Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Original Language Analysis
δικαιοσύνη
the righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνη
the righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
1 of 18
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
αὐτῷ
G846
αὐτῷ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 18
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
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
8 of 18
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
10 of 18
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
12 of 18
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιος
The just
G1342
δίκαιος
The just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
15 of 18
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
16 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Habakkuk 2:4Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.Galatians 3:11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.Hebrews 10:38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.Philippians 3:9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:Romans 9:30What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.Romans 3:21But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;Romans 3:3For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Historical Context
Habakkuk 2:4, written circa 600 BC during Babylonian threat, promised that the righteous would survive by faithfulness/faith. Paul applies this prophetically to eschatological salvation through faith in Christ. The Reformers (Luther, Calvin) rediscovered Romans 1:17 as the antidote to medieval works-righteousness. Luther's 'tower experience' came through meditating on 'the righteousness of God' as gift, not demand. This verse sparked theological revolution, recovering the gospel of grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'the righteousness of God' (δικαιοσύνη θεοῦ) as both attribute and gift shape your understanding of salvation?
- What does it mean practically to 'live by faith' (ἐκ πίστεως ζάω) in daily decisions, trials, and relationships?
- Where are you tempted to supplement faith with works, morality, or religious performance to secure your standing before God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
This verse introduces the epistle's central theme. Dikaiosynē gar theou en autō apokaluptetai (δικαιοσύνη γὰρ θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται, 'for the righteousness of God is revealed in it') is the theological linchpin. Dikaiosynē theou (δικαιοσύνη θεοῦ, righteousness of God) is debated: Is it God's attribute (His righteous character), or the righteousness He provides to believers (imputed righteousness)? The context favors both—God's righteousness is displayed in providing righteousness to the unrighteous through Christ's atoning work.
Apokaluptetai (ἀποκαλύπτεται, is revealed) is present tense—ongoing revelation in gospel preaching. Ek pisteōs eis pistin (ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν, 'from faith to faith') is cryptic. Possible meanings:
Most likely, it emphasizes faith as the sole instrument from start to finish—salvation is by faith, through faith, unto faith. Paul anchors this in Habakkuk 2:4: ho de dikaios ek pisteōs zēsetai (ὁ δὲ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται, 'the righteous shall live by faith')—the rallying cry of the Reformation, emphasizing justification by faith alone (sola fide).