1.
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
What, &c. = What then is the advantage of the Jew, or what is the, &c.
profit . Greek. opheleia. Only here and Jude 1:16 .
2.
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
every way = according to (Greek. kata . App-104 ) every way.
unto . . . committed = they were entrusted with. Greek. pisteuo. App-150 . Compare 1 Thessalonians 2:4 .
oracles . Greek. logion. See Acts 7:38 .
God . App-98 .
3.
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
some . Greek. tines . App-124 .
did not believe . Greek. apisteo. See Acts 28:24 .
shall . The question is introduced by me ( App-105 ).
unbelief . Greek. apistia. Occurs twelve times; first Matthew 13:58 . In Rom., here, Romans 4:20 ; Romans 11:20 , Romans 11:23 .
make . . . without effect = nullify. Greek. kalargeo. See Luke 13:7 .
faith = faithfulness. Greek. pistis. App-150 .
4.
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
God forbid . Literal. Let it not be. Greek. me ( App-105 ) genoito. This strong asseveration occurs fifteen times. Here, verses: Romans 3:3 , Romans 3:6 , Romans 3:31 ; Romans 6:2 , Romans 6:15 ; Romans 7:7 , Romans 7:13 ; Romans 9:14 ; Romans 11:1 , Romans 11:11 .Luke 20:16 . 1 Corinthians 6:15 .Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:17 ; Galatians 3:21 ; Galatians 6:14 .
true . Greek. alethes. App-175 .
man . Greek. anthropos. App-123 .
liar . Greek. pseustes. In Paul's Epp, only here, 1 Timothy 1:10 . Titus 1:12 .
written . Quoted from Psalms 51:4 (Septuagint)
justified . Greek. dikaioo. App-191 . See Romans 2:13 .
sayings . Greek. logos. App-121 .
when Thou art judged . Literally in (Greek. en) Thy being judged (Greek. krino. App-122 .)
5.
But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
unrighteousness . Greek. adikia. App-128 .
commend = establish, set forth. Greek. sunistemi.
righteousness . Greek. dikaiosune. App-191 . Compare Romans 1:17 .
what shall we say? Greek. ti eroumen. This expression occurs seven times; here, Romans 4:1 ; Romans 6:1 ; Romans 7:7 ; Romans 8:31 ; Romans 9:14 , Romans 9:30 .
Is, &c . See "shall", Romans 3:3 .
taketh = inflicts. Greek. epiphero. Occurances: Jude 1:9 .
vengeance = the wrath. See Romans 1:18 .
as . Greek. kata . App-104 . Compare Romans 6:19 . This is the Figure of speech Hypotimesis. App-6 .
6.
God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
world . App-129 . Compare Genesis 18:26 .
7.
For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
hath more abounded = abounded, as Romans 5:15 ; Romans 15:13 . Greek. perisseuo. Literally overflow. See 2 Corinthians 8:2 , &c.
through . Greek. en . App-104 .
lie . Greek. pseusma. Only here.
glory . Greek. doxa . See Romans 1:23 and John 1:14 .
sinner . Greek. hamartolos. Compare App-128 .
8.
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
not . . . come? = (why) not (say), as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say. Let us do, &c. Figure of speech Epitrechon ( App-6 ).
slanderously reported . Greek. blasphemeo. Compare Romans 2:24 .Acts 13:45 .
affirm . Greek. phemi. Only here in Romans. Occurs fifty-eight times, always "say", except here.
evil . Literal. the evil things. Greek. kakos. App-128 .
that = in order that. Greek. hina.
good . Literally the good things.
damnation . Greek. krima. App-177 .
just . Greek. endikos . App-191 .
9.
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
are . . . they? = have we any advantage? or, have we any excuse to put forward? Gr . proecho. Only here; may be mid, or pass, voice.
No, in no wise = Not (Greek. ou. App-105 ) at all (Greek. pantos) .
before proved = before convicted. Greek. proaitiaomai. Only here. Compare Romans 1:21 .
Gentiles = Greeks. See Romans 2:9 .
that they are = to be.
all Emph.
under . Greek. hupo. App-104 .
sin . Greek. hamartia. App-128 . Sin is the root, and "sins" are the fruit.
10.
