Romans 3:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 3:27
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Chapter Context
Romans 3 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, judgment, wisdom. 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 3:27
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Analysis
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.
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).
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?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- Faith: Galatians 3:22
- Word: Romans 2:17, 2:23, 7:21
- Parallel theme: Romans 4:2