Romans 1:17
“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)
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This verse completes Paul's theme statement begun in verse 16, explaining how the gospel saves -- by revealing God's righteousness received through faith. He cites Habakkuk 2:4 to ground his teaching in the prophets.
What Does Romans 1:17 Mean?
Paul says the gospel reveals "the righteousness of God" and that the righteous person lives by faith. This verse explains why the gospel is such powerful good news: in it God unveils His own righteousness and makes a right standing with Him available to those who trust Him. The phrase "from faith to faith" describes a life that begins, continues, and grows in trust -- faith from start to finish, deepening as the believer walks with God.
Paul anchors his claim in Scripture, quoting the prophet: "The just shall live by faith." This short line, drawn from Habakkuk, became a cornerstone of his teaching. The one who is counted righteous is also the one who lives day by day in dependence on God. Righteousness here is both a gift and a way of life -- God reckons a person right with Himself, and that same person then walks forward in ongoing trust. The whole letter will explore how this righteousness comes, what it costs God, and how it transforms the one who receives it. For now, Paul plants the seed: the path to life runs through faith in the God who reveals Himself in the gospel of Christ.
In the Original Language
"Righteousness" translates the Greek "dikaiosynē," right standing and conformity to what is just. "Faith" renders "pistis," trust and faithfulness. The phrase "ek pisteōs eis pistin" literally reads "from faith to faith."
Cross References
“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”
- Habakkuk 2:4
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”
- Galatians 3:11
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”
- Romans 3:22
Application
Right standing with God is received and lived out through faith, not earned by anxious self-effort. Believers can rest in what God reveals while continuing to grow in daily trust.
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