Romans 3:10-12
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The phrase "no, not one" is not in the original Hebrew of Psalm 14:1, but was added by the translators of the Greek Septuagint. Paul's inclusion of it here amplifies the original text's emphasis, driving home the absolute universality of unrighteousness in a way that leaves no room for exceptions.
as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is arguing that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, falls short of God's perfect standard because they are all "under sin." To prove this point, he pulls a series of quotes from the Old Testament, starting here with Psalm 14, to show that Scripture itself testifies to humanity's universal sinfulness. This section lays the foundation for his argument that no one can be declared righteous by following the Law, setting up the need for God's gracious intervention through Christ.
Ever feel like the world is full of good people, even yourself sometimes? Paul drops a bombshell here, quoting Scripture to declare something starkly different. What does it really mean to be 'righteous' in God's eyes?
Paul isn't just throwing around opinions; he's grounding his argument in the Old Testament. He quotes Psalm 14 (and 53), which was part of the Jewish Scriptures.
The Direct Testimony
Paul uses this declaration about universal unrighteousness to make a crucial point about why we need God. It’s not just about proving people are 'bad'; it's about revealing a deeper truth.
The commentators point out that Paul's use of these Old Testament passages is strategic. While the original context might have sometimes focused on specific groups or times, Paul broadens the scope.
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The Goal of the Argument
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.
syniōn · Greek Verb (participle)
To comprehend with the mind and spirit, specifically regarding spiritual truths and the nature of God. Biblically, this implies a heart-level perception that leads to knowledge of God's will.
ekzētōn · Greek Verb (participle)
To actively pursue, inquire after, or desire a relationship with God. In a fallen state, humanity is incapable of this initiative without the prior work of divine grace.
exeklinan · Greek Verb
A state of moral depravity and spiritual apostasy, characterized by a deviation from God’s revealed path and commandments. It denotes a deliberate departure from the way of life and truth.
ēchreōthēsan · Greek Verb
That which is useless, unprofitable, or corrupt. It describes humanity as having lost its intended purpose and value in the sight of God due to the corruption of sin.
agathōsynēn · Greek Noun
Moral uprightness or virtuous action that conforms to God’s holy standards. In the context of total depravity, it signifies that no human action possesses the purity required to satisfy a holy God.
Paul draws on Old Testament Scripture, primarily Psalms 14 and 53, which were originally written to describe the moral and spiritual state of ancient Israel. By quoting these passages in Romans 3, he powerfully argues that the sinfulness described is not limited to a specific time or nation but reflects a universal human condition, impacting both Jews and Gentiles alike.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom at its Peak
The Psalms, including Psalm 14 and 53, were likely composed during the united monarchy or early divided monarchy, reflecting the spiritual and moral state of Israel.
c. 700 BC
Prophetic Ministry in Judah
Prophets like Isaiah delivered messages of judgment and a call to repentance, often highlighting the deep-seated sinfulness of the people and the nation.
c. 500 BC
Exilic and Post-Exilic Period
The period of exile in Babylon and the subsequent return to Jerusalem were times of profound reflection on Israel's covenant relationship with God and the reasons for their national downfall.
c. 50 BC - AD 50
Septuagint Translation of Old Testament
The Old Testament scriptures, including the Psalms, were translated into Greek, making them accessible to a wider audience, including Hellenistic Jews and early Gentile believers.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul penned his letter to the church in Rome, aiming to explain the Gospel and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles. He was likely in Corinth or Ephesus when he wrote this letter.
This is the primary Old Testament passage Paul is quoting from, directly stating that 'none is righteous, no, not one' and describing the universal lack of those who seek God.
Psalm 53:1-3This Psalm is nearly identical to Psalm 14 and serves as a parallel witness in Scripture to the pervasive unrighteousness of humanity, reinforcing Paul's assertion.
Isaiah 59:7-8This passage describes the destructive and violent ways of people, illustrating the practical outworking of the unrighteousness that Paul discusses, showing 'destruction and misery' where the 'way of peace' is unknown.
Ecclesiastes 7:20This verse directly echoes Paul's point by stating, 'Surely there is no one on earth who does good and never sins,' reinforcing the universal nature of sinfulness that Romans 3:10 addresses.
1 John 1:8-10This New Testament passage from John directly confronts any denial of sin, stating that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and that God's word tells us we are all under the power of sin, aligning with Paul's foundational statement.
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…
The phrase "no, not one" is not in the original Hebrew of Psalm 14:1, but was added by the translators of the Greek Septuagint. Paul's inclusion of it here amplifies the original text's emphasis, driving home the absolute universality of unrighteousness in a way that leaves no room for exceptions.
Paul is arguing that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, falls short of God's perfect standard because they are all "under sin." To prove this point, he pulls a series of quotes from the Old Testament, starting here with Psalm 14, to show that Scripture itself testifies to humanity's universal sinfulness. This section lays the foundation for his argument that no one can be declared righteous by following the Law, setting up the need for God's gracious intervention through Christ.
Paul is arguing that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, falls short of God's perfect standard because they are all "under sin." To prove this point, he pulls a series of quotes from the Old Testament, starting here with Psalm 14, to show that Scripture itself testifies to humanity's universal sinfulness. This section lays the foundation for his argument that no one can be declared righteous by following the Law, setting up the need for God's gracious intervention through Christ.
"as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands;
no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”" — The phrase "no, not one" is not in the original Hebrew of Psalm 14:1, but was added by the translators of the Greek Septuagint. Paul's inclusion of it here amplifies the original text's emphasis, dri…
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Last reviewed October 2026