New Testament

Romans 3:9

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Romans 3:9, Paul addresses the question of whether Jews have an advantage over Gentiles in terms of righteousness.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

What then? Are we any better off? Not at all! For we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin,

KJVKing James Version

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;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 3:9, Paul addresses the question of whether Jews have an advantage over Gentiles in terms of righteousness. He emphatically states that neither group is better off because all people, regardless of their background, are under the power of sin. This means that sin affects everyone equally, and no one can claim superiority based on their heritage or religious practices. Paul is emphasizing the universal nature of sin, which is a key theme in his letter. By stating that both Jews and Greeks are under sin, he highlights the need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ for all humanity. This verse sets the stage for understanding the necessity of grace and redemption, as it shows that everyone is in need of God's mercy and forgiveness, regardless of their cultural or religious identity. Explore related fear.

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 3:9 to your life

This verse reminds us that everyone, regardless of their background, struggles with sin. It encourages humility and compassion towards others, as we are all in need of God's grace. We should avoid judging others based on their heritage or actions, recognizing that we all share the same need for redemption through Christ.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 3:9 mean?

Romans 3:9 means that both Jews and Gentiles are equally affected by sin. Paul argues that no one is better off in terms of righteousness, emphasizing that all people need salvation.

What is the meaning of 'under sin' in Romans 3:9?

'Under sin' in Romans 3:9 refers to being dominated or controlled by sin. It indicates that all humanity, regardless of their background, is subject to sin's influence and consequences.

How does Romans 3:9 relate to the concept of grace?

Romans 3:9 relates to grace by showing that since everyone is under sin, all people need God's mercy and forgiveness. This sets the foundation for understanding the necessity of grace for salvation.

Why does Paul mention both Jews and Gentiles in Romans 3:9?

Paul mentions both Jews and Gentiles to illustrate that sin affects all people, regardless of their cultural or religious identity. This reinforces the idea that everyone is in need of salvation through faith.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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