New International VersionWhy not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is just!
New Living TranslationAnd some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.
English Standard VersionAnd why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.
Berean Standard BibleWhy not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved!
Berean Literal BibleAnd is it not, as we are slanderously charged, and as some affirm us to say, "Let us do evil things that good things may come?" Their condemnation is just.
King James BibleAnd not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
New King James VersionAnd why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.
New American Standard BibleAnd why not say (just as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let’s do evil that good may come of it”? Their condemnation is deserved.
NASB 1995And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come “? Their condemnation is just.
NASB 1977And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come”? Their condemnation is just.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come”? Their condemnation is just.
Amplified BibleAnd why not say, (as some slanderously report and claim that we teach) “Let us do evil so that good may come of it”? Their condemnation [by God] is just.
Christian Standard BibleAnd why not say, just as some people slanderously claim we say, “Let us do what is evil so that good may come”? Their condemnation is deserved!
Holman Christian Standard BibleAnd why not say, just as some people slanderously claim we say, “Let us do what is evil so that good may come"? Their condemnation is deserved!
American Standard Versionand why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.
Contemporary English VersionYou might as well say, "Let's do something evil, so that something good will come of it!" Some people even claim that we are saying this. But God is fair and will judge them as well.
English Revised Versionand why not (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationOr can we say, "Let's do evil so that good will come from it"? Some slander us and claim that this is what we say. They are condemned, and that's what they deserve.
Good News TranslationWhy not say, then, "Let us do evil so that good may come"? Some people, indeed, have insulted me by accusing me of saying this very thing! They will be condemned, as they should be.
International Standard VersionOr can we say—as some people slander us by claiming that we say—"Let's do evil that good may result"? They deserve to be condemned!
NET BibleAnd why not say, "Let us do evil so that good may come of it"?--as some who slander us allege that we say. (Their condemnation is deserved!)
New Heart English BibleAnd why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), "Let us do evil, that good may come?" Their condemnation is just.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd not rather (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd why should we not say--for so they wickedly misrepresent us, and so some charge us with arguing--"Let us do evil that good may come"? The condemnation of those who would so argue is just. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhy not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved!
World English BibleWhy not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let’s do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd not, as we are spoken evil of, and as certain affirm us to say, “We may do the evil things, that the good ones may come?” Whose judgment is righteous.
Berean Literal BibleAnd is it not, as we are slanderously charged, and as some affirm us to say, "Let us do evil things that good things may come?" Their condemnation is just.
Young's Literal Translation and not, as we are evil spoken of, and as certain affirm us to say -- 'We may do the evil things, that the good ones may come?' whose judgment is righteous.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd not, (as we are defamed, and some have declared us to say,) That we should do evil things, that good things might come: whose judgment is just. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd not rather (as we are slandered, and as some affirm that we say) let us do evil, that there may come good? whose damnation is just.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd should we not do evil, so that good may result? For so we have been slandered, and so some have claimed we said; their condemnation is just.
New American BibleAnd why not say—as we are accused and as some claim we say—that we should do evil that good may come of it? Their penalty is what they deserve.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd why not say (as some people slander us by saying that we say), “Let us do evil so that good may come”? Their condemnation is deserved! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAs for those who blaspheme against us, saying that we say, Let us do evil that good may come, their condemnation is reserved for eternal justice.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishOr is it as those, whose judgment is reserved for justice, slander us and report that we say, “Let us practice evil that good may come? NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen, why not say, (as we are slanderously reported as saying, and, as some affirm, that we do say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? Of such persons the condemnation is just.
Godbey New Testament
are we not indeed thus traduced, and as some say we speak, that, Let us do evil in order that good may come? whose condemnation is just.
Haweis New Testament
And why not admit, (as we are falsely reported of; and as some affirm we say,) That we should do evil things, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.
Mace New Testament
and why may we not do evil, that good may come?" which is slanderously reported to be our maxim, by some, whose condemnation is just.
Weymouth New Testament
And why should we not say--for so they wickedly misrepresent us, and so some charge us with arguing--"Let us do evil that good may come"? The condemnation of those who would so argue is just.
Worrell New Testament
And why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), "Let us do evil that good may come?" whose condemnation is just.
Worsley New Testament
andwhy may we not do evil that good may come?"---as we are injuriously charged, and as some affirm that we say; whose condemnation is just.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context God Remains Faithful… 7However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner? 8Whynot say,assomeslanderouslyclaim thatwesay,“Let us doevilthatgoodmay result”?Theircondemnationisdeserved!9What then? Are we any better? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin.…
Cross References Genesis 50:20As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.
Isaiah 5:20Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.
