King James Version

What Does Romans 3:6 Mean?

Romans 3:6 in the King James Version says “God forbid : for then how shall God judge the world?” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 3:6 · KJV

Context

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?

8

And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

Read Romans 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? Another emphatic mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο). Paul's reductio ad absurdum: if the previous objection held, God could not judge ton kosmon (τὸν κόσμον, "the world"). The verb krinei (κρινεῖ, "shall judge") is future tense, assuming the reality of final judgment—an axiom shared by Paul and his Jewish interlocutors.

The logic is devastating: if God cannot punish sin that allegedly magnifies His glory, He cannot judge anyone, since all sin ultimately serves His sovereign purposes (see Genesis 50:20; Acts 2:23). But God's role as righteous Judge is non-negotiable in Jewish theology. Paul thus exposes the absurdity of the objection: you cannot have a holy God without judgment of sin, regardless of how God uses that sin in His providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The universal judgment of God was bedrock Jewish theology (see Genesis 18:25, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"). Paul's argument would have been compelling to Jewish Christians: you cannot affirm God as Judge while denying His right to punish those whose sin He uses for His purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you reconcile God's absolute sovereignty over evil with His perfect justice in punishing evildoers?
  2. Why is the doctrine of future judgment essential to a coherent understanding of God's righteousness?
  3. How should the certainty of divine judgment shape your daily decisions and priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
μὴ1 of 9

“God forbid”

G3361

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

γένοιτο·2 of 9
G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐπεὶ3 of 9

“for then”

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

πῶς4 of 9

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

κρινεῖ5 of 9

“judge”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ὁ6 of 9
G3588

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

θεὸς7 of 9

“God”

G2316

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

τὸν8 of 9
G3588

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

κόσμον9 of 9

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 18:25Acts 17:31Job 8:3Job 34:17-19Romans 2:16Psalms 9:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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