Romans 3:19

Translations

Modern

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.

Traditional

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Literal

Now we know that as much as the law says, it speaks to those in the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may be under judgment to God.

Latin

Scimus autem quoniam quæcumque lex loquitur, iis, qui in lege sunt, loquitur: ut omne os obstruatur, et subditus fiat omnis mundus Deo:

Original

Greek

English

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.

Notes

Romans 3:19

Paul refers to the entire Old Testament as the law (see also 1 Corinthians 9:8, 9; 14:21, 34; Galatians 4:21).
The Jews, who received the Scriptures, were those to whom God gave the law (literally, those in the law).
How can Paul conclude that the whole world [is] held accountable to God based on Old Testament evidence that Jews are sinful? He uses a common Jewish technique of argument, reasoning from the greater idea to the lesser. The law shows that the Jews, the people God chose, are accountable. So, the non-Jews (Gentiles), who did not receive God's instruction, are even more accountable.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Biblical Law Community Responsibility: Achan’s Sin Natural Revelation Sin Enters the World The Limitations of Law

Related verses

Galatians 3:10
All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
Galatians 3:22–23
But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.
Romans 3:9
What then? Are we any better? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin.
Romans 2:12–18
All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
Galatians 5:18
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Ezekiel 16:63
…so that when I make atonement for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your disgrace, declares the Lord GOD.”
Romans 3:23
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
1 Corinthians 1:29
…so that no one may boast in His presence.
Job 9:2–3
“Yes, I know that it is so, but how can a mortal be righteous before God?
Psalm 107:42
The upright see and rejoice, and all iniquity shuts its mouth.
Galatians 4:5
…to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.
Romans 2:1–2
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

Romans 3:19

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