Romans 3:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 3:20
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Chapter Context
Romans 3 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, discipleship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 3:20
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Analysis
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Paul's devastating conclusion: ex ergōn nomou ou dikaiōthēsetai pasa sarx enōpion autou (ἐξ ἔργων νόμου οὐ δικαιωθήσεται πᾶσα σὰρξ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ, "by works of law no flesh will be justified before him"). Erga nomou (ἔργα νόμου, "works of law")—Torah observance. Dikaiō (δικαιόω, "justify")—declare righteous. Sarx (σάρξ, "flesh")—humanity in its weakness and sin.
Why can't law-keeping justify? Dia nomou epignōsis hamartias (διὰ νόμου ἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας, "through law comes knowledge of sin"). Law's function is diagnostic, not therapeutic—it exposes disease but doesn't cure it. Like a mirror revealing dirt but unable to clean, law shows us we fall short but cannot make us righteous. This prepares for the revelation of God's righteousness apart from law (v. 21).
Historical Context
This frontal assault on works-righteousness contradicted Second Temple Judaism's dominant soteriology. Groups like Pharisees believed meticulous Torah observance, combined with God's mercy, secured covenant membership. Paul's gospel shattered this synthesis: law cannot justify; it can only condemn.
Reflection
- What "deeds" or religious performance are you tempted to trust for right standing with God?
- How has the law (God's moral standards) functioned in your life to reveal sin rather than produce righteousness?
- Why is recognizing law's inability to justify essential to embracing justification by faith alone?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Romans 3:28, 4:13, Psalms 143:2, Acts 13:39, Galatians 2:16, 5:4
- Word: Romans 4:15, 5:20, 9:32, Galatians 2:19