Romans 3:5

Translations

Modern

But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms.

Traditional

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

Literal

But if our unrighteousness proves God’s righteousness, what will we say? God, inflicting the wrath, is unrighteous? I speak according to man.

Latin

Si autem iniquitas nostra justitiam Dei commendat, quid dicemus? Numquid iniquus est Deus, qui infert iram?

Original

Greek

English

But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms.

Notes

Romans 3:5–7

how could God judge the world?: Abraham asked a similar question: “Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” (Genesis 18:25). God punishes all sin and maintains absolute righteousness while doing so. Even when God makes use of human sin for his own ends, that sin still deserves to be, and will be, punished (see Romans 9:10–24).

Romans 1:18–3:20

Paul waits to explain righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until he first teaches about the sinfulness of all people. Both non-Jews and Jews are equally under the power of sin (1:18–32; 2:1–3:8). Because of this, both groups are in the same situation before God. No one can gain God’s favor by their own actions or obedience (3:9–20). All people need God’s saving action, not their own efforts.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Natural Revelation Sin Enters the World

Related verses

Romans 6:19
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.
Galatians 3:15
Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.
1 Corinthians 9:8
Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing?
Romans 2:5
But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Romans 9:18–20
Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.
Nahum 1:2
The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies.
Deuteronomy 32:39–43
See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.
Romans 4:1
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has discovered?
Romans 7:7
What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.”
Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 6:1
What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?
Romans 8:20–21
For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Faith Letter to the Romans Sin

Topics

Bigotry: Paul's Argument Against Boasting: Spiritual God: Judge, and his Justice God: Righteousness of Infidelity: General Scriptures Concerning The Anger of God is Righteous

Romans 3:5

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