Romans 3:6

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Romans 3:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world?

King James Version KJV

God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

American Standard Version ASV

God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

Bible in Basic English BBE

In no way: because if it is so, how is God able to be the judge of all the world?

Free Bible Version FBV

Of course not! How else could God judge the world?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

God forbid: els how shall God iudge ye world?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

let it not be! since how shall God judge the world?

World English Bible WEB

May it never be! For then how will God judge the world?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

By no means: for then how shall God judge the world?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

(I speak according to man.) God forbid: otherwise how shall God judge this world?

Translation for Translators T4T

We should certainly not conclude that God should not judge us, because if God did not judge us Jews, ◄it would not possibly be right for him to judge anyone in the world [MTY]!/how could he judge anyone in the world?► [MTY, RHQ]

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 3:6

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Romans 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK μη γενοιτο επει πως κρινει ο θεος τον κοσμον

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

γενοιτο ginomai G1096 to be Verb-2ADO-3S

επει epei G1893 since Conj

πως pōs G4459 how?! Adv-I

κρινει krinō G2919 to judge Verb-FAI-3S

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

θεος theos G2316 God Noun-NSM

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

κοσμον kosmos G2889 world Noun-ASM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 3:6

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

γενοιτο ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-2ADO-3S

A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.

Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.

επει epei G1893 "since" Conj

Since refers to a point in time or a cause, as seen in Matthew 18:32 and 21:46. This word is used to describe a reason or a time. It appears in various Bible passages to introduce a cause or a time.

Definition: ἐπεί conj. (ἐπί, εἰ), when, since; __1. of time, when, after: Luk.7:1 (Rec., WH, mg.). __2. Of cause, since, because: Mat.18:32 21:46 27:6, Mrk.15:42, Luk.1:34, Jhn.13:29 19:31, Act.13:46 (Rec., WH, mg.), 1Co.14:12, 2Co.11:18 13:3, Heb.5:2, 11 6:13 9:17 11:11; ἐ. οὖν, Heb.2:14 4:6. With ellipsis, otherwise, else: Rom.11:6, 22, Heb.9:26; ἐ. ἄρα, 1Co.5:10 7:14; introducing a question, Rom.3:6, 1Co.14:16 15:29, Heb.10:2 (cf. 4Ma.1:33 4Mac 2:7 4Mac 2:10 4Mac 4:24-26).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 26 NT verses. KJV: because, else, for that (then, -asmuch as), otherwise, seeing that, since, when See also: 1 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 2:14.

πως pōs G4459 "how?!" Adv-I

How is a question about the way something is done, as in Matthew 12:29, or an exclamation of surprise, like how much something is.

Definition: πῶς, interrog. adv., correl. of ὅπως, __1. prop., in direct questions, how?: with indic., Mat.12:29, Mrk.3:23, Luk.11:18, Jhn.3:4, al.; καὶ π., Mrk.4:13, Luk.20:44; π. οὖν, Mat.12:26; π. οὐ, Mat.16:11, Luk.12:56; in deliberative questions (cf. Bl., §64, 6), with subjc., Mat.23:33 26:54; π. οὖν, Rom.10:14; π. δέ, Rom.10:14, 15; before ἄν, with optative, Act.8:31. __2. As sometimes in cl. but more frequently and increasingly so in late writers (see WM, §57, 2; Bl., §70, 2; Thumb, MGr., 192; Jannaris, Gr., App., vi, 13f.), = ὅπως, ὥς; __(a) in indirect discourse: with indic., Mat.6:28, Mrk.12:41, Luk.8:36, Jhn.9:15, Act.9:27, al.; with subjc., Mrk.11:18, Luk.12:11; __(b) in exclamations: Mat.21:20, Mrk.10:23, 24 Luk.12:50 18:24, Jhn.11:36. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: how, after (by) what manner (means), that See also: 1 Corinthians 3:10; Luke 8:18; Hebrews 2:3.

κρινει krinō G2919 "to judge" Verb-FAI-3S

To judge means to make a decision or form an opinion about something. In the Bible, it can mean to condemn or punish, as seen in Romans 14:5 and Acts 13:46. It involves separating right from wrong.

