King James Version

What Does Romans 3:8 Mean?

Romans 3:8 in the King James Version says “And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? wh...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 3:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; proved: Gr. charged

10

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul exposes the slander: critics charged that his gospel logically entails poiēsōmen ta kaka hina elthē ta agatha (ποιήσωμεν τὰ κακὰ ἵνα ἔλθῃ τὰ ἀγαθά, "let us do evil that good may come"). This is the reductio ad absurdum of the objections in verses 5-7.

Paul's response is swift and severe: hōn to krima endikon estin (ὧν τὸ κρίμα ἔνδικόν ἐστιν, "whose condemnation is just"). Those who reason this way—or slander Paul by claiming he does—deserve judgment. The adjective endikos (ἔνδικος) means "just/deserved." Paul refuses to dignify the objection with extended refutation here (he will address it fully in Romans 6), simply asserting its moral bankruptcy. Grace never licenses sin; to think so is to fundamentally misunderstand the gospel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This slander dogged Paul throughout his ministry (see Romans 6:1, 15). The charge was serious: if Paul's doctrine promoted immorality, he was a false teacher leading people to destruction. Judaizers used this accusation to undermine Paul's authority and keep Gentile converts under Mosaic law.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when your commitment to grace is mischaracterized as license for sin?
  2. What is the proper relationship between justification by faith alone and the necessity of holiness?
  3. Why is the accusation "let us sin that grace may abound" a fundamental misunderstanding of the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ2 of 23

“not”

G3361

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

καθώς3 of 23

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

βλασφημούμεθα4 of 23

“we be slanderously reported”

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

καὶ5 of 23

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καθώς6 of 23

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

φασίν7 of 23

“affirm”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

τινες8 of 23

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἡμᾶς9 of 23

“that we”

G2248

us

λέγειν10 of 23

“say”

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

ὅτι11 of 23
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ποιήσωμεν12 of 23

“Let us do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὰ13 of 23
G3588

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

κακὰ14 of 23

“evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἵνα15 of 23

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἔλθῃ16 of 23

“may come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

τὰ17 of 23
G3588

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

ἀγαθά18 of 23

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ὧν19 of 23

“whose”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὸ20 of 23
G3588

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

κρίμα21 of 23

“damnation”

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

ἔνδικόν22 of 23

“just”

G1738

in the right, i.e., equitable

ἐστιν23 of 23

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 6:1Romans 6:15Romans 7:7Romans 5:20Jude 1:41 Peter 3:16-17

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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