Romans 3:23

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 3:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For all have sinned, etc..] This is the general character of all mankind; all have sinned in Adam, are guilty by his sin, polluted with it, and condemned for it; all are sinners in themselves, and by their own actual transgressions; this is the case of the whole world, and of all the men in it; not only of the Gentiles, but of the Jews, and the more righteous among them: hence there is no difference in the state and condition of men by nature; nor is there any reason from and in themselves, why God saves one and not another; nor any room to despair of the grace and righteousness of Christ, on account of persons being, in their own view, the worst of sinners: and hence it is, that they are…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“for all have sinned--Though men differ greatly in the nature and extent of their sinfulness, there is absolutely no difference between the best and the worst of men, in the fact that "all have sinned," and so underlie the wrath of God. and come short of the glory--or "praise" of God--that is, "have failed to earn His approbation" (compare Joh 12:43, Greek). So the best interpreters.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For all have sinned - This was the point which he had fully established in the discussion in these chapters. Have come short - Greek, “Are deficient in regard to;” are lacking, etc. Here it means, that they had failed to obtain, or were destitute of. The glory of God - The praise or approbation of God. They had sought to be justified, or approved, by God; but all had failed. Their works of the Law had not secured his approbation; and they were therefore under condemnation. The word “glory” (δόξα doxa) is often used in the sense of praise, or approbation, John 5:41, John 5:44; John 7:18; John 8:50, John 8:54; John 12:43. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For all have sinned - In Adam, and in their own persons; by a sinful nature, sinful tempers, and sinful actions. And are fallen short of the glory of God - The supreme end of man; short of his image on earth, and the enjoyment of him in heaven. Romans 3:24”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“all have: Rom 3:9, Rom 3:19, Rom 1:28-32, 2:1-16, Rom 11:32; Ecc 7:20; Gal 3:22; Jo1 1:8-10 come: Heb 4:1 of: Rom 5:2; Th1 2:12; Th2 2:14; Pe1 4:13, Pe1 5:1, Pe1 5:10 Romans 3:24”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification