Romans 3:19

KJV

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} we know {G1492} that {G3754} what things soever {G3745} the law {G3551} saith {G3004}, it saith {G2980} to them who are under {G1722} the law {G3551}: that {G2443} every {G3956} mouth {G4750} may be stopped {G5420}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the world {G2889} may become {G1096} guilty {G5267} before God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, we know that whatever the Torah says, it says to those living within the framework of the Torah, in order that every mouth may be stopped and the whole world be shown to deserve God’s adverse judgment.

Berean Standard Bible

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.

American Standard Version

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 3:19 serves as a climactic declaration in Paul's argument for humanity's universal sinfulness, asserting that the Mosaic Law, though given to Israel, speaks to all who are subject to its divine standard. Its purpose is not to justify, but to expose and silence every human claim to righteousness, thereby rendering the entire world unequivocally guilty and accountable before a holy God, thus preparing the way for the revelation of God's righteousness apart from the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 3:19 concludes Paul's extensive argument, initiated in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness"), demonstrating the universal need for God's righteousness. He systematically indicts the Gentiles for their suppression of truth and idolatry ([Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - The Depravity of Humanity")), then the Jews for their hypocrisy and failure to live up to the Law they boasted in ([Romans 2:1-29](/romans/2-1-29 "Romans 2:1-29 - God's Impartial Judgment")). Following a series of Old Testament citations in [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10-18 "Romans 3:10-18 - Universal Human Sinfulness") that paint a bleak picture of human depravity, verse 19 functions as a summary statement, explaining the Law's role in this comprehensive indictment, effectively closing off any avenue for self-justification and setting the stage for the revelation of salvation by grace through faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In Paul's time, the Mosaic Law (Torah) was central to Jewish identity and their covenant relationship with God. Many Jews believed their possession of the Law and their adherence to its rituals set them apart and guaranteed their righteousness before God. Gentiles, on the other hand, often relied on philosophical systems, moral codes, or their own perceived good deeds. Paul's assertion that "whatsoever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law" directly challenges the Jewish presumption of a privileged status that exempted them from universal sin. Simultaneously, by declaring "all the world may become guilty before God," Paul extends this indictment beyond Israel, dismantling any human claim to self-sufficiency or moral superiority in the Greco-Roman world, thereby leveling the playing field before God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several foundational themes within Romans and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it clarifies **The Purpose of the Law**, revealing that its primary function is not to provide a path to salvation through works, but rather to expose sin and demonstrate humanity's inability to meet God's perfect standard, as articulated later in [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law Reveals Sin"). Secondly, it establishes **Universal Guilt**, asserting that the Law's pronouncements apply to "all the world," signifying that every individual, regardless of background, stands condemned before God. This theme is crucial for understanding the necessity of God's grace. Thirdly, the phrase "every mouth may be stopped" highlights the theme of **Silencing Self-Justification**, indicating that the Law leaves no room for human boasting, excuses, or claims of innocence before a holy God. Finally, by revealing humanity's desperate state, the verse implicitly points to the **Need for Another Way** of justification, preparing the reader for Paul's subsequent exposition of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, which is the heart of the Gospel message found in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith Apart From the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), this term, used in its perfect tense, signifies "to know" or "to be aware." In Romans 3:19, "we know" indicates a shared, established understanding or a self-evident truth that Paul is appealing to among his readers, emphasizing the undeniable reality of the Law's purpose.
* **under (Greek, _en'_):** This primary preposition denotes a fixed position "in, at, or upon," but here, combined with "the law," it signifies being "under" its authority, subject to its requirements, and liable to its judgments and consequences. It describes the state of being bound by the Law's jurisdiction, particularly for those to whom it was directly given, but by extension, for all who are subject to God's moral standard.
* **guilty (Greek, _hypódikos'_):** This word literally means "under sentence" or "liable to a penalty." In this context, it signifies being "condemned" or "accountable" before God. It conveys the legal status of one who has failed to meet a standard and is therefore subject to divine judgment, without defense or excuse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law:"** This opening clause establishes a foundational truth. Paul asserts a common understanding ("we know") that the pronouncements and judgments of the Mosaic Law are specifically directed at those who are subject to its authority and covenant obligations, primarily the Jewish people. This clarifies that the Law's indictment is not arbitrary but is binding on those who received it.
* **"that every mouth may be stopped,"** This phrase reveals the immediate, intended effect of the Law's pronouncements. The Law functions as a divine prosecutor, presenting such an overwhelming case against humanity that all attempts at self-justification, boasting, or offering excuses are utterly silenced. It strips away any pretense of righteousness or innocence, leaving humanity speechless and without defense before God.
* **"and all the world may become guilty before God."** This final clause extends the Law's convicting power universally. While the Law was given to Israel, its moral standard and the revelation of sin it provides apply to "all the world" (referring to all humanity, both Jew and Gentile). The result is that everyone is rendered "guilty" – liable to divine judgment and condemnation – not merely in a legal sense, but in a profound spiritual and moral sense before the perfectly holy God. This universal guilt highlights the desperate need for a divine solution to the problem of sin.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Romans 3:19 to convey his theological argument. **Personification** is evident in "what things soever the law saith," giving the abstract concept of "the Law" an active voice, as if it is speaking and issuing pronouncements. This emphasizes the Law's authority and its direct communication of God's standards. **Hyperbole** is used in the phrases "every mouth" and "all the world," which are deliberate exaggerations to underscore the absolute and universal scope of the Law's convicting power. This is not merely a few people, but literally everyone, without exception, who stands condemned. Finally, the imagery of a "mouth... stopped" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the cessation of all human argument, boasting, or self-justification. It evokes the image of a defendant in a courtroom whose guilt has been so overwhelmingly proven that they have nothing left to say in their defense. These devices collectively amplify the Law's effectiveness in revealing universal sin and preparing the way for God's grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 3:19 is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of sin and the necessity of grace. It asserts that the Law's primary function is not to justify but to expose sin and demonstrate humanity's utter inability to achieve righteousness on its own. This universal condemnation, encompassing "all the world," underscores the profound holiness and justice of God, against whom all have sinned. The Law acts as a divine mirror, reflecting humanity's fallen state and silencing any human attempt at self-vindication. This conviction of sin is not an end in itself but a crucial prerequisite for appreciating the good news of salvation. Only when humanity recognizes its complete guilt and helplessness before God can it truly grasp the magnitude and necessity of God's unmerited favor and the righteousness freely offered through faith in Jesus Christ. The verse thus sets the stage for the glorious revelation of God's saving grace that follows.

