Romans 3:4–6
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.
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but euery man a lier, as it is written, *That thou mightest be iustified in thy sayings, and mightest ouercome when thou art iudged.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-referencePsal. 51.4.
But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
But if our vnrighteousnesse commend the righteousnesse of God, what shall we say? is God vnrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speake as a man)
God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
God forbid: for then how shall God iudge the world?
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
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Cross References
15 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 4
- Psalms 51:4Rank 1 from verse 4
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
4*Against thee, thee onely haue I sinned, and done this euill in thy sight: that thou mightest bee iustified when thou speakest, and be cleare when thou iudgest.
- Psalms 116:11Rank 2 from verse 4
- Galatians 2:17Rank 3 from verse 4
- Hebrews 6:18Rank 4 from verse 4
18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lye, wee might haue a strong consolation, who haue fled for refuge to lay hold vpon the hope set before vs.
- Deuteronomy 32:4Rank 5 from verse 4
- Psalms 119:160Rank 9 from verse 4
- Psalms 138:2Rank 10 from verse 4
2I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
2I will worship towards thy holy temple, and praise thy name, for thy louing kindnesse and for thy trueth: for thou hast magnified thy word aboue all thy name.
- Revelation 3:7Rank 11 from verse 4
7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
7And to the Angel of the Church in Philadelphia write, These things saith he that is Holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of Dauid, he that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth;
- 1 John 5:20Rank 12 from verse 4
20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
20And we know that the Sonne of God is come, and hath giuen vs an vnderstanding that wee may know him that is true: and wee are in him that is true, euen in his Sonne Iesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternall life.
- Galatians 2:21Rank 13 from verse 4
- Romans 9:14Rank 14 from verse 4
- 1 John 5:10Rank 15 from verse 4
10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
10Hee that beleeueth on the Sonne of God, hath the witnesse in himselfe: he that beleeueth not God, hath made him a liar, because he beleeueth not the record that God gaue of his Sonne.
- Micah 7:20Rank 17 from verse 4
- Psalms 100:5Rank 18 from verse 4
- Matthew 11:19Rank 19 from verse 4
19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
19The sonne of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a wine bibber, a friend of publicanes and sinners: but wisedom is iustified of her children.
- Romans 3:31Rank 20 from verse 4
- Galatians 6:14Rank 21 from verse 4
- Romans 11:1Rank 22 from verse 4
- Romans 6:15Rank 23 from verse 4
- 2 Corinthians 1:18Rank 24 from verse 4
- Luke 20:16Rank 25 from verse 4
- Romans 11:11Rank 26 from verse 4
11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
11I say then; Haue they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid. But rather through their fall, saluation is come vnto the Gentiles, for to prouoke them to ielousie.
- Romans 3:6–7Rank 27 from verse 4
6God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
7For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
6God forbid: for then how shall God iudge the world?
7For if the trueth of God hath more abounded through my lye vnto his glory; why yet am I also iudged as a sinner?
- Romans 6:2Rank 28 from verse 4
- Romans 7:7Rank 29 from verse 4
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.
7What shall wee say then? is the law sinne? God forbid. Nay, I had not knowen sinne, but by the lawe: for I had not knowen ‖lust, except the Law had said, Thou shalt not couet.
- Psalms 62:9Rank 30 from verse 4
- Romans 7:13Rank 31 from verse 4
13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
13Was that then which is good, made death vnto me? God forbid. But sinne, that it might appeare sinne, working death in mee by that which is good: that sinne by the Commaundement might become exceeding sinfull.
- 1 Corinthians 6:15Rank 32 from verse 4
15Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
15Know yee not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
From verse 5
- Romans 6:19Rank 1 from verse 5
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.
19I speake after the maner of men, because of the infirmitie of your flesh: for as yee haue yeelded your members seruants to vncleannesse and to iniquitie, vnto iniquitie: euen so now yeelde your members seruants to righteousnesse, vnto holinesse.
- Galatians 3:15Rank 2 from verse 5
- 1 Corinthians 9:8Rank 3 from verse 5
- Romans 2:5Rank 4 from verse 5
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;
5But after thy hardnesse, and impenitent heart, *treasurest vp vnto thy selfe wrath, against the day of wrath, and reuelation of the righteous iudgement of God:
- Romans 9:18–20Rank 5 from verse 5
18Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
19Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
18Therefore hath hee mercie on whom hee will haue mercy, and whom he will, he hardeneth.
