Romans 3:22
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
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
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)
διὰ
which is by
G1223
διὰ
which is by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 18
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
5 of 18
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύοντας
them that believe
G4100
πιστεύοντας
them that believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
14 of 18
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
Romans 10:12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.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.Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.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 2:1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.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.Acts 15:9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.James 2:23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Historical Context
This demolition of Jewish-Gentile distinction revolutionized early Christianity. Whereas Judaism offered Gentiles only proselyte status through circumcision and Torah, Paul declares equal standing by faith alone. This was the Galatian controversy and Jerusalem Council issue (Acts 15). The gospel creates one new humanity in Christ (Ephesians 2:15).
Questions for Reflection
- How does "no distinction" challenge ethnic, economic, or religious pride in your heart?
- What is the relationship between Christ's faithfulness and your faith in receiving righteousness?
- How should the universal availability of the gospel (unto all) shape your evangelism and prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference. Paul specifies: dikaiosynē de theou dia pisteōs Iēsou Christou (δικαιοσύνη δὲ θεοῦ διὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, "righteousness of God through faith of/in Jesus Christ"). The genitive pisteōs Iēsou Christou is debated—Christ's faithfulness (objective genitive) or faith in Christ (subjective genitive). Likely both: righteousness grounded in Christ's faithful obedience, received through faith in Him.
Eis pantas kai epi pantas tous pisteuontas (εἰς πάντας καὶ ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς πιστεύοντας, "unto all and upon all who believe")—universal availability and actual possession for believers. Why? Ou gar estin diastolē (οὐ γάρ ἐστιν διαστολή, "for there is no distinction"). Jew-Gentile distinctions are abolished; all are saved the same way—by faith alone.