstrating that justification comes through faith in Him, not by adherence to the Law.
This passage directly echoes Romans 3:20, stating that 'all who rely on works of the law are under a curse,' emphasizing that the law's purpose is not justification but condemnation for disobedience.
Galatians 3:23-25These verses explain that before faith came, the law acted as a 'guardian' or 'custodian' to lead us to Christ. This highlights the law's role in revealing sin, as stated in Romans 3:20, preparing us for the salvation found in Christ.
Titus 3:5This verse states we are saved 'not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.' This provides a powerful contrast to the idea of justification by works, reinforcing the core message of Romans 3:20.
Hebrews 10:3-4This passage describes how the sacrifices offered under the Old Covenant could 'never take away sins,' demonstrating the law's inability to achieve true righteousness. This aligns with Romans 3:20, which asserts that the law only brings knowledge of sin, not justification.
Psalm 143:2Paul likely alluded to this verse when writing Romans 3:20, as it says, 'enter not into judgment with your servant, for no living person is righteous before you.' It underscores the universal sinfulness that prevents justification by our own deeds.
barnesRomans 3:20: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
By the deeds of the law - By works; or by such deeds as the Law requires. The word "Law" has, in the Scriptures, a great variety of significations. Its strict and proper meaning is, a rule of conduct prescribed by superior authority. The course of reasoning in these chapters shows the sense in which the apostle uses it here. He intends evidently to apply it to…
meyerRomans 3:20: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
Romans 3:20 . Διότι ] propterea quod , i. 19, not propterea (Beza, Rosenmüller, Morus, Tholuck), is to be divided from the preceding only by a comma, and supplies the objective reason of that ἵνα κ . τ . λ [796] of the law: because the relation of righteousness will accrue to no flesh from works of the law . For if δικαιοσύνη should come from works of the law…
The law doesn't justify us because its true purpose is to reveal our sinfulness, showing us how far we fall short of God's perfect standard. Rather than making us righteous, it highlights our need for something beyond our own efforts—a revelation of God's own righteousness found elsewhere.
Paul is dismantling the idea that anyone can earn God's approval by following the Law. He's just shown that both Jews and Gentiles fall short of God's standards, and that the Law itself actually highlights their sinfulness rather than providing a path to righteousness. Therefore, no one, absolutely no one, can stand before God and claim to be "right" based on their own efforts to obey any law.
Paul is dismantling the idea that anyone can earn God's approval by following the Law. He's just shown that both Jews and Gentiles fall short of God's standards, and that the Law itself actually highlights their sinfulness rather than providing a path to righteousness. Therefore, no one, absolutely no one, can stand before God and claim to be "right" based on their own efforts to obey any law.
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c. AD 40-60— this verse
Paul's Missionary Journeys and Letters
The Apostle Paul preaches the gospel of justification by faith throughout the Roman Empire and writes letters to various churches, including Romans, explaining this doctrine.
"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." — The law doesn't justify us because its true purpose is to reveal our sinfulness, showing us how far we fall short of God's perfect standard. Rather than making us righteous, it highlights our need fo…