Jeremiah 18:12But they will reply, ‘It is hopeless. We will follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”
Proverbs 17:15Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.
Habakkuk 1:13Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?
1 Samuel 2:3Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed.
Psalm 94:20-21Can a corrupt throne be Your ally—one devising mischief by decree? / They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
Proverbs 24:24Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”—peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;
Isaiah 30:10They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.
Micah 3:11Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”
Matthew 5:11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Matthew 26:59-61Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
John 8:44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
Acts 6:13where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.
Acts 13:10and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
Treasury of Scripture And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. we be. Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, whenmen shall revile you, and persecuteyou, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 1 Peter 3:16,17 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ… Let us. Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: Romans 6:1,15 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? … Romans 7:7 What 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. Jump to Previous AffirmArgueArguingBehaviourChargeChargedClaimCondemnationCondemnedDamnationEvilFalselyGoodInjuriouslyJustlyMisrepresentPractisePunishmentRatherReportedResultRightSlanderouslyStatementWickedlyJump to Next AffirmArgueArguingBehaviourChargeChargedClaimCondemnationCondemnedDamnationEvilFalselyGoodInjuriouslyJustlyMisrepresentPractisePunishmentRatherReportedResultRightSlanderouslyStatementWickedlyRomans 3 1.The Jews prerogative;3.which they have not lost;9.howbeit the law convinces them also of sin;20.therefore no one is justified by the law;28.but all, without difference, by faith, only;31.and yet the law is not abolished.Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we sayThis phrase addresses a misrepresentation of Paul's teachings. In the early church, Paul faced accusations that his message of grace encouraged sinful behavior. This reflects a misunderstanding of the doctrine of justification by faith, which Paul elaborates on in Romans. The slanderous claim likely arose from those who opposed Paul's teachings, possibly Judaizers who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law. This misinterpretation is a reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians in communicating the gospel message accurately. “Let us do evil that good may result”?
This phrase captures the erroneous logic that some attributed to Paul's teachings. The idea that one could do evil to bring about good contradicts the moral teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. InGenesis 50:20, Joseph acknowledges that God can bring good from evil intentions, but this does not justify the evil itself. Similarly, Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) emphasize righteousness and purity of heart, rejecting any notion that evil acts can be justified by their outcomes. This phrase highlights the importance of understanding the transformative power of grace, which leads to holiness, not licentiousness. Their condemnation is deserved!
Paul's strong response underscores the seriousness of misrepresenting the gospel. The condemnation here is both a legal and moral judgment, reflecting the biblical principle that those who distort God's truth face divine judgment. This echoes the warnings found in other scriptures, such asGalatians 1:8-9, where Paul warns against preaching a different gospel. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the accountability that comes with teaching and interpreting scripture, as seen inJames 3:1, which warns that teachers will be judged more strictly. This condemnation is not only a defense of Paul's integrity but also a defense of the gospel's purity. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, addressing misconceptions about his teachings. 2. The Roman ChurchThe recipients of the letter, a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. 3. False AccusersIndividuals who misrepresented Paul's teachings, suggesting he advocated for sinning to achieve good outcomes. Teaching Points Misrepresentation of the GospelBe vigilant against distortions of biblical teachings. Misunderstandings can lead to false doctrines that justify sin. The Nature of True RighteousnessTrue righteousness does not come from doing evil for good outcomes. It is rooted in faith and obedience to God’s commands. The Importance of DiscernmentChristians must discern truth from falsehood, especially when teachings seem to contradict the core message of the Gospel. Condemnation of SinSin is never justified, even if it appears to result in good. God’s judgment is righteous and condemns such actions. Living Out the GospelOur lives should reflect the transformative power of the Gospel, rejecting sin and embracing holiness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Romans 3:8?
2.How does Romans 3:8 warn against justifying sin for good outcomes?
3.What does Romans 3:8 reveal about God's view on moral compromise?
4.How can Romans 3:8 guide us in resisting false teachings today?
5.Connect Romans 3:8 with other scriptures on truth and righteousness.
6.How should Romans 3:8 influence our daily decision-making and integrity?
7.How does Romans 3:8 address the issue of justifying sin for a good outcome?
8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in Romans 3:8?
9.How does Romans 3:8 challenge the concept of moral relativism?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 3?
11.Are the means justified by the ends?
12.What is the most serious sin?
13.Is choosing the lesser evil supported by the Bible?
