Romans 3:26
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
To
G4314
πρὸς
To
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
1 of 20
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
4 of 20
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
αὐτὸν
his
G846
αὐτὸν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 20
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
this
G3568
νῦν
this
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
8 of 20
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
εἰς
that
G1519
εἰς
that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
his
G846
αὐτὸν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 20
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
δίκαιον
just
G1342
δίκαιον
just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
14 of 20
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δικαιοῦντα
the justifier
G1344
δικαιοῦντα
the justifier
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
16 of 20
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
in
G1537
ἐκ
in
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Romans 4:5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.Isaiah 42:21The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.Romans 3:30Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.Zephaniah 3:5The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.
Historical Context
This addresses the central problem of OT theodicy: How can a holy God dwell with sinful people? The sacrificial system provided temporary covering but never fully resolved the tension. Only Christ's once-for-all sacrifice demonstrates God can be both just (not overlooking sin) and justifier (saving sinners).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cross demonstrate that God's justice and mercy are not contradictory but complementary?
- Why is it essential that God be "just" and not merely merciful in justifying sinners?
- What does it mean that God is "the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus"—not faith in general, but Jesus-directed faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Paul restates for emphasis: pros tēn endeixin tēs dikaiosynēs autou en tō nyn kairō (πρὸς τὴν ἔνδειξιν τῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ, "for the demonstration of his righteousness in the present time"). The cross vindicates God's righteousness now, in the eschatological age inaugurated by Christ.
Result: eis to einai auton dikaion kai dikaiounta ton ek pisteōs Iēsou (εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν δίκαιον καὶ δικαιοῦντα τὸν ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ, "that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus"). This is the gospel's glory: God maintains His justice (punishing sin fully in Christ) while simultaneously justifying the ungodly (crediting Christ's righteousness to believers). These are not competing attributes reconciled by compromise, but twin demonstrations of the same holy love. At the cross, justice and mercy kiss (Psalm 85:10).