Romans 3:7

Authorized King James Version

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀλήθεια
the truth
truth
#5
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#7
ἐν
through
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἐμῷ
my
my
#10
ψεύσματι
lie
a fabrication, i.e., falsehood
#11
ἐπερίσσευσεν
hath more abounded
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
#12
εἰς
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
δόξαν
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#15
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#16
τί
why
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#17
ἔτι
yet
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#18
κἀγὼ
I also
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
#19
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#20
ἁμαρτωλὸς
a sinner
sinful, i.e., a sinner
#21
κρίνομαι
am
by implication, to try, condemn, punish

Analysis

This verse develops the judgment and justice theme central to Romans. The concept of glory reflects the development of judgment and justice within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within systematic theological exposition of the gospel to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of judgment and justice within the theological tradition of Romans Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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