the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that God's righteousness is "for all who believe," but it doesn't just mean it's available to all. The phrasing emphasizes that this righteousness is actively directed towards and upon believers, signifying its complete encirclement and application to them. This isn't a passive gift; it's a divine provision that actively reaches and covers those who place their faith in Jesus.
the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul has just highlighted the law's inadequacy and God's faithfulness in revealing a righteousness apart from it. Now, he explains that this righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ and is available to everyone, emphasizing that God makes no distinction between people in offering it.
Paul uses a powerful phrase to describe this righteousness. It's not something we earn or achieve; it's something God gives. What does this mean for us?
Paul introduces "the righteousness of God" not as an attribute of God, but as God's own provision for our salvation. It's a righteousness that originates from Him, a perfect standard that we could never meet on our own. This gift is made accessible "through faith in Jesus Christ." It's not about our performance, but about our trust in who Jesus is and what He has done. God declares us righteous, not because we are, but because Christ is, and He credits that to our account when we believe.
Paul declares this righteousness is for "all who believe." What does "believe" truly mean here, and why is it the only requirement?
The beauty of God's righteousness is its universal accessibility. It's not limited by nationality, background, or social status. The only requirement is "faith." This isn't just intellectual assent; it's a deep-seated trust and commitment to Jesus Christ. This faith acts as the open door, allowing anyone, anywhere, to receive God's righteousness. The phrase "for all who believe" highlights that this divine provision is intentionally and comprehensively offered to every single person who places their trust in Jesus.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
pistis · Greek Noun
The Greek word often denotes trust, reliance, or firm conviction in a person or message. In the New Testament, it is the fundamental response to God’s revelation, anchoring one's entire life in the person and work of Christ.
This verse shines brightly against the backdrop of Israel's history – a history marked by covenant, sin, exile, and restoration. It declares that the righteousness God offers through faith in Jesus Christ is a radical departure from the old system, available to all, breaking down all ethnic and social barriers that had defined God's people for centuries.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, marking the beginning of their identity as a distinct people under God's law. This event established a covenant relationship with God based on obedience to the Law given at Mount Sinai.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and leading to a loss of national identity for many. This event underscored the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, and exiled many Jews. This catastrophic event profoundly impacted Jewish identity, leading to a period of reflection on sin and God's faithfulness.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Under Cyrus the Great of Persia, some Jewish exiles were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marked a restoration, but the memory of exile lingered, highlighting the people's continued need for God's grace.
c. 4 BCE - 30/33 CE— this verse
Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ
The earthly life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. His life and atoning sacrifice fulfill the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, offering a new way to be made right with God.
c. 50-60s AD
Paul's Ministry and Letters
The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys and his foundational letters, including Romans. These writings articulate the theological framework for salvation by grace through faith in Christ, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Romans 3:22 by stating there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female in Christ Jesus, emphasizing the radical inclusivity of God's salvation plan.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization in this passage that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right directly supports the 'no distinction' theme in Romans 3:22, highlighting God's impartial grace.
Isaiah 53:5-6This prophecy beautifully foretells the suffering servant who would bear the iniquity of many, directly connecting to the 'righteousness of God through faith' offered to all, as all have strayed like sheep.
Deuteronomy 30:11-14This passage speaks of God's commands not being too hard or too far away, prefiguring the accessibility of God's righteousness through faith in Christ, as described in Romans 3:22, rather than through arduous legalistic effort.
Romans 10:12-13Paul reiterates the 'no distinction' between Jew and Greek regarding salvation through Christ, directly expanding on the implications of Romans 3:22 and underscoring the universal call to faith for salvation.
meyerRomans 3:22: "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"
Romans 3:22 . A righteousness of God, however , (mediated) through faith in Jesus Christ . On δέ , with the repetition of the same idea, to be defined now however more precisely, the δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ (not merely δικαιοσύνη , as Hofmann insists contrary to the words); comp Romans 9:30 . See on Php 2:8 . The genitive Ἰ. Χ. contains the object of faith[…
pulpitRomans 3:22: "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"
Verse 22. - Even the righteousness of God through faith of Jesus Christ unto all (and upon all is added in the Textus Receptus, but ill supported) them that believe: for there is no distinction. We observe that the expression here used is not ἡ διὰ πίστεως but simply διὰ πίστεως. Thus διὰ πίστεως does not naturally connect itself with δικαιοσύνη Θεο…
The verse highlights that God's righteousness is "for all who believe," but it doesn't just mean it's available to all. The phrasing emphasizes that this righteousness is actively directed towards and upon believers, signifying its complete encirclement and application to them. This isn't a passive gift; it's a divine provision that actively reaches and covers those who place their faith in Jesus.
Paul has just highlighted the law's inadequacy and God's faithfulness in revealing a righteousness apart from it. Now, he explains that this righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ and is available to everyone, emphasizing that God makes no distinction between people in offering it.
Paul has just highlighted the law's inadequacy and God's faithfulness in revealing a righteousness apart from it. Now, he explains that this righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ and is available to everyone, emphasizing that God makes no distinction between people in offering it.
"the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:" — The verse highlights that God's righteousness is "for all who believe," but it doesn't just mean it's available to all. The phrasing emphasizes that this righteousness is actively directed *towards…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026