* [Psalm 143:2](/psalms/143-2 "Psalm 143:2 - No One Righteous Before God")
* [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Schoolmaster to Christ")
* [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law Reveals Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 3:19 profoundly shapes our understanding of ourselves, God, and the Gospel. It dismantles any illusion of self-righteousness or moral superiority, revealing that every human being, regardless of background, stands condemned and speechless before a holy God. This truth is not meant to crush us with despair, but to cultivate a profound humility and a deep appreciation for God's grace. If our mouths are stopped and we are truly guilty, then our only hope lies outside of ourselves, in the mercy of God. This verse compels us to abandon all attempts at earning God's favor through our own efforts and to embrace the radical truth that salvation is a gift, freely given. It should also ignite within us a compassionate urgency to share the Gospel, for if "all the world" is guilty, then "all the world" desperately needs to hear about the righteousness that comes by faith in Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of universal guilt, as presented in Romans 3:19, challenge your natural inclination towards self-justification or comparing yourself to others?**
* **What does it mean for your "mouth to be stopped" before God, and how does this realization lead you to a deeper appreciation of grace?**
* **If the Law's purpose is to reveal sin and condemn, how does this understanding transform your view of the Law's role in God's redemptive plan?**
* **How does this verse prepare you to receive the good news of justification by faith, which Paul introduces immediately after?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary purpose of the Law according to this verse?**

Answer: According to Romans 3:19, the primary purpose of the Law is not to provide a means of justification or salvation, but rather to expose sin and silence all human boasting. It functions as a divine standard that reveals humanity's inherent sinfulness, leading to the universal conclusion that "all the world may become guilty before God." This conviction of sin is essential because it demonstrates humanity's desperate need for a Savior, paving the way for the revelation of God's righteousness through faith.

**How can "all the world" be "under the law" if the Law was given specifically to Israel?**

Answer: While the Mosaic Law was indeed given specifically to Israel, Paul's argument in Romans indicates that its moral principles and the revelation of God's righteous standard apply universally. Even Gentiles, who did not have the written Law, are shown to have the "work of the law written in their hearts" ([Romans 2:14-15](/romans/2-14-15 "Romans 2:14-15 - The Law Written on Hearts")), demonstrating that all humanity is accountable to God's moral order. Therefore, when Paul states that "what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law," he means that its condemning power extends to all who are subject to God's divine authority and moral expectations, ultimately encompassing "all the world." The Law, in its broadest sense, reveals the universal failure to meet God's holy standard.

**What does it mean for "every mouth" to be "stopped"?**

Answer: For "every mouth" to be "stopped" signifies that all human attempts at self-justification, excuses, or boasting about one's own righteousness are rendered utterly futile and silent before God. It implies a complete and undeniable conviction of sin, where the evidence against humanity is so overwhelming that there is no defense left to offer. This imagery portrays a courtroom scene where the accused is left speechless and without argument, fully exposed in their guilt before the divine Judge. This silencing is crucial because it removes any obstacle to recognizing the need for God's grace and accepting the righteousness provided through faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 3:19, in its stark declaration of universal guilt, serves as the essential dark backdrop against which the brilliant light of Christ's righteousness shines most brightly. The Law's function is to condemn and silence, revealing humanity's profound inability to meet God's holy standard. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for the glorious truth that follows: since no one can be justified by the works of the Law, God has provided a different way. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of what the Law foreshadowed and demanded. He perfectly obeyed the Law, living a sinless life, and then, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), He bore the full curse and penalty of the Law's condemnation on the cross, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ redeems us from the Law's curse ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us From the Curse of the Law")) and provides the righteousness that is credited to all who believe, as Paul passionately explains in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith Apart From the Law"). Thus, the Law's indictment in Romans 3:19 compels us to flee to Christ, who alone offers the perfect and complete solution to our universal guilt.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 3:10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:22

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Galatians 3:23

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Romans 2:12

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

Romans 2:18

And knowest [his] will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

Romans 3:9

What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

Ezekiel 16:63

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.