19Thou wilt say then vnto mee; Why doeth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
20Nay but O man, who art thou that ‖repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, *Why hast thou made me thus?
- Deuteronomy 32:39–43Rank 6 from verse 5
39See 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.
40For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
41If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
42I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.
43Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
39See now, that I, euen I am he, and there is no god with mee; *I kill, and I make aliue: I wound, and I heale: neither is there any that can deliuer out of my hand.
40For I lift vp my hand to heauen, and say, I liue for euer.
41If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take holde on Iudgement, I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
42I will make mine arrowes drunke with blood, (and my sword shal deuoure flesh) and that with the blood of the slaine, and of the captiues, from the beginning of reuenges vpon the enemie.
43‖Reioyce, O *ye nations with his people, for he will auenge the blood of his seruants, and will render vengeance to his aduersaries, and wil be mercifull vnto his land, and to his people.
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.
2‖God is *ielous, and the LORD reuengeth: the LORD reuengeth, and is †furious, the LORD wil take vengeance on his aduersaries, and he reserueth wrath for his enemies.
- Romans 4:1Rank 8 from verse 5
- Romans 7:7Rank 9 from verse 5
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.
7What shall wee say then? is the law sinne? God forbid. Nay, I had not knowen sinne, but by the lawe: for I had not knowen ‖lust, except the Law had said, Thou shalt not couet.
- 1 Corinthians 15:32Rank 10 from verse 5
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.
32If ‖after the maner of men I haue fought with beasts at Ephesus, what aduantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let vs eate and drinke, for to morrowe wee die.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:6–9Rank 11 from verse 5
6Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
6Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompence tribulation to them that trouble you:
7And to you who are troubled, rest with vs, when the Lord Iesus shalbe reuealed from heauen, †with his mightie Angels,
8In flaming fire, ‖taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lorde Iesus Christ,
9Who shalbe punished with euerlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power:
- Nahum 1:6–8Rank 12 from verse 5
6Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.
7The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
8But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
6Who can stand before his indignation? and who can †abide in the fiercenesse of his anger? his furie is powred out like fire, and the rocks are throwen downe by him.
7The LORD is good, a ‖strong hold in the day of trouble, & he knoweth them that trust in him.
8But with an ouer-running flood he will make an vtter ende of the place thereof, and darkenesse shall pursue his enemies.
- Psalms 94:1–2Rank 13 from verse 5
1O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
2Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
1¶ ††O LORD God, to whome vengeance belongeth: O God to whome vengeance belongeth, shew thy selfe.
2Lift vp thy selfe, thou iudge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
- Revelation 15:3Rank 14 from verse 5
3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
3*And they sing the song of Moses the seruant of God, and the song of the Lambe, saying, Great and marueilous are thy workes, Lord God Almightie, *iust and true are thy wayes, thou king of saints.
- Revelation 16:5–7Rank 15 from verse 5
5And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
6For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
7And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
5And I heard the Angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast iudged thus:
6For they haue shedde the blood of Saints and Prophets, and thou hast giuen them blood to drinke: for they are worthy.
7And I heard another out of the altar say, Euen so, Lord God Almightie, true and righteous are thy iudgements.
- Revelation 18:20Rank 16 from verse 5
- Romans 12:19Rank 17 from verse 5
- Romans 3:19Rank 18 from verse 5
19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
19Now we know that what things soeuer the Law saith, it saith to them who are vnder the Law: that euery mouth may bee stopped, and all the world may become ‖guilty before God.
- Romans 3:25–26Rank 19 from verse 5
25Whom 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;
26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
25Whom God hath ‖set forth to bee a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousnesse for the ‖remission of sinnes, that are past, through the forbearance of God.
26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousnesse: that hee might bee iust, and the iustifier of him which beleeueth in Iesus.
- Romans 3:7Rank 20 from verse 5
- Romans 6:1Rank 21 from verse 5
- Romans 8:20–21Rank 22 from verse 5
20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
20For the creature was made subiect to vanitie, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subiected the same in hope:
21Because the creature it selfe also shall bee deliuered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious libertie of the children of God.
- Romans 9:13–14Rank 23 from verse 5
- Psalms 58:10–11Rank 24 from verse 5
10The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
11So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.
10The righteous shall reioyce when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feete in the blood of the wicked.
