Keraia
Romans 3

Romans 3:9

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

Modern
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.
Traditional
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
Literal
What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin.
Latin
Quid ergo? præcellimus eos? Nequaquam. Causati enim sumus Judæos et Græcos omnes sub peccato esse,

Original

Greek
English
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.

Notes

Romans 3:9

  • Not at all: Paul's strong response does not contradict his earlier statement in 3:1–2 that Jews have an advantage. However, this advantage has not benefited them because they did not obey God's commands and encountered God's punishment. Jews, like Gentiles (here, Greeks), have sinned against the revelation of God and stand condemned.

  • under sin: Being "under" something means it controls a person. The main problem for humans is not only that they have sin, but they are slaves of sin. The solution to this problem is the freedom that Christ Jesus provides. He frees people from both the penalty and the power of sin.

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

People

Javan: Son of Japheth; ancestor of Greek people Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Faith Last Judgment Letter to the Romans Power Sin

Topics

Bigotry: Paul's Argument Against Boasting: Spiritual Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Gentiles: Comprehend all Nations Except the Jews Greece: Inhabitants of Called |Gentiles| (Non-Jews) The Law of God: All Men Have Transgressed