Romans 1:17 Meaning and Explanation
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The gospel unveils a right standing with God that comes to us by faith, from start to finish.
The Context of Romans 1:17
This is the thesis of the whole letter. Paul has just said he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God unto salvation (verse 16), and here he tells us why: in it, God's own righteousness is unveiled. To close the verse he reaches back to the prophet Habakkuk.
What Does Romans 1:17 Mean?
Paul says the gospel reveals 'the righteousness of God,' a right standing that comes from God as a gift and is received by trusting Him. He describes it moving 'from faith to faith,' faith at the beginning and faith all the way through, never graduating into something we manage on our own. Then he quotes Habakkuk: 'The just shall live by faith.' The prophet had spoken those words to people watching their world fall apart, and they hold the same weight now: the right way to live before God is to lean on Him.
This single line set hearts on fire across the centuries, because it lifts an unbearable burden. We do not climb to God by our record; He reveals His righteousness and hands it to us in Christ. Jesus lived the life of perfect faithfulness and gave it to us freely. So the door into God's favor is not earned, it is opened, and faith is simply our open hand reaching for what He offers.
Romans 1:17 in the Original Language
dikaiosyne (δικαιοσύνη), 'righteousness' -- right standing with God, here given as a gift and received by faith.
How to Apply Romans 1:17 Today
When we feel the weight of measuring up, this verse answers that our standing with God was never ours to manufacture. He reveals His righteousness and gives it in Christ, and faith is how we receive it. We can live, today, by leaning on Him rather than on our own record.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 1:17
What does Romans 1:17 mean?
The gospel unveils a right standing with God that comes to us by faith, from start to finish.
What is the context of Romans 1:17?
This is the thesis of the whole letter. Paul has just said he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God unto salvation (verse 16), and here he tells us why: in it, God's own righteousness is unveiled. To close the verse he reaches back to the prophet Habakkuk.
How can I apply Romans 1:17 today?
When we feel the weight of measuring up, this verse answers that our standing with God was never ours to manufacture. He reveals His righteousness and gives it in Christ, and faith is how we receive it. We can live, today, by leaning on Him rather than on our own record.