Romans 3:21
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Original Language Analysis
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
3 of 14
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
4 of 14
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
δικαιοσύνη
the righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνη
the righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
5 of 14
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πεφανέρωται
is manifested
G5319
πεφανέρωται
is manifested
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
7 of 14
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
μαρτυρουμένη
being witnessed
G3140
μαρτυρουμένη
being witnessed
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
8 of 14
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
9 of 14
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
11 of 14
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 10:43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.Jeremiah 33:16In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.Isaiah 51:8For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.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:Isaiah 46:13I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.Acts 15:11But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.Romans 1:2(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)Romans 5:19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.Romans 1:17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Historical Context
Paul's "but now" marks the Christ-event as the turning point of history. The messianic age has dawned, bringing the righteousness of God apart from human merit. Paul will spend Romans 4 proving this was God's plan all along, seen in Abraham's justification by faith (Genesis 15:6) centuries before Moses received the law.
Questions for Reflection
- How does "but now" change everything about your relationship with God—past condemnation yielding to present justification?
- What does it mean that this righteousness is "apart from law" yet "witnessed by" Scripture?
- How should the revelation of God's righteousness transform your entire approach to spirituality and assurance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. The great turning point: Nyni de (Νυνὶ δέ, "But now")—the eschatological now of gospel revelation. Dikaiosynē theou (δικαιοσύνη θεοῦ, "righteousness of God") is either God's own righteousness or the righteousness He provides—probably both. Chōris nomou (χωρὶς νόμου, "apart from law")—not through Torah observance.
Pephanerōtai (πεφανέρωται, "has been manifested")—perfect tense: revealed and remaining revealed. Though apart from law, it is martyroumenē (μαρτυρουμένη, "witnessed") by the Law and Prophets (the entire OT). Paul will demonstrate this from Abraham (chapter 4) and David (4:6-8). The gospel is not a Plan B but God's eternal purpose, testified to throughout Scripture. This righteousness is sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus—by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.