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Romans 3:23

Romans 3:23 Bible Verse: Text, Meaning, and Context

Romans 3:23 states a basic truth about every person: all have sinned and do not measure up to God's glory. In the surrounding verses, Paul shows why this matters and points to God's answer in Jesus Christ.

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What happens in Romans 3:23?

This verse gives a clear verdict on the human condition. Paul says that sin is universal, not limited to a certain group, and that every person falls short of God's glory. In the wider passage, this statement leads into the good news that righteousness comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. The verse prepares the reader for Paul's teaching that justification is not earned by law-keeping, but received by grace through Christ's redeeming work.

Romans 3 comes after Paul's argument that both Jews and Gentiles are accountable before God. In 3:20-26, he explains that the law exposes sin rather than fixing it, and then presents God's righteousness revealed through faith in Jesus Christ.

Themes to notice

  • Universal SinPaul says that every person has sinned, with no exceptions.
  • God's GloryHuman failure is measured against the goodness and holiness of God.
  • Grace in ChristThe surrounding passage points to God's solution through faith, redemption, and justification.

Questions for Romans 3:23

  • What does it mean to fall short of God's glory?
  • Why does Paul say this truth applies to everyone?
  • How do the verses around Romans 3:23 point to God's answer in Christ?

Read the full text of Romans 3:23 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Romans 3

20Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

Righteousness through Faith in Christ

21But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.22And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,24and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.25God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.26He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.

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