Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Romans 3:19

Next

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Romans 3:19 is a pivotal verse in Paul's letter, concluding his argument about the universal need for salvation. It explains the function of the Law and its effect on humanity before God.

Context

Leading up to this verse, Paul has meticulously demonstrated that both Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32) and Jews (Romans 2:1-29) are under the power of sin. He quotes several Old Testament passages in Romans 3:10-18 to paint a comprehensive picture of human depravity. Verse 19 serves as a summary statement regarding the Law's role in this indictment.

Key Themes

  • The Purpose of the Law: The Law's primary function here is not to save, but to reveal sin and hold people accountable.
  • Universal Guilt: The Law, though given specifically to Israel, demonstrates a standard that reveals the sinfulness of "all the world."
  • Silencing Self-Justification: The Law stops any attempt by humans to claim righteousness or innocence before God based on their own merit or works.
  • Need for Another Way: By establishing universal guilt, the verse implicitly points to the need for a different means of justification (which Paul introduces in the following verses).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "under the law" (Greek: hypo nomon) signifies being subject to the authority, requirements, and consequences of the Mosaic Law. "Guilty before God" (Greek: enochos tō theō) means being liable to God's judgment or condemnation. The Law acts as a witness and prosecutor, proving humanity's failure and liability.

Commentary and Application

Paul states clearly that the pronouncements of the Law are directed at those "under the law," primarily the Jews who received it. However, the effect of the Law is not limited to them; its purpose is "that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." This means the Law serves as God's standard that exposes the sinfulness inherent in all humanity, rendering everyone speechless and without excuse when standing before a holy God. Any claim to righteousness based on one's own actions is silenced. This universal conviction of sin and guilt is essential because it prepares the way for the good news. If we are not guilty, we do not need a saviour. This verse, therefore, powerfully underlines why by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight, and highlights our desperate need for God's grace and the righteousness provided through faith in Jesus Christ, which Paul discusses next in Romans 3:21-26.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 3:10 (12 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • Romans 2:12 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • Romans 3:9 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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.