King James Version

What Does Romans 10:4 Mean?

Romans 10:4 in the King James Version says “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

Romans 10:4 · KJV

Faith

Context

2

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

3

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

4

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

5

For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

6

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth—Telos nomou Christos (τέλος νόμου Χριστός): Christ is the telos (τέλος) of the law. This crucial word means both "termination" and "goal/fulfillment." Christ is the law's terminus: it no longer functions as a means of justification for believers (Gal 3:23-25; Eph 2:15). But Christ is also the law's telos in the sense of aim and culmination—the entire Mosaic system pointed forward to Him (Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39, 46).

For righteousness to every one that believeth—eis dikaiosynēn panti tō pisteuonti (εἰς δικαιοσύνην παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι): Christ ends the law as a means to righteousness but fulfills the law as a revelation of righteousness. The dative participle pisteuonti (πιστεύοντι, "the one believing") indicates the sole instrument: faith alone. This verse is the hinge of Romans 9-11, resolving Israel's tragedy—they sought righteousness through law-works when Christ had already accomplished and fulfilled it all.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish Christianity struggled for decades with law-observance (Acts 15; Galatians; Hebrews). The Jerusalem council (AD 49) addressed Gentile freedom from circumcision, but many Jewish believers continued Mosaic practices (Acts 21:20-26). The destruction of the temple in AD 70 forced reconsideration of ceremonial law's purpose. Paul's sustained argument in Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews that Christ has fulfilled and therefore ended the law's covenantal function was revolutionary and remains controversial in some Messianic Jewish contexts today.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding Christ as both termination and fulfillment of law protect you from both legalism and antinomianism?
  2. In what ways do you unconsciously return to law-based relating to God, even after believing the gospel?
  3. How should this verse shape your reading of the Old Testament—particularly Leviticus and Deuteronomy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
τέλος1 of 9

“is the end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

γὰρ2 of 9

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

νόμου3 of 9

“of the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

Χριστὸς4 of 9

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

εἰς5 of 9

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

δικαιοσύνην6 of 9

“righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

παντὶ7 of 9

“to every one”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῷ8 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιστεύοντι9 of 9

“that believeth”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 10:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:24Romans 8:3-4Matthew 5:17-18Acts 13:38-39John 1:17Isaiah 53:11

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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