Romans 3:12

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

They are {G1578} all {G3956} gone out of the way {G1578}, they are {G889} together {G260} become unprofitable {G889}; there is {G2076} none {G3756} that doeth {G4160} good {G5544}, no, not {G3756} one {G2076}{G2193}{G1520}.

all have turned away
and at the same time become useless;
there is no one who shows kindness, not a single one!

All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not so much as one:

This verse, Romans 3:12 in the King James Version, is a powerful declaration about the state of humanity, drawn from the Old Testament. It serves as a foundational text in Paul's argument concerning universal sin and the inability of mankind to achieve righteousness on their own.

Context

Romans chapters 1, 2, and 3 build a compelling case that all people, both Gentiles and Jews, are under the power of sin. Paul systematically exposes the failure of humanity to live up to God's standards, whether based on natural law, conscience, or revealed law. Romans 3:10-18 is a chain of quotations primarily from the Psalms and Isaiah, compiled by Paul to paint a comprehensive picture of human depravity. Verse 12 specifically echoes sentiments found in Psalm 14:3 and Psalm 53:3, affirming that this condition is not new, but a long-standing reality of the human condition.

Key Themes

  • Universal Sinfulness: The phrase "They are all gone out of the way" emphasizes that sin is not limited to a few but is a pervasive reality for every person. This theme is central to Paul's gospel message, highlighting the need for a universal solution.
  • Human Unprofitability: To be "become unprofitable" implies a state of being useless or worthless in terms of serving God or producing spiritual good. Humanity, left to its own devices, cannot please God or earn salvation.
  • Inability to Do Good: The stark statement "there is none that doeth good, no, not one" asserts the total inability of fallen human nature to perform genuinely righteous acts that meet God's perfect standard. Even seemingly good deeds are tainted by selfish motives or fall short of God's glory. This underscores the point made elsewhere that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gone out of the way" translates the Greek word ekklinō, meaning to bend away, deviate, decline, or avoid. It suggests a departure from the right path or standard set by God. "Unprofitable" comes from achreioō, meaning to render useless or corrupt, implying a state of decay or worthlessness in a spiritual sense.

Reflection and Application

This verse is not meant to condemn humanity without hope, but to lay the groundwork for understanding the necessity of God's grace. Recognizing that "there is none that doeth good" leads us to abandon self-reliance and look elsewhere for salvation. It highlights the profound truth that righteousness must come from outside ourselves, specifically through faith in Jesus Christ. This humbling truth should drive us to appreciate the magnitude of God's love and the gift of salvation, which is not earned but freely given to those who believe, as further explained in Romans 5:8.

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 14:3

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

  • Ecclesiastes 7:20

    For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

  • Isaiah 64:6

    ¶ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

  • Isaiah 59:8

    The way of peace they know not; and [there is] no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.

  • Isaiah 53:6

    All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:29

    Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

  • 1 Peter 2:25

    For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

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