Meaning, commentary and cross references
Romans 3:23
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
NIV · New International Version
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
WEB · World English Bible
for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
What does Romans 3:23 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Romans 3:23
For all have sinned,.... This is the general character of all mankind; all have sinned in Adam, are guilty by his sin, polluted with it, and condemned for it; all are sinners in themselves, and by their own actual transgressions; this is the case of the whole world, and of all the men in it; not only of the Gentiles, but of the Jews, and the more righteous among them: hence there is no difference in the state and condition of men by nature; nor is there any reason from and in themselves, why God saves one and not another; nor any room to despair of the grace and righteousness of Christ, on account of persons being, in their own view, the worst of sinners: and hence it is, that they are all…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Romans 3:19–31
For all have sinned (Rom 3:23); all are sinners by nature, by practice, and have come short of the glory of God - have failed of that which is the chief end of man. Come short, as the archer comes short of the mark, as the runner comes short of the prize; so come short, as not only not to win, but to be great losers. Come short of the glory of God. (1.)
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Romans 3:23–26
23. There is indeed no difference, etc. He urges on all, without exception, the necessity of seeking righteousness in Christ; as though he had said, "There is no other way of attaining righteousness; for some cannot be justified in this and others in that way; but all must alike be justified by faith, because all are sinners, and therefore have nothing for which they can glory before God." But he takes as granted that every one, conscious of his sin, when he comes before the tribunal of God, is confounded and lost under a sense of his own shame; so that no sinner can bear the presence of God, as we see an example in the case of Adam.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Romans 3:20–26 (WEB)
20Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 21But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; 22even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, 23for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance; 26to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
Cross references
- Ecclesiastes 7:20
Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and doesn’t sin.
- 1 John 1:8–10
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
- Romans 3:9
What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
- Galatians 3:22
But the Scripture imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
- Romans 11:32
For God has bound all to disobedience, that he might have mercy on all.
- Romans 3:19
Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:12
to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:14
to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q88. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but daily breaks them in thought, word, and deed.