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…" — Paul, in his deep dive into human sinfulness, isn't just listing offenses; he's quoting Scripture to show that even the concept of righteousness is absent from humanity's core. The emphasis on "no,…

All verses

Romans 3:10-18

What does Romans 3:10-18 mean?

Paul, in his deep dive into human sinfulness, isn't just listing offenses; he's quoting Scripture to show that even the concept of righteousness is absent from humanity's core. The emphasis on "no, not one" isn't just a dramatic flourish; it's a stark assertion that no person, by their own nature or actions, meets God's standard.

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)

What Romans 3:10-18 means

Paul is meticulously building his case to show that everyone—Jew and Gentile alike—is under the power of sin. He's just declared this in the preceding verse and now he turns to the Old Testament, their own authoritative Scriptures, to prove it beyond doubt. These verses aren't just isolated pronouncements; they're a carefully chosen collection from Psalms and Isaiah, presented like a legal indictment to demonstrate the deep-seated, universal nature of human sinfulness.

Scripture's Unflinching Diagnosis

Paul doesn't just offer his opinion; he brings in the heavy artillery of the Old Testament. What does God's own Word say about our inherent condition?

Paul, speaking to both Jews and Gentiles, uses powerful Old Testament passages to establish a universal truth: no one is righteous.

The Evidence from the Psalms

He quotes Psalm 14:1 (and Psalm 53:1), which states, "None is righteous, no, not one." This isn't a statement about a specific group but God's assessment from heaven. The commentary highlights that the original intent was to show a pervasive human condition, not just a problem within one nation. Even if there were exceptions of godly individuals, the overarching assessment of humanity's natural state is clear.

Why This Declaration Matters

Paul's aim is to show that justification by obeying the Law is impossible for anyone. Because no one meets the standard of righteousness, everyone falls short. This declaration demolishes any idea of earning God's favor through our own efforts or heritage.

Righteousness: God's Standard, Not Ours

What does it truly mean to be 'righteous'? Paul's use of this word isn't just a theological nicety; it's the key to understanding our need for grace.

Paul deliberately uses the word 'righteous' (based on the Greek 'dikaios') in Romans 3:10. This word is crucial because Paul's entire letter is about God's righteousness and how we can be declared righteous before Him.

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What Romans 3:10-18 means

The original words in Romans 3:10-18

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.

What does Romans 3:10-18 mean?

What Romans 3:10-18 means

Scripture's Unflinching Diagnosis

Righteousness: God's Standard, Not Ours

Ask Sola about this verse

What Romans 3:10-18 means

Scripture's Unflinching Diagnosis

Righteousness: God's Standard, Not Ours

Ask Sola about this verse

The original words in Romans 3:10-18

The situation behind Romans 3:10-18

The historical timeline around Romans 3:10-18

Key themes in Romans 3:10-18

Verses connected to Romans 3:10-18

Scholarly commentary on Romans 3:10-18

Frequently asked questions about Romans 3:10-18

Study this verse in Sola