Definition: κρίνω, [in LXX chiefly for שׁפט, also for ריב ,דּין, etc. ;] __1. to separate, select, choose (cl.; in LXX: 2Ma.13:15). __2. to approve, esteem: Rom.14:5. __3. to be of opinion, judge, think: Luk.7:43, 1Co.11:13; before τοῦτο ὅτι, 2Co.5:14; with accusative and inf., Act.16:15; with accusative and pred., Act.13:46 26:8. __4. to decide, determine, decree: with accusative, Act.16:4, Rom.14:13, 1Co.7:37, 2Co.2:1; with inf. (Field, Notes, 167), Act.20:16 25:25, 1Co.2:2 5:3, Tit.3:12 (cf. 1Ma.11:33, Wis.8:9, al.); with accusative and inf., Act.21:25 27:1. __5. to judge, adjudge, pronounce judgment: absol., Jhn.8:16, 26; before κατά, with accusative, Jhn.7:24 8:15; κρίσιν κ., Jhn.7:24; τ. δίκαιον, Luk.12:57 (Deiss., LAE, 118); in forensic sense, Jhn.18:31, Act.23:3, al.; pass., Rom.3:4 (LXX); of God's judgment, Jhn.5:30 8:50, Rom.2:16 3:6, 2Ti.4:1, 1Pe.4:5, al. __6. = κατακρίνω, to condemn (cl.): Act.13:27; of God's judgment, Jhn.3:18 5:22 12:47, 48, Act.7:7, Rom.2:12, 1Co.11:32, Heb.10:30" (LXX), Jas.5:9, Rev.19:2, al. __7. As in LXX (for שׁפט), to rule, govern ( 4Ki.15:5, Psa.2:10, al.): Mat.19:28, Luk.22:30, 1Co.6:3. __8. to bring to trial (cl.); mid., to go to law: with dative of person(s), Mat.5:40; before μετά, with genitive of person(s) (of the opponent), ἐπί, with genitive (of the judge), 1Co.6:1, 6 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, ἀντ-απο- (-μαι), δια-, ἐν-, ἐπι-, κατα-, συν-, ὑπο- (-μαι), συν-υπο- (-μαι)). SYN.: see: δικάστης. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 99 NT verses. KJV: avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think See also: 1 Corinthians 2:2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 1:17.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θεος theos G2316 "God" Noun-NSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

κοσμον kosmos G2889 "world" Noun-ASM

The Greek word for world can mean an orderly arrangement or decoration, but also refers to the world and its inhabitants, as seen in Acts 17:24 and Romans 4:13.

Definition: κόσμος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX: Gen.2:1, Deu.4:19 17:3, Isa.24:21 40:26 (צבא), Exo.33:5, 6 Jer.2:32 4:30, Eze.7:20 16:11 23:40 (עֲדִי), Isa.61:10 (כְּלִי), al., Wis.2:24 and freq., Sir.6:30, al ;] __1. order (Hom., Plat., al.). __2. ornament, adornment, esp. of women (Hom., al.): 1Pe.3:3. __3. Later, the world or universe, as an ordered system (Plat., al.): Act.17:24, Rom.4:13, 1Co.3:22, Php.2:15, Heb.4:3, al. __4. In late writers only, the world, i.e. the earth (= ἡ οἰκουμένη, cf. Mat.4:8 with Luk.4:5): Mat.4:8, Mrk.16:[15], Col.2:20, 1Ti.6:7, al.; hence by meton., __(a) of the human inhabitants of the world: Mat.5:14 15:38, Mrk.14:9, Jhn.1:10 4:42 12:47, Rom.3:6, 1Co.4:13, 2Co.5:19, 2Pe.2:5, al.; __(b) of worldly affairs or possessions: Mat.16:26, Mrk.8:36, Luk.9:25, 1Co.7:31, 1Jn.2:16, al.; __(with) in ethical sense, of the ungodly: Jhn.7:7 14:17, 27 1Co.1:21, Jas.1:27, 1Jn.4:4, al.; __(d) metaphorically: ὁ κ. τῆς ἀδικίας, Jas.3:6. SYN.: αἰών, which see (cf . also Dalman, Words, 162ff.; Tr., Syn., §lix; Westc., additional note on Jhn.1:10; DB, iv, 938ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 152 NT verses. KJV: adorning, world See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; John 7:4; 1 Peter 1:20.

Study Notes — Romans 3:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Romans 3:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Romans 3:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 3:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 3:6
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 3:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 3:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 3:6
Cambridge Bible on Romans 3:6
Barnes' Notes on Romans 3:6
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 3:6
Sermons on Romans 3:6

Context — God Remains Faithful

4Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.” 5But 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.

6Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world?

7However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner? 8Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved!

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 18:25	Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
2	Acts 17:31	For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”
3	Job 8:3	Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?
4	Psalms 98:9	before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.
5	Psalms 50:6	And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah
6	Romans 2:16	on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.
7	Psalms 9:8	He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity.
8	Psalms 96:13	before the LORD, for He is coming— He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.
9	Job 34:17–19	Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.
10	Psalms 11:5–7	The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence. On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion. For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face.

Romans 3:6 Summary

Romans 3:6 is saying that if God didn't judge the world, it would mean He's not a fair and just God, which goes against who He is, as seen in Psalm 89:14. But because God is just, He will judge the world, and that means our sins will be held accountable (Romans 2:16). This should motivate us to take sin seriously and seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9). By acknowledging God's justice and righteousness, we can live in a way that honors Him and seeks to obey His commands (John 14:15).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main concern of the verse Romans 3:6?

The main concern of Romans 3:6 is to address the idea that if our unrighteousness highlights God's righteousness, then perhaps God is unjust to judge us, as mentioned in Romans 3:5, but the Bible clearly states that God is just and will judge the world, as seen in Psalm 96:13.

How does this verse relate to God's character?

