Romans 3:5

Read it in 5 translations

KJV King James Version

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

BSB Berean Standard Bible

But 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.

WEB World English Bible

But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.

ASV American Standard Version

But if our unrighteousness commendeth the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who visiteth with wrath? (I speak after the manner of men.)

YLT Young’s Literal Translation

And, if our unrighteousness God’s righteousness doth establish, what shall we say? is God unrighteous who is inflicting the wrath? (after the manner of a man I speak)

Surrounding context — Romans 3

2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

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.

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)

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

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?

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.

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Cross-references

Romans 6:19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.Galatians 3:15Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though [it be] but a man’s covenant, yet [if it be] confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.Romans 9:18-20Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.1 Corinthians 9:8Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;Romans 4:1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?Nahum 1:2God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.Romans 7:7What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.Deuteronomy 32:39-43See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.Romans 8:20-21For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,2 Thessalonians 1:6-9Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;1 Corinthians 15:32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.Romans 6:1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?Psalm 94:1-2O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.Romans 3:25-26Whom 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;Romans 3:7For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?Revelation 18:20Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION

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