King James Version

What Does Romans 3:28 Mean?

Romans 3:28 in the King James Version says “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

Romans 3:28 · KJV

Faith

Context

26

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

27

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

29

Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

30

Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Read Romans 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Paul's definitive summary: logizometha oun pistei dikaiousthai anthrōpon chōris ergōn nomou (λογιζόμεθα οὖν πίστει δικαιοῦσθαι ἄνθρωπον χωρὶς ἔργων νόμου, "we reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law"). Logizometha (λογιζόμεθα, "we reckon/conclude")—this is not speculation but reasoned conclusion from Scripture.

Pistei (πίστει, "by faith")—instrumental dative: faith is the means. Chōris ergōn nomou (χωρὶς ἔργων νόμου, "apart from works of law")—not merely "in addition to" but "apart from," excluding works as either ground or instrument of justification. This is the Reformation's clarion call: justification by faith alone (sola fide). Not faith plus works, but faith that works (Galatians 5:6). The Reformers added "alone" to clarify Paul's meaning, not distort it—works are the fruit, never the root, of justification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse became the battle cry of the Protestant Reformation. Luther called it "the article by which the church stands or falls." Medieval Catholicism taught justification by faith plus works; Paul and the Reformers insisted: faith alone, though never alone—faith that justifies also sanctifies.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you truly rest in justification by faith alone, or do you subtly trust in your spiritual progress?
  2. How do you distinguish between faith alone (excluding works as ground) and living faith (producing works as fruit)?
  3. Why is the "alone" in "faith alone" worth dying for—what's at stake in this doctrine?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
λογιζόμεθα1 of 8

“we conclude”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

οὖν2 of 8

“Therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πίστει3 of 8

“by faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

δικαιοῦσθαι4 of 8

“is justified”

G1344

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

ἄνθρωπον5 of 8

“that a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

χωρὶς6 of 8

“without”

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

ἔργων7 of 8

“the deeds”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

νόμου8 of 8

“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

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 3:28 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 3:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 3:7Galatians 2:16Galatians 3:8Galatians 3:24Romans 3:26Romans 8:3

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 3 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes