Romans 3:5-6
But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul anticipates a crucial objection: if our sin highlights God's righteousness, does that make God unjust for punishing us? He uses "I speak in a human way" not to excuse the thought, but to show how profoundly disturbing it is from a purely human perspective, implying that such reasoning is unworthy of God.
Paul is addressing a potential objection from a Jewish perspective: if their "unrighteousness" (their unbelief and sin) actually serves to highlight God's faithfulness and righteousness, why would God punish them for it? This line of questioning arises from the previous discussion about whether the unfaithfulness of some Jews invalidates God's promises. Paul anticipates this objection and frames it as a common human perspective, admitting that it sounds like a natural, albeit flawed, line of reasoning.
Does God's glory shining through our sin mean He shouldn't punish it? This verse tackles a common human objection.
Paul anticipates a difficult question: If humanity's sin and unrighteousness actually showcases God's own righteousness and faithfulness, then does it seem fair for God to punish us? It's like saying, 'If my messes make your cleanliness more obvious, why do you still scold me for making the mess?' This is a profound theological puzzle. Paul calls it speaking 'in a human way' because it's how our limited, earthly minds might naturally reason about divine actions, comparing God's justice to human fairness. It’s a way of questioning God’s actions based on our limited perspective.
How can something bad—our sin—make something good—God's righteousness—look even better?
The core of the objection is that our unrighteousness doesn't hide God's righteousness; it actually makes it stand out. Think of a diamond: its brilliance is best seen against a dark background. Our sin and unbelief, in God's sovereign plan, serve as that dark background. By failing to uphold God's law, we highlight His perfect adherence to it. By rejecting Him, we emphasize His faithfulness to His promises. This doesn't justify our sin; rather, it reveals the depth of God's character and His ultimate control, even over human rebellion. God's glory is so immense that it can shine through and be demonstrated even by the very things that oppose it.
If God is glorified by our sin, why does He judge us for it?
Paul is quick to shut down the dangerous conclusion that sin is acceptable because it highlights God. He poses a rhetorical question: 'Is God unrighteous to inflict wrath?' The answer is a resounding 'God forbid!' (from verse 6). To suggest God is unjust in punishing sin would undermine His entire character and the foundation of His rule. If sin were excused because it displayed God's glory, then His role as the righteous Judge of the world would be impossible. Judgment implies accountability. God’s judgment is not arbitrary; it is righteous precisely because He upholds His perfect standard. Our sin, no matter how it might serve to demonstrate God's character, remains a violation of His holy law and incurs His just wrath.
Understand the original words
adikia · Greek Noun
The lack of conformity to God's standard of holiness or moral character. It represents a state of being contrary to God's law and will.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
God’s perfect moral nature, justice, and rectitude. It refers to God’s adherence to His own holy standards and His actions in accordance with His perfect character.
orgē · Greek Noun
The divine, holy indignation of God against sin and evil. It is God's righteous response to human rebellion and a manifestation of His holiness.
krinei · Greek Verb
The act of presiding over, evaluating, and determining the fate of individuals or nations based on their actions and adherence to divine law, ultimately exercised by God as the supreme moral authority.
Paul addresses the profound theological problem of sin and God's justice within the context of Jewish history, particularly after the destruction of the Temple, a time when many questioned God's faithfulness and judgment.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman army, under Titus, destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple, a catastrophic event for Jewish people and their religious life.
c. 60-65 AD— this verse
Paul writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, likely during his imprisonment in Caesarea or Rome. He addresses profound theological questions about God's righteousness and humanity's sin.
c. 135 AD
Bar Kokhba Revolt Suppressed
Rome crushes a major Jewish rebellion, leading to widespread devastation and further displacement of Jewish communities.
This passage echoes the same profound question: can a just God truly punish wrongdoing if that wrongdoing, in a twisted way, highlights His own righteousness? It shows this isn't a new problem but an ancient one.
Genesis 50:20Joseph faced immense injustice from his brothers, yet he saw how God ultimately used their evil intentions for good. This passage speaks to how God can bring about His purposes even through human sin.
Romans 6:1Paul anticipates a similar objection here: if God's grace is so abundant, should we just keep sinning to experience more of it? This highlights the consistent theme of wrestling with the implications of God's grace and justice.
1 Peter 2:8Peter describes some people as stumbling over Christ due to their disobedience, just as they were destined to. This reminds us that human sin and God's sovereign plan are complex, sometimes leading to judgment.
henryRomans 3:1-8: "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?"
3:1-8 The law could not save in or from sins, yet it gave the Jews advantages for obtaining salvation. Their stated ordinances, education in the knowledge of the true God and his service, and many favours shown to the children of Abraham, all were means of grace, and doubtless were made useful to the conversion of many. But especially the Scriptures were committed to them. Enjoyment of God's word and ordi…
barnesRomans 3:5: "But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)"
But if our unrighteousness - If our sin. The particular sin which had been specified Romans 3:3 was "unbelief." But the apostle here gives the objection a general form. This is to be regarded as an objection which a Jew might make. The force of it is this: (1) It had been conceded that some had not believed; that is, had sinned. (2) but God wa…
Paul anticipates a crucial objection: if our sin highlights God's righteousness, does that make God unjust for punishing us? He uses "I speak in a human way" not to excuse the thought, but to show how profoundly disturbing it is from a purely human perspective, implying that such reasoning is unworthy of God.
Paul is addressing a potential objection from a Jewish perspective: if their "unrighteousness" (their unbelief and sin) actually serves to highlight God's faithfulness and righteousness, why would God punish them for it? This line of questioning arises from the previous discussion about whether the unfaithfulness of some Jews invalidates God's promises. Paul anticipates this objection and frames it as a common human perspective, admitting that it sounds like a natural, albeit flawed, line of reasoning.
Paul is addressing a potential objection from a Jewish perspective: if their "unrighteousness" (their unbelief and sin) actually serves to highlight God's faithfulness and righteousness, why would God punish them for it? This line of questioning arises from the previous discussion about whether the unfaithfulness of some Jews invalidates God's promises. Paul anticipates this objection and frames it as a common human perspective, admitting that it sounds like a natural, albeit flawed, line of reasoning.
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"But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world?" — Paul anticipates a crucial objection: if our sin highlights God's righteousness, does that make God unjust for punishing us? He uses "I speak in a human way" not to excuse the thought, but to show ho…
