King James Version

What Does Romans 3:5 Mean?

Romans 3:5 in the King James Version says “But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance?...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)”

Romans 3:5 · KJV

Context

3

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

4

God forbid : yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

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)

6

God forbid : for then how shall God judge the world?

7

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

Read Romans 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? A third objection: if human sin highlights (synistēsin, συνίστησιν, "commends/demonstrates") divine righteousness by contrast, is God unjust (adikos, ἄδικος) to punish us? Paul adds kata anthrōpon legō (κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω, "I speak as a man")—this is flawed human reasoning, not Paul's position.

The term orgēn (ὀργήν, "vengeance/wrath") refers to God's settled, righteous opposition to sin, not capricious anger. The objection reveals the moral bankruptcy of fallen reasoning: if my evil serves God's glory, shouldn't I be rewarded rather than punished? This is the precise antinomianism Paul combats—turning grace into license. The question assumes God is somehow benefited by human sin, making Him complicit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This objection reflects actual accusations against Paul's gospel (see v. 8). Critics charged that justification by faith alone promoted moral laxity. Paul addresses this slander directly while developing the proper relationship between justification and sanctification throughout Romans 6-8.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when accused of preaching a gospel that is "too gracious" or seems to minimize holiness?
  2. What is the difference between God using evil for His purposes and God being unjust in punishing evil?
  3. How does this verse protect against both legalism and antinomianism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
εἰ1 of 21

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 21

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἡ3 of 21
G3588

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

ἀδικία4 of 21

“unrighteousness”

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

ἡμῶν5 of 21

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

θεὸς6 of 21

“Is God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

δικαιοσύνην7 of 21

“the righteousness”

G1343

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

συνίστησιν8 of 21

“commend”

G4921

to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co

τί9 of 21

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐροῦμεν10 of 21

“shall we say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

μὴ11 of 21
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἄδικος12 of 21

“unrighteous”

G94

unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen

ὁ13 of 21
G3588

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

θεὸς14 of 21

“Is God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὁ15 of 21
G3588

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

ἐπιφέρων16 of 21

“who taketh”

G2018

to bear upon (or further), i.e., adduce (personally or judicially (accuse, inflict)), superinduce

τὴν17 of 21
G3588

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

ὀργήν18 of 21

“vengeance”

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

κατὰ19 of 21

“as”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἄνθρωπον20 of 21

“a man”

G444

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

λέγω21 of 21

“(I speak”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 6:19Galatians 3:15Romans 2:51 Corinthians 9:8Romans 9:18-20Romans 7:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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