Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Original Language Analysis
δικαιούμενοι
Being justified
G1344
δικαιούμενοι
Being justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
1 of 12
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
by his
G846
αὐτοῦ
by his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 12
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
χάριτι
grace
G5485
χάριτι
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
5 of 12
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπολυτρώσεως
the redemption
G629
ἀπολυτρώσεως
the redemption
Strong's:
G629
Word #:
8 of 12
(the act) ransom in full, i.e., (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) christian salvation
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 1:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:Romans 5:9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.Romans 4:16Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.1 Corinthians 6:11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.1 Timothy 2:6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Historical Context
Redemption language resonated with a slave society—millions knew the longing for ransom. But Paul's greater backdrop is Israel's Exodus redemption from Egypt (Exodus 6:6, 15:13). Christ accomplishes the greater exodus, liberating from sin's bondage.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you truly grasp that justification is a free gift, not earned by any merit or work?
- How does "redemption in Christ" shape your understanding of what salvation rescues you from?
- What is the relationship between "freely by grace" and "through redemption"—free to you, costly to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. The gospel in miniature: dikaiou menoi dōrean tē autou chariti (δικαιούμενοι δωρεὰν τῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι, "being justified freely by his grace"). Dikaioō (δικαιόω, "justify")—forensic declaration of righteousness. Dōrean (δωρεὰν, "freely/as a gift")—grace, not wages. Chariti (χάριτι, "grace")—unmerited favor.
Dia tēs apolytrōseōs tēs en Christō Iēsou (διὰ τῆς ἀπολυτρώσεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, "through the redemption in Christ Jesus"). Apolytrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις, "redemption")—buying back slaves, paying ransom. Christ's death purchases freedom for those enslaved to sin (v. 9). Justification is free to us but infinitely costly—purchased by Christ's blood. Grace is not cheap; it is free but not cheap.