Romans 3:8

Verse

Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved!

American Standard Version (1901)

and why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.

Bible in Basic English

Let us not do evil so that good may come (a statement which we are falsely said by some to have made), because such behaviour will have its right punishment.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And not rather (as we are slandered, and as some affirm that we say) let us do evil, that there may come good? whose damnation is just.

Free Bible Version

Is it a case of, “Let's sin to bring about good”? That's what some people have slanderously accused us of saying. They should be rightly condemned!

Geneva Bible 1599

And (as we are blamed, and as some affirme, that we say) why doe we not euil, that good may come thereof? whose damnation is iust.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

If what you, Paul, say is true, then ◄we might as well/it is all right for us to► do evil things in order that good things like that will result! For example, then people will praise God!” Some people speak evil about me by their falsely saying that I say such things. God will fairly/justly punish people who say such things about me!

Unlocked Literal Bible

Why not say, as we are falsely reported to say, and as some affirm that we say, “Let us do evil, so that good may come”? The judgment on them is just.

Noah Webster Bible

And not rather (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

World English Bible

Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let’s do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned.

Young's Literal Translation

and not, as we are evil spoken of, and as certain affirm us to say — 'We may do the evil things, that the good ones may come?' whose judgment is righteous.

Context

God Remains Faithful

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!

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Summary

In Romans 3:8, Paul addresses the false accusation that some were making against him and his teachings. He clarifies that it is slanderous to suggest that he promotes evil so that good may result, emphasizing that such condemnation is just. This verse underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness in the face of opposition, even when one's character is unjustly attacked. Paul's response serves as a reminder to believers to stand firm in their faith and conduct themselves with honesty and righteousness, regardless of the criticisms they may face.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Apostle. And not rather, etc. - And why do you not say, seeing you assume this ground, that in all cases we should do wickedly, because God, by freely pardoning, can so glorify his own grace? This is a most impious sentiment, but it follows from your reasoning; it has, indeed, been most injuriously laid to the charge of us apostles, who preach the doctrine of free pardon, through faith, without the merit of works; but this is so manifest a perversion of the truth that a just punishment may be expected to fall on the propagators of such a slander.

John Gill Bible Commentary

What then? are we better than they?.... The apostle returns to what he was treating of in the beginning of the chapter, and suggests, that though the Jew has the advantage of the Gentile, with respect to some external privileges, yet not with regard to their state and condition God-ward, and as in his sight; "are we Jews better than they Gentiles?" no, in no wise; upon no consideration whatever, neither as men, nor as Jews; which is directly opposite to a notion that people have of themselves: "in mankind (they say (r)) there are high degrees, one higher than another, and the Israelites , "are above all mankind"; they are the head, and the nations of the world are the tail, and are like to a serpent, for they come from the filth of the old serpent.'' Again, they say (s), "worthy are the Israelites, for the holy blessed God hath given to them holy souls, from an holy place, "above all the rest of the people", that they may do the commandments, and delight in the law.'' And elsewhere (t) it is observed on those words, Gen 1:24, "the living creature", or "the soul of the living creature", by R. Aba: "these are the Israelites, for they are the children of the holy blessed God, and their holy souls come from him; the souls of the rest of the people, from what place are they? says R. Eleazar, from the side of the left hand, which is defiled; for they have polluted souls, and therefore they are all defiled, and defile whoever comes nigh them:'' but they are no better, especially with regard to their estate by nature: for we have before proved; in the preceding chapters, by full instances to a demonstration; and if that cannot be thought sufficient, he goes on to give more proof in the following "verses": that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin; under the power and guilt of sin, and a sentence of condemnation for it; which is equally true of the Jews, who were no better than the Gentiles, for being Abraham's seed, for being circumcised, for having the ceremonial law, and other outward privileges; for they were equally born in sin, and by practice sinners, as the Gentiles: and this is true of God's elect in all nations, who are no better by nature, by birth, than others; as deserving of the wrath of God as the rest; no better in their tempers and, dispositions, or in the endowments of their minds, or outward circumstances of life; nor better qualified to receive and improve the grace of God bestowed on them, than others. (r) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 103. 2. Vid. Nishmat Chayim, orat. 2. c. 7. fol. 61. 1. (s) Zohar in Lev. fol 28. 2. (t) Zohar in Gen. fol. 31. 1.

Romans 3:8

God Remains Faithful

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved!

American Standard Version (1901)

and why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.

Bible in Basic English

Let us not do evil so that good may come (a statement which we are falsely said by some to have made), because such behaviour will have its right punishment.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And not rather (as we are slandered, and as some affirm that we say) let us do evil, that there may come good? whose damnation is just.

Free Bible Version

Is it a case of, “Let's sin to bring about good”? That's what some people have slanderously accused us of saying. They should be rightly condemned!

Geneva Bible 1599

And (as we are blamed, and as some affirme, that we say) why doe we not euil, that good may come thereof? whose damnation is iust.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

Unlocked Literal Bible

Why not say, as we are falsely reported to say, and as some affirm that we say, “Let us do evil, so that good may come”? The judgment on them is just.

Noah Webster Bible

And not rather (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

World English Bible

Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let’s do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned.

Young's Literal Translation

and not, as we are evil spoken of, and as certain affirm us to say — 'We may do the evil things, that the good ones may come?' whose judgment is righteous.

Adam Clarke
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Romans 3:8

Verse

Context

God Remains Faithful

Sermons

Summary

Commentary

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Tyndale Open Study Notes

Romans 3:8

God Remains Faithful

With Nothing but God

Christ in Us - Part 3

Chosen Vessel - Surviving Opposition From Within

2 Peter 3:16

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Tyndale Open Study Notes