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;
Parallel translations
- WEB What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.
- BSB 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.
- NKJV What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
- NASB What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin;
- NLT Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Are Jews better off than Gentiles? Not at all — Paul has already shown that all, Jews and Greeks alike, are under sin. This is the climactic verdict of his argument.
Overview
Paul draws his sweeping conclusion: despite Israel's privileges, neither Jew nor Greek has the advantage of being less sinful. All are 'under sin,' held captive by its power and guilt. This universal verdict prepares for the chain of Old Testament quotations that follow (3:10-18) and sets up humanity's desperate need for the righteousness from God by faith in Christ, the heart of the gospel.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 16
- Gal 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
- Rom 6:15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
- Isa 65:5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
- Rom 3:22–23Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
- Rom 11:32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
- Rom 3:19Now 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.
- Rom 11:7What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
- Rom 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
- Luke 7:39Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
- Luke 18:9–14And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
- 1 Cor 14:15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
- 1 Cor 4:7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
- Gal 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
- Rom 3:5But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
- Phil 1:18What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
- 1 Cor 10:19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Commentaries & study tools
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Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Paul unfolds the gospel in full: Christ our righteousness received by faith, the second Adam in whom many are made righteous, in whose death and resurrection we are buried and raised.
How Romans 3:9 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.