Devine Scripture

Romans 3:9

What does Romans 3:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 3:9 means

Paul now delivers the sweeping verdict: Jews are not better off than Gentiles regarding sin, nor Gentiles than Jews. All are under sin’s dominion. Religious heritage cannot free anyone from this bondage; neither can moral effort. This levels humanity at the foot of judgment. Paul is not denying differences in privilege but in moral standing before God. The problem is universal, so the solution must be too. Recognition of shared guilt is the threshold to grace, because only those who see their need will seek God’s remedy. Sin is not a series of isolated slips; it is a ruling power apart from God’s saving intervention.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

What then? are we worse off than they? In no way: because we have before made it clear that Jews as well as Greeks are all under the power of sin;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

What, then? are we better? not at all! for we did before charge both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

What then? Do we excel them? No, not so. For we have charged both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

What then? are we better? No, in no wise: for we have before charged both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin:

Context

After dismantling evasive arguments (verses 5–8), Paul restates his central charge: all, Jew and Greek alike, are under sin. This sets up a detailed proof from Scripture in verses 10–18, showing that the problem touches understanding, will, speech, and conduct. By appealing to Israel’s own Scriptures, Paul demonstrates that the Jewish law does not exempt Israel from the universal verdict. Verses 19–20 then explain the function of the law: not to justify, but to reveal sin and render the world accountable. Against that dark backdrop, verses 21–26 present God’s righteousness in Christ as the only hope for justification and reconciliation with God.

v.8and why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.

v.9This passage

v.10as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one;

Cross references

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

  • Romans 11:7

    What then? That which Israel seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened:

  • Galatians 3:10

    For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.

  • Luke 7:39

    Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.

  • Romans 11:32

    For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

  • Galatians 3:22

    But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

  • Romans 3:22

    even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction;

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