14.What is the Principle of Double Effect?What Does Romans 3:8 Mean Why not sayPaul frames a rhetorical question, pushing the logic of the previous verses to its absurd extreme. InRomans 3:5-7 he has just shown that our sin highlights God’s righteousness; now he confronts the hypothetical objector: “And why not say…?” • This device exposes the flaw in thinking that God’s glory could ever justify human wickedness (cf.Romans 6:1-2, 9:14). • Scripture consistently rejects the notion that ends justify sinful means (Isaiah 5:20;Proverbs 17:15). • God’s character is holy (Leviticus 19:2), so any argument suggesting He would encourage sin contradicts His revealed nature.
as some slanderously claim that we sayThe charge against Paul is not an honest misunderstanding; it is “slander.” Critics twist his message of grace into a license for immorality. • Peter notes that some “distort” Paul’s letters “to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:15-16). • The gospel of justification by faith apart from works (Romans 3:28) can be perverted when listeners ignore Paul’s equally clear call to holiness (Romans 6:12-14). •Galatians 2:17 shows the same accusation: if Christ’s followers sin, does that make Christ a promoter of sin? “Certainly not!” Paul responds each time. This reminder warns us to guard both the purity of the message and the reputation of those who preach it (1 Peter 2:12).
“Let us do evil that good may result”Here is the essence of antinomianism: treating grace as an excuse to sin. Paul cites the slogan to expose its folly. • The idea mirrors worldly pragmatism—imagining that “good results” can sanctify wrong actions—yet Scripture never condones evil for presumed benefit (Micah 6:8;1 Thessalonians 4:7). •Romans 6:15 counters the same lie: “Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” • Jude 4 warns of “ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.” • True gospel fruit is produced through obedience, not manipulation (John 15:8-10). So Paul exposes the slogan as spiritual sabotage—undermining both moral order and the witness of the church.
Their condemnation is deserved!Paul’s verdict is stark: those who promote such reasoning stand under just judgment. • God is not mocked; “a man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7-8). •Hebrews 10:29 speaks of “worse punishment” for those who trample the Son of God and treat the blood of the covenant as common. • Teachers bear stricter judgment (James 3:1); twisting grace invites divine censure. The certainty of condemnation underscores how deeply this error violates the gospel: it dishonors Christ’s sacrifice and deceives souls.
summaryRomans 3:8 dismantles the slander that Paul’s gospel encourages sin. He shows that: • God’s righteousness never legitimizes wrongdoing. • Critics who twist the message of grace commit slander. • The slogan “do evil that good may result” is a deadly distortion, flatly contradicted throughout Scripture. • Those who propagate such thinking are rightly condemned. Grace, rightly understood, leads to gratitude-fueled obedience, not calculated rebellion. (8) And not rather.-- And( why should we) not( say) , as some persons slanderously affirm that we say, Let us do evil that good may come. Some such phrase as "Why should we say" must be supplied; "why" from the previous clause, "say" from that which follows. Or "(Why should we) not (do evil), as some persons slanderously affirm that we say, Let us do evil," &c. The latter, perhaps, is best, as we might then suppose the word for "let us do" repeated precisely in the form in which it stands. The Apostle does not care to answer this argument in detail; he will not dally with such a perversion of the moral sense, but simply says, "Whose condemnation is just." What pretext could any one possibly have for attributing such an opinion to St. Paul? The charge was no doubt utterly false as applied to him, but we know that his teaching was made an excuse for Antinomian excesses, which would not unnaturally be fastened upon the Apostle. Or, taking his teaching as it stands, we might well imagine the Jews or the Judaizing party arguing with themselves, "This man openly breaks the Law, and yet he claims to be in the right way, and that all will go well with him; is not this doing evil that good may come? Does he think to win the Messianic kingdom by the breach of the Law, and not by its observance?" Verse 8. - And not ( i.e. why should we not say), as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say, Let us do evil, that good may come? Whose ( i.e. of those who do say so) condemnation is just.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [Why]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.not [say],μὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.asκαθὼς(kathōs)Adverb
Strong's 2531:According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.someτινες(tines)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.slanderouslyβλασφημούμεθα(blasphēmoumetha)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 987:From blasphemos; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously.claim [that]φασίν(phasin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5346:To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.weἡμᾶς(hēmas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.say,λέγειν(legein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.“Let us doΠοιήσωμεν(Poiēsōmen)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.evilκακὰ(kaka)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2556:Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.goodἀγαθά(agatha)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 18:A primary word; 'good'.may result?”ἔλθῃ(elthē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.Theirὧν(hōn)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.condemnationκρίμα(krima)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2917:From krino; a decision ('crime').isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.deserved!ἔνδικόν(endikon)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1738:Righteous, just. From en and dike; in the right, i.e. Equitable.
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NT Letters: Romans 3:8 Why not as we are slanderously reported (Rom. Ro) |
