Romans 3:7
For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπερίσσευσεν
hath more abounded
G4052
ἐπερίσσευσεν
hath more abounded
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
11 of 21
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
14 of 21
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 21
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
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
16 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
κἀγὼ
I also
G2504
κἀγὼ
I also
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
18 of 21
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
Historical Context
This may reflect actual charges against Paul. His enemies accused him of inconsistency (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) and of being crafty and deceitful (2 Corinthians 12:16). The question anticipates the full-blown antinomian objection Paul quotes in verse 8.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you avoid the error of judging your actions primarily by outcomes rather than by God's revealed will?
- In what areas might you rationalize sin by appealing to "good results" or "God's glory"?
- Why must Christian ethics be rooted in God's character rather than utilitarian calculations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? Paul restates the objection in first person for rhetorical effect. If hē alētheia tou theou (ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ θεοῦ, "the truth of God") increased (eperisseusen, ἐπερίσσευσεν, "abounded") through tō emō pseu smat i (τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι, "my lie") to His glory, why am I still judged as hamartōlos (ἁμαρτωλός, "sinner")?
The objector personalizes the argument, perhaps suggesting Paul himself is guilty of deception in preaching grace. The underlying error is teleological ethics—judging actions solely by outcomes rather than by intrinsic righteousness. Paul will reject this consequentialist reasoning in verse 8. The question assumes that divine glory justifies any means, a premise the gospel utterly rejects.