11†So that a man shall say, Uerily there is a reward for the righteous: verily hee is a God that iudgeth in the earth.
From verse 6
- Genesis 18:25Rank 1 from verse 6
25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
25That be farre from thee, to do after this maner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be farre from thee: Shall not the Iudge of all the earth doe right?
- Acts 17:31Rank 2 from verse 6
31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
31Because hee hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse, by that man whom hee hath ordeined, whereof he ‖hath giuen assurance vnto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
- Job 34:17–19Rank 4 from verse 6
17Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
18Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
17†Shall euen he that hateth right, gouerne? and wilt thou condemne him that is most iust?
18 Is it fit to say to a King, Thou art wicked? and to Princes, Ye are vngodly?
19*How much lesse to him that accepteth not the persons of Princes, nor regardeth the rich more then the poore? for they all are the woorke of his hands.
- Psalms 50:6Rank 5 from verse 6
- Psalms 9:8Rank 6 from verse 6
- Psalms 96:13Rank 7 from verse 6
- Psalms 98:9Rank 8 from verse 6
- Romans 2:16Rank 9 from verse 6
- Psalms 11:5–7Rank 10 from verse 6
5The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
6Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
7For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
5The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loueth violence, his soule hateth.
6‖Upon the wicked hee shall raine snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
7For the righteous LORD loueth righteousnesse: his countenance doeth behold the vpright.
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
Open a word for its full definition and concordance.
DEFINED WORDS
Romans 3:4
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
God forbid
An emphatic expression of rejection, abhorrence, or denial: let it not be; certainly not.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To command that something not be done; to prohibit or hinder.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Indeed, marking confirmation, emphasis, addition, continuation, or heightening of what is said; it may also emphasize a question. 2. Yes, expressing an affirmative answer or declaration.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To allow or permit; in older KJV use, also to hinder or restrain. Sense 2: To lower or send down.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Conforming to fact, reality, or a right standard; faithful, genuine, correct, or dependable.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
Each individual or member of the class, group, place, time, side, or kind named; all distributively.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
One who knowingly speaks falsehood or denies the truth.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Past-tense or past-participial form of write (to set down, record, or communicate in letters or writing).
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. Declared righteous or acquitted. 2. Shown or proved to be right. 3. Comparatively shown to be more righteous.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. The second-person singular present form of be: are, when one person is addressed. 2. Skill, craft, or skilled workmanship used to make or prepare something.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of judge, meaning to examine, distinguish, determine, form a verdict, rule, govern, condemn, punish, vindicate, or call to account.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
Romans 3:5
Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
COMBINED MEANING
unrighteousness
Injustice, wickedness, or violation of divine law and the principles of justice and equity.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: To entrust to another's care. Sense 2: To praise or recommend.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893
COMBINED MEANING
righteousness
The state or character of being righteous; justice, uprightness, or conformity to what is right.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: To speak, declare, tell, or express. Sense 2: What is said.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
unrighteous
Sense 1: Not righteous, just, upright, lawful, fair, or morally right; wicked, dishonest, sinful, or opposed to God’s standard. Sense 2: Persons so characterized.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Third-person singular present form of take: receives, seizes, carries, accepts, chooses, or lays hold of.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To utter words or articulate sounds, or to use a language. Sense 2: To address or converse with someone. Sense 3: To state, declare, make mention of, or otherwise make a matter known.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Romans 3:6
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
God forbid
An emphatic expression of rejection, abhorrence, or denial: let it not be; certainly not.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To command that something not be done; to prohibit or hinder.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: A person or authority who hears, discerns, decides, governs, vindicates, condemns, or administers justice. Sense 2: To examine, distinguish, determine, form a verdict, rule, govern, condemn, punish, vindicate, or call to account.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
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Related Concepts
Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.
salvation
hell and judgment
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Surrounding Verses
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3For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
3For what if some did not beleeue? shall their vnbeliefe make the faith of God without effect?
4God 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.
4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but euery man a lier, as it is written, *That thou mightest be iustified in thy sayings, and mightest ouercome when thou art iudged.
Selected passage5But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
5But if our vnrighteousnesse commend the righteousnesse of God, what shall we say? is God vnrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speake as a man)
Selected passage6God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
6God forbid: for then how shall God iudge the world?
Selected passage7For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
7For if the trueth of God hath more abounded through my lye vnto his glory; why yet am I also iudged as a sinner?