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Romans 3:9

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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;

What {G5101} then {G3767}? are we better {G4284} than they? No {G3756}, in no wise {G3843}: for {G1063} we have before proved {G4256} both {G5037} Jews {G2453} and {G2532} Gentiles {G1672}, that they are {G1511} all {G3956} under {G5259} sin {G266};

So are we Jews better off? Not entirely; for I have already made the charge that all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, are controlled by sin.

What then? Are we any better? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin.

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin;

Commentary

Romans 3:9 KJV asks a crucial question regarding the spiritual state of humanity: are the Jews, who had the law and the covenants, in a better position before God than the Gentiles? Paul emphatically answers no, stating that both groups have been proven to be "under sin."

Context

This verse follows Paul's extensive argument in Romans chapters 1 and 2, where he systematically demonstrates the sinfulness of both Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32) and Jews (Romans 2:1-29). He has shown that reliance on the law or external religious identity does not exempt anyone from God's judgment. Romans 3:9 serves as a summary conclusion to this preceding section, establishing a universal baseline of human depravity and need before moving on to present God's solution.

Key Themes

  • Universal Sinfulness: The most prominent theme is the declaration that all people, without exception, are subject to the power and guilt of sin. This sets the stage for understanding the necessity of a universal means of salvation.
  • Equality in Sin: Paul levels the playing field, asserting that religious background or heritage offers no inherent advantage in standing before a holy God. There is no distinction in their fallen state.
  • The Need for Righteousness: By proving that everyone is "under sin," Paul highlights the desperate human condition and the inability of humanity to save itself, thus paving the way for the introduction of God's righteousness through faith.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "under sin" translates the Greek hyph hamartian (ὑφ᾽ ἁμαρτίαν). This doesn't just mean having committed sins, but being under the power or dominion of sin itself. It implies a state of being enslaved to sin's influence and consequences, a condition from which humans cannot free themselves.

Reflection

Romans 3:9 is a foundational truth that underscores the gospel message. It is a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and its pervasive reach across all humanity. Understanding that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) is essential for appreciating the magnitude of God's grace offered freely through Jesus Christ. This verse challenges any notion of self-righteousness or superiority based on background, pointing everyone to the same need for salvation.

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 3:22 (8 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 65:5 (5 votes)

    Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

  • Romans 6:15 (5 votes)

    What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

  • Romans 11:32 (4 votes)

    For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

  • Romans 3:22 (3 votes)

    Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

  • Romans 3:23 (3 votes)

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

  • Romans 3:19 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.