This verse shows that God's character is one of justice and righteousness, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4, and that He must judge sin in order to maintain His holy nature, which is also seen in Isaiah 30:18.

What would happen if God did not judge the world?

If God did not judge the world, it would imply that He is not a just God, which would contradict His nature, as seen in Romans 3:4, where it says that God's words are true and He will be vindicated when He judges.

How does this verse impact our understanding of sin and judgment?

This verse emphasizes that sin will be judged by God, as stated in Romans 2:16 and Ecclesiastes 12:14, and that we must take sin seriously, recognizing that God's judgment is a demonstration of His justice and holiness.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I have tried to justify my own sin, and how can I instead acknowledge God's justice and righteousness in my life?
How does the fact that God will judge the world impact my daily decisions and actions?
In what ways can I demonstrate a reverence for God's justice and holiness in my relationships with others?
What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's judgment and righteousness, and how can I do that?
How can I balance the truth of God's judgment with the truth of His love and mercy, as seen in John 3:16?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 3:6

God forbid, for then how shall God judge the world?] חלילה, "far be it"; such a notion is detestable and abominable, nor can it be fairly deduced from what is asserted; for it is the unrighteousness

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 3:6

God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? - q.d., 'Far from us be such a thought; for that would strike down all future judgment.'

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 3:6

God forbid; he rejects the cavil with his usual note of detestation, as not thinking it worthy of answer. For then how shall God judge the world? q.d. If God were in the least unrighteous, how could he govern the world at present, and judge it at last in righteousness? Which is affirmed, 98:9. Or, how could he be God and supreme, if he were not just by his nature and essence, and his will the very rule of righteousness: see .

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 3:6

6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? Ver. 6. I speak as a man] q.d. Is there not such language heard in some men’ s hearts? For then how shall God judge the world] How shall every transgression and disobedience receive a just recompence of reward? Hebrews 2:2. God’ s will is the absolute rule of right, nec tantum recta, sed regula. (Bonav.)

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 3:6

(6) For then how shall God judge the world?—St. Paul considers it a sufficient answer merely to propound this question. He and those to whom he was writing all assumed that there must be a future judgment. The way in which Bishop Butler deals with the argument from necessity is very similar to this, substituting only present for future judgment. “It is fact that God does govern even brute creatures by the method of rewards and punishments in the natural course of things. And men are rewarded and punished for their actions—punished for actions mischievous to society as being so, punished for vicious actions as such—by the natural instrumentality of each other under the present conduct of Providence,” &c. Hence the necessitarian is in this dilemma: either his opinion is not true, or else it must be capable of being harmonised with these facts. The facts themselves are postulated.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 3:6

Verse 6. APOSTLE. God forbid] μηγενοιτο, by no means. God cannot be unjust; were he unjust, he could not be qualified to judge the world, nor inflict that punishment on the unfaithful Jews, to which I refer.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 3:6

6. how shall God judge the world?] The emphasis is on “judge,” not on “world.” It is needless to suppose the word “world” here to stand in opposition to the Jewish people. The point of the question is, that if God could not righteously punish sin when sin illustrated His glory, not only would He not punish those particular sins, but He would (as to principle) entirely abdicate His office as “Judge of all the earth.” All sin, in one respect or another, illustrates His glory, if only as a black contrast: therefore, in no case would punishment be just!—On the truth that the Lord is the “Judge of all” the Apostle falls back as on a “first ground.”

Barnes' Notes on Romans 3:6

God forbid - Note, Romans 3:4. For then - If it be admitted that it would be unjust for God to inflict punishment. How shall God ... - How will it be right or consistent for him to judge the world.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 3:6

6. How… judge the world?—For this plea, by which the Jew makes himself so righteous a sinner, cannot be monopolized by the Jew alone.

Sermons on Romans 3:6

	Sermon	Description
	Church Live Re-Visited: Session Four - Part 1 by Ron Bailey	This sermon delves into the importance of understanding judgment in the context of God's righteousness and mercy. It emphasizes the distinction between using critical faculties to
	The Creation Motivated by the Love of God by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the creation of the universe is fundamentally motivated by the love of God, as expressed in Ephesians 2:4-5 and John 3:16. He argues that behind al
	Desperate Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, Mary had a powerful encounter with God and was described as a brilliant dancer and singer. She was hesitant to go to church because she didn't want to be put in the
	(Hebrews - Part 10): Jesus Made a Little Lower That the Angels by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the perfection and flawless nature of God's work. He highlights that God's ultimate goal is to bring many sons under glory. This is achieved
	Attributes of God (Series 1): The Justice of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a judge being caught between mercy and justice. He uses the example of a man torn between his love for a woman and his sense o
	The Holiness of God - Part 3 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for individuals to give account of their deeds before God. He highlights the urgency of seeking forg
	God's Judgment and America's Only Hope (Compilation) by Compilations	This sermon emphasizes the impending storm of God's judgment, warning against a diluted gospel and the consequences of facing God's wrath. It speaks of a time when mercy will be cu