as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul emphasizes the absolute "no, not one" to ensure we grasp that no one is exempt from God's judgment due to inherent sinfulness, not even the most seemingly righteous person or nation. This stark declaration, pulled from their own Scriptures, aims to dismantle any self-reliance and point us towards God's grace, not our own deeds.
as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is arguing that no one, whether Jew or Gentile, can be made right with God through their own efforts or by following the law. He's just stated this claim in the previous verse and now he's providing powerful Old Testament support, quoting from Psalms to demonstrate a universal human condition of sinfulness. This sets the stage for his explanation of God's righteousness revealed through faith in Jesus.
Paul unleashes a bombshell in Romans, declaring a universal spiritual condition. How does he back up such a staggering claim?
Paul isn't just throwing around accusations; he's building a case. He's just argued in Romans 3:9 that both Jews and Gentiles are 'all under sin.' To prove this, he pulls out the Old Testament, specifically Psalms 14 and 53. He's essentially saying, 'Look at the evidence from your own sacred texts!'
Scripture as Witness
This isn't Paul's opinion; it's God's verdict revealed through Scripture. The 'as it is written' signals that he's grounding his argument in divine authority. He's showing that this isn't a new idea but a consistent theme throughout God's dealings with humanity as recorded in the Law and the Prophets.
Does 'none are righteous' mean literally no one has ever done a single good thing?
This is where we need to understand the point Paul is making. He's not saying that people are incapable of any decent behavior or that no one has ever shown kindness. Rather, he's describing humanity's fundamental condition when measured against God's perfect standard of righteousness.
The Divine Yardstick
God's standard isn't relative; it's absolute. When the Psalmist (and Paul) says 'none are righteous,' it means no one inherently possesses the perfect, untainted righteousness that would allow them to stand blameless before a holy God. Even actions that seem good can be tainted by selfish motives or fall short of God's full intention. The emphasis is on the universal lack of the of righteousness that earns God's favor through perfect obedience.
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Understand the original words
dikaios · Greek Adjective
The state of moral rectitude or being 'right' with God, characterized by conformity to His holy standard and character, a standing that is unattainable by human effort alone.
Paul powerfully uses Old Testament Scripture, primarily the Psalms and Isaiah, to argue that *all* people, both Jews and Gentiles, are under sin. The ancient words, originally addressing specific situations, are woven together to create a comprehensive picture of universal human depravity before God.
c. 1000 BC
Psalms of David
The Psalms, including Psalm 14 and Psalm 53, are composed, reflecting on the human condition and God's people.
c. 700 BC
Prophetic Writings
Prophets like Isaiah deliver messages to Israel, often detailing their sinfulness and the consequences.
c. 500 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Scriptures are translated into Greek (the Septuagint), influencing how these texts would be read by a wider audience.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, likely from Corinth or Ephesus, explaining the gospel.
This is the direct source of Paul's quotation, revealing the Old Testament's own depiction of universal human unrighteousness and its consequences.
Isaiah 59:7-8This passage vividly describes the destructive and violent paths taken by humanity when God is absent from their lives, echoing the theme of unrighteousness.
Jeremiah 17:9This verse speaks to the deceptive and wicked nature of the human heart, reinforcing the idea that no one is inherently righteous from within.
Ecclesiastes 7:20This proverb acknowledges that 'no one is righteous on earth who does good and never sins,' directly supporting the absolute statement made in Romans.
barnesRomans 3:10: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
As it is written - The apostle is reasoning with Jews; and he proceeds to show from their own Scriptures, that what he had affirmed was true. The point to be proved was, that the Jews, in the matter of justification, had no advantage or preference over the Gentiles; that the Jew had failed to keep the Law which had been given him, as the Gentile had failed to keep the Law which had been given him; and that both, therefore, w…
meyerRomans 3:10: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
Romans 3:10-18 . Conformity with Scripture of the charge referred to, Ἰουδαίους τε καὶ Ἕλλην . πάντ . ὑφʼ ἁμ . εἶναι , so far ( Romans 3:19 ) as this charge cuts off from the Jews every προέχεσθαι of Romans 3:9 . The recitative ὅτι introduces citations from Scripture very various in character, which after the national habit (Surenhusius, καταλλ . thes. 7) are arranged in immediate succession. They are taken from the LXX., th…
Paul emphasizes the absolute "no, not one" to ensure we grasp that no one is exempt from God's judgment due to inherent sinfulness, not even the most seemingly righteous person or nation. This stark declaration, pulled from their own Scriptures, aims to dismantle any self-reliance and point us towards God's grace, not our own deeds.
Paul is arguing that no one, whether Jew or Gentile, can be made right with God through their own efforts or by following the law. He's just stated this claim in the previous verse and now he's providing powerful Old Testament support, quoting from Psalms to demonstrate a universal human condition of sinfulness. This sets the stage for his explanation of God's righteousness revealed through faith in Jesus.
Paul is arguing that no one, whether Jew or Gentile, can be made right with God through their own efforts or by following the law. He's just stated this claim in the previous verse and now he's providing powerful Old Testament support, quoting from Psalms to demonstrate a universal human condition of sinfulness. This sets the stage for his explanation of God's righteousness revealed through faith in Jesus.
"as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;" — Paul emphasizes the absolute "no, not one" to ensure we grasp that *no one* is exempt from God's judgment due to inherent sinfulness, not even the most seemingly righteous person or nation. This star…
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Last reviewed October 2026