Keraia
Romans 3

Romans 3:10

There Is No One Righteous · Romans 3:9–20
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Translations

Modern
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.
Traditional
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Literal
As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;
Latin
…sicut scriptum est: Quia non est justus quisquam:

Original

Greek
English
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.

Notes

Romans 3:10–12

This quotation from Psalms 14:1–3; 53:1–3 directly supports the argument that all people are under the power of sin.

Romans 3:10–18

The six quotations in these verses come from different parts of the Old Testament. All of them speak about human sinfulness.

Paul follows a teaching practice used by Jewish teachers. They gathered several Old Testament passages that shared the same theme and placed them together. This method is sometimes called pearl-stringing (linking texts one after another to make a single point).

Romans 1:18–3:20

Paul waits to explain righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until he first teaches about the sinfulness of all people. Both non-Jews and Jews are equally under the power of sin (1:18–32; 2:1–3:8). Because of this, both groups are in the same situation before God. No one can gain God’s favor by their own actions or obedience (3:9–20). All people need God’s saving action, not their own efforts.

Parallels

Psalm 14:1–7 Psalm 53:1–6 Isaiah 59:1–17

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Faith Imputation Last Judgment Letter to the Romans Prayer of Manasseh Sin

Topics

All Sins Being Equal Being Born in Sin Bigotry: Paul's Argument Against Boasting: Spiritual Confessing to One Another Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Eternal Life: Cannot be Inherited by Works Gloating Good Deeds to Go to Heaven Humanism No One is Perfect Not Good Enough Righteousness: None, by Nature Have The Fall of Man: Man in Consequence of Unrighteous The Law of God: Man Cannot Render Perfect Obedience To Total Depravity Wicked (People): Described