Devine Scripture

Romans 3:19

What does Romans 3:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 3:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 3:19 means

The law speaks to those under it, not to congratulate but to convict. Its voice stops every mouth, stripping away excuses. By revealing God’s standards, the law brings the entire world under judgment, because Israel’s law reflects God’s character and thus implicates Jew and Gentile alike. The purpose is not to produce self-righteousness but to expose the lack of it. The law’s verdict is universal guilt. This prepares the heart to abandon boasting and to look beyond self-effort. Until our mouths are stopped, we will still argue our case. The law serves to end that argument and ready us to receive mercy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now, we have knowledge that what the law says is for those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and all men may be judged by God:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And we have known that as many things as the law saith, to those in the law it doth speak, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may come under judgment to God;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now we know that what things soever the law speaketh, it speaketh to them that are in the law: that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may be made subject to God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now we know that whatever the things the law says, it speaks to those under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world be under judgment toGod.

Context

After proving universal depravity from Scripture (verses 10–18), Paul explains the law’s function. Verse 19 emphasizes that the law addresses those within its scope (the Jews), yet its effect is to silence every mouth and hold all accountable. Verse 20 will add that no one is justified by works of the law; the law gives knowledge of sin. This forms the negative foundation needed to announce the positive revelation of God’s righteousness apart from the law in verses 21–26. There Paul will describe righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, grounded in Christ’s redeeming, propitiatory work, and available to all without ethnic distinction.

v.18There is no fear of God before their eyes.

v.19This passage

v.20because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezekiel 16:63

    that thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when I have forgiven thee all that thou hast done, saith the Lord Jehovah.

  • Romans 3:23

    for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

  • John 15:25

    But this cometh to pass, that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

  • Galatians 5:18

    But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:29

    that no flesh should glory before God.

  • John 10:34

    Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

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