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Romans 3:31

ESV Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
NIV Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
NASB Do we then nullify the Law through faith? Far from it! On the contrary, we establish the Law.
CSB Do we then nullify the law through faith? Absolutely not! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
NLT Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
KJV Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
NKJV Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

What does Romans 3:31 mean?

Romans 3 concludes with Paul addressing one more imagined objection from religious Jews who might be reading these words: "So you're just throwing out the law of Moses and starting from scratch, then? The law is out and faith is in just because you say so?"

Paul uses his standard emphatic response to these kinds of questions: "By no means!" This is the phrase mē genoito in Greek. Paul insists that his teaching about faith in Christ does not overthrow or nullify the law. Instead, it upholds or establishes the law.

That statement, of course, raises all kinds of questions from both sides. Does Paul mean that the law is still in effect and we must all, Jews and Gentiles alike, be circumcised and keep its commands? Is Paul going to try to blend the works of the law into faith in Christ as a way to be acceptable to God? That's exactly what some Jewish religious leaders wanted Paul to do. Romans chapter 4, though, will explain exactly what Paul means when he says that his teaching upholds the law.
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