But now a righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, Truth to Learn There is a righteousness, which the Old Testament declared, that does not result from obeying all the rules. Behind the Words “Righteousness” is from the Greek...
Romans 3:20 – Good Deeds
Therefore by the works of law no flesh will be justified in His presence, for through the law is the knowledge of sin. Truth to Learn No one can do enough good deeds to be saved. Behind the Words “Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dioti, which is...
Romans 3:19 – Guilty!
Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be guilty before God. Truth to Learn None of us can live without breaking the rules, not even one. Behind...
Romans 3:18 – Fear God
There is no fear of God before their eyes. Truth to Learn It is good to fear God. Behind the Words The word translated “fear” is the Greek word “phobos” from which we get the English term “phobia.” It means, as it has been translated, “fear” plain and simple....
Romans 3:17 – The Peace Path
And a way of peace they have not known." Truth to Learn Real peace is only experienced on God’s path. Behind the Words The word translated “peace” is eirēnē, which refers to “the absence of warfare and dissention.” It is also used metaphorically, as in this verse, to mean...
Romans 3:16 – Pathway Choices
Destruction and misery are in their ways; Truth to Learn The path we take is up to us. The end result is up to God. Behind the Words The word translated “destruction” comes from the Greek word suntrimma, which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and a form...
Romans 3:15 – Eager Violence
"Their feet are swift to shed blood; Truth to Learn Bloodshed and violence are part of human nature. Behind the Words “Swift” is translated from the Greek word oxus. The basic meaning of this word is “to have a sharp, piercing point or a very sharp edge.” But this...
Romans 3:14 – Words of Bitterness
"Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." Truth to Learn Other people’s words can be hurtful, but ours shouldn’t be so. Behind the Words The word translated “cursing” is ara, which originally meant “a prayer,” but it has come to mean an imprecatory prayer or “a curse.” This...
Romans 3:13 – Painful Words
"Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they were deceitful"; "the poison of asps is under their lips"; Truth to Learn Our words can be powerful weapons of pain if not controlled. Behind the Words The word translated “throat” is the Greek word larugx, from which we...
Romans 3:12 – Wayward and Useless
They all turned away; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, not even one." Truth to Learn Doing religious things our own way is useless. Behind the Words The word translated, “turned away” is ekklinō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out of” and...