Romans 3:3
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
For what if some did not believe?--It is the unbelief of the great body of the nation which the apostle points at; but as it sufficed for his argument to put the supposition thus gently, he uses this word "some" to soften prejudice. shall their unbelief make the faith of God--or, "faithfulness of God." of none effect?--"nullify," "invalidate" it.
Open source ↗The apostle, in this chapter, carries on his discourse concerning justification. He had already proved the guilt both of Gentiles and Jews. Now in this chapter, I. He answers some objections that might be made against what he had said about the Jews (Rom 3:1-8). II. He asserts the guilt and corruption of mankind in common, both Jews and Gentiles (Rom 3:9-18). III. He argues thence that justification must needs be by faith, and not by the law, which he gives several reasons for (Rom 3:19 to the end). The many digressions in his writings render his discourse sometimes a little difficult, but his scope is evident.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.
It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.
Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”
We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.
God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion.
But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.