Romans 3:10-18 Meaning Explained

Romans 3:10-18

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.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

English Standard Version (ESV)

The verse doesn't just state that no one is righteous; it emphasizes this by adding "no, not one," which isn't even in the original Hebrew of Psalm 14. This "no, not one" is from the Septuagint translation and acts as a powerful, even stark, amplification to drive home the absolute totality of human sinfulness.

What Romans 3:10-18 means

{ "references": [ { "reference": "Psalm 14:1-3", "connection": "This is the primary Old Testament passage Paul is quoting from. It paints a stark picture of universal human depravity, echoing the sentiment that no one is righteous." }, { "reference": "Jeremiah 17:9", "connection": "This verse offers a powerful, internal perspective on the human condition, stating that the heart is 'crooked and desperately wicked,' reinforcing the external observation of unrighteousness." }, { "reference": "Ecclesiastes 7:20", "connection": "This passage directly supports the idea that 'no one on earth does only good and never sins,' aligning with Paul's assertion and the Old Testament foundation for it." }, { "reference": "Romans 1:21-23", "connection": "Here, Paul describes the Gentile world's spiritual state, showing how they, despite having knowledge of God, have become futile in their thinking and worship, demonstrating a universal departure from righteousness." }, { "reference": "1 John 1:8-10", "connection": "This New Testament passage revisits the theme of sin and confession, reminding believers that claiming to be without sin is deceptive, thereby underscoring the ongoing reality of human imperfection and the need for Christ." } ] }

Scripture's Universal Verdict on Sin

Ever wonder why the Bible is so direct about human sinfulness? Paul quotes the Old Testament to make a powerful point.

Paul isn't just stating an opinion here; he's grounding his argument in God's own Word. He pulls from the Psalms (Psalm 14:1-3 and Psalm 53:1-3) to declare a reality about humanity.

A Divine Diagnosis

Think of it like a doctor examining a patient. The doctor doesn't guess; they rely on tests and established medical knowledge. Paul, in essence, is presenting the scriptural diagnosis of the human condition. He's showing that God, looking down from heaven, finds no one perfectly righteous. This isn't about a few bad apples; it’s a description of humanity's core state.

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What Romans 3:10-18 means

Original language

righteousδικαιος

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.

understandsσυνίων

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.

seeks for Godἐκζητῶν

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.

turned asideἐξέκλιναν

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.

worthlessἠχρεώθησαν

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.

goodἀγαθωσύνην

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.

throatλάρυγξ

larynx · Greek Noun

The organ of speech used metaphorically to represent the source of corrupt communication. In Scripture, it is a primary vehicle through which human depravity is expressed.

open graveτάφος ἀνεῳγμένος

taphos aneōgmenos · Greek Noun phrase

A metaphor for corruption and death emanating from within. It suggests that what proceeds from the human heart is spiritually decaying and destructive to others.

deceiveἐδολιοῦσαν

edoliousan · Greek Verb

To lead astray or induce error through falsehood. It is a fundamental activity of the sinful nature to pervert the truth for selfish gain.

venom of aspsἰὸς ἀσπίδων

ios aspidōn · Greek Noun phrase

A reference to malicious and destructive speech. It conveys the idea that words can be as lethal and poisonous as a serpent’s venom.

bitternessπικρίας

pikrias · Greek Noun

Expressions of ill-will, resentment, or a harsh, malicious spirit. It reflects an internal corruption that manifests in hostile interactions with others.

shed bloodαἷμα ἐκχέαι

haima ekcheai · Greek Verb phrase

The act of killing or murder. It is used in Scripture to demonstrate the extreme extent of human malice and the complete disregard for the image of God in others.

ruinσύντριμμα

syntrimma · Greek Noun

Destruction, devastation, or crushing; frequently used in the Bible to describe the ultimate outcome of a life lived in rebellion against God.

miseryταλαιπωρία

talaipōria · Greek Noun

Distress, unhappiness, or affliction; refers to the wretched state of existence resulting from sin and separation from the Creator.

peaceεἰρήνη

eirēnē · Greek Noun

Hebrew concept of 'shalom', signifying not just absence of conflict, but wholeness, harmony, welfare, and right relationship with God and others.

fear of Godφόβος

phobos tou Theou · Greek Noun

A reverential awe, respect, and submission toward God; a foundational posture of the heart that recognizes His holiness, authority, and sovereignty.

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Breakdown of Romans 3:10-18

"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.” “Their throat is an open…" — The verse doesn't just state that no one is righteous; it emphasizes this by adding "no, not one," which isn't even in the original Hebrew of Psalm 14. This "no, not one" is from the Septuagint trans…

What Romans 3:10-18 means

Scripture's Universal Verdict on Sin

Ask Sola about this verse

What Romans 3:10-18 means

Scripture's Universal Verdict on Sin

Ask Sola about this verse

Righteousness: More Than Just Doing Good

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