Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Original Language Analysis
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
2 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργων
the deeds
G2041
ἔργων
the deeds
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
3 of 15
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
νόμου
of the law
G3551
νόμου
of the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
4 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
G1344
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
6 of 15
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
σὰρξ
flesh
G4561
σὰρξ
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
8 of 15
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
αὐτοῦ
in his
G846
αὐτοῦ
in his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
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
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
νόμου
of the law
G3551
νόμου
of the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
13 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Cross References
Galatians 2:16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.Acts 13:39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.Romans 3:28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.Galatians 2:19For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.Romans 4:15Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.Romans 9:32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;Romans 5:20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:Romans 4:13For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.Psalms 143:2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.Galatians 5:4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Historical Context
This frontal assault on works-righteousness contradicted Second Temple Judaism's dominant soteriology. Groups like Pharisees believed meticulous Torah observance, combined with God's mercy, secured covenant membership. Paul's gospel shattered this synthesis: law cannot justify; it can only condemn.
Questions for Reflection
- What "deeds" or religious performance are you tempted to trust for right standing with God?
- How has the law (God's moral standards) functioned in your life to reveal sin rather than produce righteousness?
- Why is recognizing law's inability to justify essential to embracing justification by faith alone?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Paul's devastating conclusion: ex ergōn nomou ou dikaiōthēsetai pasa sarx enōpion autou (ἐξ ἔργων νόμου οὐ δικαιωθήσεται πᾶσα σὰρξ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ, "by works of law no flesh will be justified before him"). Erga nomou (ἔργα νόμου, "works of law")—Torah observance. Dikaiō (δικαιόω, "justify")—declare righteous. Sarx (σάρξ, "flesh")—humanity in its weakness and sin.
Why can't law-keeping justify? Dia nomou epignōsis hamartias (διὰ νόμου ἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας, "through law comes knowledge of sin"). Law's function is diagnostic, not therapeutic—it exposes disease but doesn't cure it. Like a mirror revealing dirt but unable to clean, law shows us we fall short but cannot make us righteous. This prepares for the revelation of God's righteousness apart from law (v. 21).