Romans 3:10

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

As {G2531} it is written {G1125},{G3754} There is {G2076} none {G3756} righteous {G1342}, no, not {G3761} one {G1520}:

As the Tanakh puts it,

“There is no one righteous, not even one!
No one understands,

As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.

as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one;

Romans 3:10 is a pivotal verse in Paul's letter, serving as a foundational statement for his argument regarding the universal nature of sin and the necessity of God's righteousness provided through faith.

Context

Leading up to this verse, Paul meticulously demonstrates that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin, proving that no one is exempt from God's judgment based on their own merit or background. This verse, introduced with "As it is written," is a direct quotation or compilation of ideas from Old Testament scriptures, primarily drawn from Psalm 14:1-3, Psalm 53:1-3, and echoing sentiments found in Ecclesiastes 7:20. Paul uses these ancient texts to confirm the timeless truth about humanity's fallen state, setting the stage for the solution he presents later in the chapter.

Key Themes

The central theme of Romans 3:10 is the **universal depravity and sinfulness of humanity**.

  • No Innate Righteousness: The emphatic declaration "There is none righteous, no, not one" means that, in our natural state, no human being possesses the perfect moral standing required to be acceptable before a holy God.
  • Foundation for Salvation: This verse establishes the critical problem that the gospel solves. If no one is righteous, then salvation cannot come through human effort or inherent goodness, highlighting the need for an external source of righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "righteous," from the Greek word dikaios (δίκαιος). It signifies being just, right, or in proper relationship, especially with God. The phrase "no, not one" (οὐδὲ εἷς, oude heis) is a strong negation, emphasizing the absolute and universal scope of this lack of righteousness among humanity.

Related Scriptures

This verse powerfully summarizes humanity's condition, which Paul details further by quoting other Old Testament passages about human behavior in the following verses (Romans 3:11-18). The stark reality presented here underscores why all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. It sets the stage for understanding the necessity of the righteousness of God being revealed through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-22) and the justification that comes as a gift by grace (Romans 3:24).

Reflection and Application

Romans 3:10 challenges any notion of inherent human goodness or the ability to earn salvation through works. It calls for humility, recognizing our complete inability to meet God's standard on our own. For believers, it deepens our appreciation for God's grace and the perfect righteousness credited to us through faith in Christ. For those seeking truth, it points to the essential need for a Savior. This verse serves as a vital reminder that our hope lies not within ourselves, but entirely in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 53:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David. The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: [there is] none that doeth good.

  • Psalms 53:3

    Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

  • Psalms 14:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good.

  • Psalms 14:3

    They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

  • Romans 3:23

    For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

  • 1 John 1:8

    ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

  • 1 John 1:10

    If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
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