romans-3:20

Destruction (4938) (suntrimma from suntribo = break into pieces, crush completely) (only here in NT) literally describes that which is broken into pieces and shattered, resulting in total devastation. It was used to describe a fracture or broken limb (see LXX below). Figuratively as used here in Rom... Read More

Eagerly wait (553) (apekdechomai from apó = intensifier [see Vincent below] + ekdechomai = expect, look for <> from ek = out + dechomai = receive kindly, accept deliberately and readily) means waiting in great anticipation but with patience (compare our English expression "wait it out"). To expect f... Read More

Encumbrance (3591) (ogkos) literally refers to a bulk or a mass. It is used metaphorically in this verse (the only use in Scripture) to refer to that which serves to hinder or prevent someone from doing something - a hindrance, an impediment. Ogkos referred to a mass as bending or bulging because of... Read More

Tested (1381) (dokimazo from dokimos = tested, proved or approved, tried as metals by fire and thus purified from dechomai = to accept, receive) means to assay, to test, to prove, to put to the test, to make a trial of, to verify, to discern to approve. Dokimazo involves not only testing but determi... Read More

Excluded (1576) (ekkleio from ek = out + kleío = to shut) means literally to shut out. For example in secular Greek we find the following uses -- "be excluded from one’s home city" or "be shut outside the door of the tower". Ekkleio means to eliminate, to not allow, to exclude from a thing. Ekkleio ... Read More

Flesh (4561) (sarx) is used 147 times in the NT (in table below click book title for uses of sarx). A simple definition of sarx is difficult because sarx has many nuances (e.g., some Greek lexicons list up to 11 definitions for sarx!). The diligent disciple must carefully observe the context of each... Read More

Has set you free (1659) (eleutheroo = the ending " -oo" means not only will it be set free but it will be seen as set free) means to cause someone to be freed from domination. The picture is that of the emancipation of slaves. The idea is that the one set free is at liberty, capable of movement, exe... Read More

Being justified (1344) (dikaioo from dike = right, expected behavior or conformity, not according to one’s own standard, but according to an imposed standard with prescribed punishment for nonconformity) (Click for more discussion of dikaioo) primarily means to deem to be right. Dikaioo describes th... Read More

Grave (5028) (taphos) means a site or receptacle for interment as a grave, tomb or sepulchre. Most NT uses of taphos are of a literal burial place but Paul's use is clearly figurative, Thayer's Lexicon noting that... their speech threatens destruction to others, it is death to someone whenever they ... Read More

Accountable (5267) (hupodikos from hupó = under + dike = justice, what is right, judicial hearing or decision especially sentence of condemnation, execution of a sentence) literally means under justice or under judgment, and thus liable to judgment or punishment and in the present context is answera... Read More