Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἥμαρτον
have sinned
G264
ἥμαρτον
have sinned
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑστεροῦνται
come short
G5302
ὑστεροῦνται
come short
Strong's:
G5302
Word #:
5 of 9
to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξης
of the glory
G1391
δόξης
of the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
7 of 9
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 7:20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.Romans 3:9What 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;Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.Romans 11:32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.Romans 3:19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.1 Thessalonians 2:12That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.2 Thessalonians 2:14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Peter 4:13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.Romans 5:2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Historical Context
Jewish theology emphasized that Israel possessed God's glory (shekinah) through the temple and Torah. Paul's declaration that Jews also lack God's glory was shocking. The glory departed (Ezekiel 10), and only Messiah can restore it (2 Corinthians 3:18, 4:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you "fall short of God's glory" in ways beyond mere moral failure—failing to reflect His image?
- Why is the universal fact of sin (all have sinned) essential to the universal offer of grace?
- What would it mean to live as a glory-bearer restored through Christ's righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. The most famous verse in Paul's theodicy: pantes gar hēmarton kai hysterountai tēs doxēs tou theou (πάντες γὰρ ἥμαρτον καὶ ὑστεροῦνται τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ, "for all sinned and fall short of the glory of God"). Hamartanō (ἁμαρτάνω, "to sin")—aorist tense, likely referring to Adam's sin in which all sinned (5:12) as well as personal sins.
Hysterountai (ὑστεροῦνται, "fall short")—present tense: continuously lacking. Tēs doxēs tou theou (τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ, "the glory of God") is the divine image, the reflected glory humanity was created to bear (Genesis 1:26-27). We were made as glory-bearers but have become glory-deficients. Every human, without exception, fails to reflect God's character and fulfill our created purpose. This explains "no distinction" (v. 22)—all are equal in their failure.