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
The quotation (Romans 3:10-18 ) is from several passages, of O.T. All refer to the same subject. Figure of speech Gnome ( App-6 ). verses: Romans 3:10-12 (general) are from Ecclesiastes 7:20 . Psalms 14:2 , Psalms 14:3 ; Psalms 53:2 , Psalms 53:3-4 ; verses: Romans 3:13-18 (particular) are from Psalms 5:9-10 ; Psalms 140:3 ; Psalms 10:7 . Isaiah 59:7 , Isaiah 59:8 . Psalms 36:1 . Verification of these references, from the standpoint of Paul's argument, throws much light upon the O.T. passage, in which they occur.
There . . . one. Literally: There is not (Greek. ou) a righteous (man), not even one.
righteous . Greek. dikaios. App-191 . Compare Romans 1:17 .
no, not . Greek. oude.
11.
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
none . Greek. ou. App-105 .
understandeth . Greek. suniemi. Occurs twenty-six times.
Always "understand", save Mark 6:52 and 2 Corinthians 10:12 .
seeketh after . Greek. ekzeteo. See Acts 15:17 .
12.
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
In Psalms 14 the Hebrew stands as in Authorized Version, but in the Septuagint (Alex. MS.) additional matter appears, word for word as in these verses: Romans 3:12-18 . This is not found in Psa 53 , a practical repetition of Psalms 14 .
They, &c . = All went.
gone . . . way . Greek. ekklino. Only here, Romans 16:17 . 1 Peter 3:11 .
become unprofitable = are worthless. Greek. achreioomai. Only here.
good . Greek. chrestotes. App-184 .
no, not one = there is not as far as (Greek. heos) one.
13.
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Their . Psalms 5:9 shows that this refers to the boasters and workers of iniquity of Romans 3:5 . Compare Romans 1:24-32 ; Romans 2:17 , Romans 2:23 .
throat: i.e. speech; by Figure of speech Metonymy. App-6 . Greek. l arunx;. Only here.
open sepulchre = opened sepulchre; literally a tomb that has been opened, emitting noisomeness.
sepulchre . Greek. taphos. Only here, Matthew 23:27 , Matthew 23:29 ; Matthew 27:61 , Matthew 27:64 , Matthew 27:66 ; Matthew 28:1 . Applied to any place where dead bodies are deposited. Mnemeion, rendered "sepulchre", is found only in Gospels and Acts 13:29 , and means a monumental tomb. Compare Matthew 27:60 .
tongues . See Psalms 140:11 .
have used deceit = deceived. Greek. dolioo ; only here. The kindred verb occurs 2 Corinthians 4:2 .
the . Omit. poison. Greek. ioa. Occurs here and James 3:8 ; James 5:3 .
asps . Rendered "adders" in Psalms 140:3 . Greek. aspis . Only here. Compare James 3:5 , James 3:6 , James 3:8 . Deuteronomy 32:33 .
lips = language. Figure of speech Metonymy. App-6 .
14.
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
Whose mouth, &c . Compare Psalms 10:7 .
full . Greek. gemo . Compare Matthew 23:25 , Matthew 23:27 .
cursing and bitterness = bitter imprecations. Figure of speech Hendiadys. App-6 .
cursing . Greek. ara . Only here. Properly a prayer, but commonly a prayer for evil, an imprecation.
bitterness . Greek. pikria. See Acts 8:23 .
15.
Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Their feet, &c . See Proverbs 1:16 . Isaiah 59:7 .
swift = sharp. Greek. oxys. Occurs only here and seven times in Rev., always "sharp".
shed . Greek. ekcheo. Only here in Rom. Elsewhere seventeen times, generally "pour out".
16.
Destruction and misery are in their ways:
Destruction . Greek. suntrimma. Only here. Literally a breaking, or bruising. Compare Romans 16:20 . John 19:36 .
misery = distress. Greek. talaiporia. Here and James 5:1 . Compare Romans 7:24 .James 4:9 .
17.
And the way of peace have they not known:
have they not known = they knew not.
18.
There is no fear of God before their eyes.
This is quoted from Psalms 36:1 .
before . Greek. apenanti. See Acts 3:16 .
19.
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
know . Greek. oida. App-132 .
law . See Romans 2:12 .
saith . Greek. laleo. App-121 .
under . Greek. App-104 .
every mouth . No partiality for the Jew.
stopped = closed. Greek. phrasso . Here; 2 Corinthians 11:10 . Hebrews 11:33 .
guilty = under penalty. Greek. hupodikos. Only here.
