3:20 Therefore by the {o} deeds of the law there shall no {p} flesh be {q} justified in his {r} sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
(o) By those deeds by which the law can be done by us.
(p) Flesh is here taken for man, as in many other places, and furthermore has greater force here: for it is given to show the contrast between God and man: as if one would say, Man, who is nothing else but a piece of flesh defiled with sin, and God, who is most pure and most perfect in himself.
(q) Absolved before the judgment seat of God.
(r) Paul has in mind a contrasting of the righteousness of before men, be they ever so just, against the justice which can stand before God: now there is no righteousness that can stand before God, except the righteousness of Christ alone.
3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law. Works of the law (Revised Version). In the Greek, this reads, Works of law. The statement is general, and of course would include the law of Moses.
Shall no flesh be justified. Since all are found to be sinners, law-breakers, none can be counted sinless; or, in other words, justified.
For by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. Again the article the is not found in the Greek before law. Law, generally, when once known, reveals to us that we are transgressors. The savage steals as a legitimate pursuit, but when once he hears the law, Thou shalt not steal (Ex 20:15), his sin is revealed.
3:20 No flesh shall be justified - None shall be forgiven and accepted of God. By the works of the law - On this ground, that he hath kept the law. St. Paul means chiefly the moral part of it, Rom 3:9,19 Rom 2:21,26; and c. which alone is not abolished, Rom 3:31. And it is not without reason, that he so often mentions the works of the law, whether ceremonial or moral; for it was on these only the Jews relied, being wholly ignorant of those that spring from faith. For by the law is only the knowledge of sin - But no deliverance either from the guilt or power of it.
3:19,20 It is in vain to seek for justification by the works of the law. All must plead guilty. Guilty before God, is a dreadful word; but no man can be justified by a law which condemns him for breaking it. The corruption in our nature, will for ever stop any justification by our own works.
