Romans 3:27
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καύχησις
is boasting
G2746
καύχησις
is boasting
Strong's:
G2746
Word #:
4 of 15
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense
διὰ
By
G1223
διὰ
By
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ποίου
what
G4169
ποίου
what
Strong's:
G4169
Word #:
7 of 15
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
νόμου
law
G3551
νόμου
law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
8 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργων
of works
G2041
ἔργων
of works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
10 of 15
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διὰ
By
G1223
διὰ
By
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
Romans 2:23Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?Romans 4:2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.Romans 2:17Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,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 7:21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Historical Context
Jewish confidence in covenant status ("we have Abraham as father") was a form of ethnic boasting Paul attacks. But religious boasting transcends Judaism—every works-system breeds pride. The Reformation recovered Paul's insight: sola fide excludes all boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Questions for Reflection
- What subtle forms of boasting creep into your spiritual life—pride in spiritual disciplines, biblical knowledge, ministry success?
- How does the "law of faith" definitively exclude all human boasting?
- Why is the exclusion of boasting essential to preserving the gospel's glory—making salvation all of grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Paul draws out implications: Pou oun hē kauchēsis (Ποῦ οὖν ἡ καύχησις, "Where then is boasting?"). Exekleisthē (ἐξεκλείσθη, "It is excluded")—aorist passive: boasting has been shut out decisively. By what nomos (νόμος, "law/principle")? Tōn ergōn (τῶν ἔργων, "of works")? Ouchi (Οὐχί, "No!").
Alla dia nomou pisteōs (ἀλλὰ διὰ νόμου πίστεως, "but through the law of faith"). Paul uses "law" (nomos) in two senses: the Mosaic law-system based on works versus the gospel-principle based on faith. If justification depended on works, successful achievers could boast. But since it rests solely on faith in Christ's work, all grounds for boasting evaporate. Grace humbles every human; the cross levels all pretension.