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.
the deeds of the law = works of law. Compare Romans 3:27 .
the law = law. See Romans 2:12 .
knowledge . App-132 .
21.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
now = at this present time. Greek. nuni . First of twenty-one occurances.
without the law = apart from (Greek. choris) law.
is manifested. Greek. phaneroo. App-106 . Compare Romans 1:19 .
witnessed . Greek. martur e o . Compare Romans 10:2 . 2 Timothy 2:6 .
by . Gr hupo . App-104 .
the law and the prophets . An expression for the whole O.T. Compare Matthew 7:12 .Luke 24:44 .
prophets . App-189 .
22.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Even = And.
Jesus Christ . App-98 .
and upon all . Most texts omit.
believe . App-150 .
difference = distinction. Greek. diast ole. Elsewhere, Romans 10:12 . 1 Corinthians 14:7 .
23.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
have . Omit.
Sinned . Greek. hamartano. App-128 . In the first Adam as the federal head of the old creation.
come short. Greek. hustereo. Only here in Romans. Occurs sixteen times, always in the sense of failing, or lacking. Compare Matthew 19:20 (first occ). 1 John 2:3; 1 John 2:3 .Hebrews 12:15 .
24.
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
freely . Greek. dorean. See John 15:25 .
by . Dative case. No preposition.
grace . Greek. charis. App-184 . Compare Romans 3:28 ; Romans 5:1 , Romans 5:9 .
through . Greek. dia. App-104 .Romans 3:1 .
redemption . Greek. apolutrosis. Occurs ten times. Here; Romans 8:23 .Luke 21:28 . 1 Corinthians 1:30 . Ephesians 1:7 , Ephesians 1:14 ; Ephesians 4:30 . Colossians 1:14 .Hebrews 9:15 ; Hebrews 11:35 .
Christ Jesus . App-98 .
25.
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
hath . Omit.
set forth = foreordained (margin) Greek. protithemi. See Romans 1:13 .
to be = as.
propitiation . Greek. hilasterion. Only here and Hebrews 9:5 . The word comes to us from the Septuagint. In Exodus 25:17 kapporeth (cover) is rendered hilasterion epithema , propitiatory cover, the cover of the ark on which the blood was sprinkled as the means of propitiation.
to, &c . = for (Greek. eis . App-104 .) a declaration of (Greek. endeixis. Occurs also, Romans 3:26 ; 2 Corinthians 8:24 .Philippians 1:1 , Philippians 1:28 ).
for = by reason of. Greek. dia. App-104 .Romans 3:2 .
remission . Literally the passing over. Greek. paresis. Only here.
sins . Greek. hamartema. App-128 .
past . Greek. proginomai. Only here. Compare Acts 17:30 .
forbearance . Greek. anoche. See Romans 2:4 .
26.
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
at this time = in (Greek. en) the present season ( App-195 ).
that, &c . = to (Greek. eis) His being.
just . Same as "righteous", Romans 3:10 .
which believeth, &c . Literally the one out of ( App-104 .) faith of Jesus; i.e. on the principle of faith in Jesus. Compare Romans 1:17 .
Jesus . App-98 .
27.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
boasting . i.e. of the Jew; Romans 2:17-23 . Greek. kauchesis, which means the act of boasting, while kauchema (Romans 4:2 ) refers to the subject of the boast.
excluded . Greek. ekkleio. Only here and Galatians 1:4 , Galatians 1:17 .
what . Literally what manner of. Compare 1 Peter 1:11 .
works . Same as "deeds", Romans 3:20 .
Nay . Greek. ouchi. App-105 .
the = a.
28.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
conclude = reckon. Greek. logizomai. See Romans 2:3 .
the . Omit.
29.
Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Is . . . only? Read, "What, is He, &c."? The question opens with the Greek conjunction e , translated "what" in 1 Corinthians 6:16 , 1 Corinthians 6:19 ; 1 Corinthians 14:36 .
not . Same as "nay", Romans 3:27 .
also of the Gentiles = of Gentiles also.
Gentiles . See Romans 1:5 .
30.
Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Seeing = Since. Greek. epeiper. Only here.
it is one God = God is One, i.e. for both Jew and Gentile.
Which shall = Who will.
31.
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
make void . Greek. katargeo, as Romans 3:3 .
Yea = Nay. Greek. alla.