King James Version

What Does Romans 3:24 Mean?

Romans 3:24 in the King James Version says “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 3:24 · KJV


Context

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:

23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; set forth: or, foreordained remission: or, passing over

26

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. The gospel in miniature: dikaiou menoi dōrean tē autou chariti (δικαιούμενοι δωρεὰν τῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι, "being justified freely by his grace"). Dikaioō (δικαιόω, "justify")—forensic declaration of righteousness. Dōrean (δωρεὰν, "freely/as a gift")—grace, not wages. Chariti (χάριτι, "grace")—unmerited favor.

Dia tēs apolytrōseōs tēs en Christō Iēsou (διὰ τῆς ἀπολυτρώσεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, "through the redemption in Christ Jesus"). Apolytrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις, "redemption")—buying back slaves, paying ransom. Christ's death purchases freedom for those enslaved to sin (v. 9). Justification is free to us but infinitely costly—purchased by Christ's blood. Grace is not cheap; it is free but not cheap.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Redemption language resonated with a slave society—millions knew the longing for ransom. But Paul's greater backdrop is Israel's Exodus redemption from Egypt (Exodus 6:6, 15:13). Christ accomplishes the greater exodus, liberating from sin's bondage.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you truly grasp that justification is a free gift, not earned by any merit or work?
  2. How does "redemption in Christ" shape your understanding of what salvation rescues you from?
  3. What is the relationship between "freely by grace" and "through redemption"—free to you, costly to God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
δικαιούμενοι1 of 12

Being justified

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

δωρεὰν2 of 12

freely

G1432

gratuitously (literally or figuratively)

τῇ3 of 12
G3588

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

αὐτοῦ4 of 12

by his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

χάριτι5 of 12

grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

διὰ6 of 12

through

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς7 of 12
G3588

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

ἀπολυτρώσεως8 of 12

the redemption

G629

(the act) ransom in full, i.e., (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) christian salvation

τῆς9 of 12
G3588

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

ἐν10 of 12

that is in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ11 of 12

Christ

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦ·12 of 12

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites


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 3:24 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 3:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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