Rom 3:20-21 | RWP | e4.org | Because ( διοτ , again, δια, οτ ). By the works of the law ( εξ εργων νομου ). "Out of works of law." Mosaic law and any law as the source of being set right with God. Paul quotes as he did in to prove his point. The knowledge of sin ( επιγνωσις αμαρτιας ). The effect of law universally is rebellion to it ( ). Paul has shown this carefully in . Cf. . He has now proven the guilt of both Gentile and Jew.

‏ Romans 3:20-21

Because ( διοτ, again, δια, οτ ).

By the works of the law ( εξ εργων νομου ). "Out of works of law." Mosaic law and any law as the source of being set right with God. Paul quotes Ps 43:2 as he did in Ga 2:16 to prove his point.

The knowledge of sin ( επιγνωσις αμαρτιας ). The effect of law universally is rebellion to it (1Co 15:56). Paul has shown this carefully in Ga 3:19-22. Cf. Heb 10:3. He has now proven the guilt of both Gentile and Jew.

But now apart from the law ( νυν δε χωρις νομου ). He now ( νυν emphatic logical transition) proceeds carefully in verses 21-31 the

nature of the God-kind of righteousness which stands manifested ( δικαιοσυνη θεου πεφανερωτα, perfect passive indicative of φανεροω, to make manifest), the

necessity of which he has shown in 1:18-3:20. This God kind of righteousness is "apart from law" of any kind and all of grace ( χαριτ ) as he will show in verse 24. But it is not a new discovery on the part of Paul, but "witnessed by the law and the prophets" ( μαρτυρουμενη, present passive participle, υπο του νομου κα των προφητων ), made plain continuously by God himself.