Romans 3:5
But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικία
unrighteousness
G93
ἀδικία
unrighteousness
Strong's:
G93
Word #:
4 of 21
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
θεὸς
Is God
G2316
θεὸς
Is God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
δικαιοσύνην
the righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνην
the righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
7 of 21
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
συνίστησιν
commend
G4921
συνίστησιν
commend
Strong's:
G4921
Word #:
8 of 21
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐροῦμεν
shall we say
G2046
ἐροῦμεν
shall we say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
10 of 21
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἄδικος
unrighteous
G94
ἄδικος
unrighteous
Strong's:
G94
Word #:
12 of 21
unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
Is God
G2316
θεὸς
Is God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιφέρων
who taketh
G2018
ἐπιφέρων
who taketh
Strong's:
G2018
Word #:
16 of 21
to bear upon (or further), i.e., adduce (personally or judicially (accuse, inflict)), superinduce
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀργήν
vengeance
G3709
ὀργήν
vengeance
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
18 of 21
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
Cross References
Romans 6:19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.Galatians 3:15Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.1 Corinthians 9:8Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;Romans 4:1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?Romans 7:7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.Nahum 1:2God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
Historical Context
This objection reflects actual accusations against Paul's gospel (see v. 8). Critics charged that justification by faith alone promoted moral laxity. Paul addresses this slander directly while developing the proper relationship between justification and sanctification throughout Romans 6-8.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when accused of preaching a gospel that is "too gracious" or seems to minimize holiness?
- What is the difference between God using evil for His purposes and God being unjust in punishing evil?
- How does this verse protect against both legalism and antinomianism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? A third objection: if human sin highlights (synistēsin, συνίστησιν, "commends/demonstrates") divine righteousness by contrast, is God unjust (adikos, ἄδικος) to punish us? Paul adds kata anthrōpon legō (κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω, "I speak as a man")—this is flawed human reasoning, not Paul's position.
The term orgēn (ὀργήν, "vengeance/wrath") refers to God's settled, righteous opposition to sin, not capricious anger. The objection reveals the moral bankruptcy of fallen reasoning: if my evil serves God's glory, shouldn't I be rewarded rather than punished? This is the precise antinomianism Paul combats—turning grace into license. The question assumes God is somehow benefited by human sin, making Him complicit.