Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Read it in contextAll under sin
Start reading at Romans 3:9 (Romans 3:9 to Romans 3:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The assembled scriptural testimony brings the accusation against both Jews and Gentiles to its conclusion: the law stops boasting and gives knowledge of sin.
3:9What 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;
3:10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
3:11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
3:12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
3:13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
3:14Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
3:15Their feet are swift to shed blood:
3:16Destruction and misery are in their ways:
3:17And the way of peace have they not known:
3:18There is no fear of God before their eyes.
3:19Now 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.
3:20Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 1:1–3:31): Paul addresses the believers in Rome about the accountability of Jews and Gentiles before God. His challenges to a judging person or one called a Jew are rhetorical addresses within the letter. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? All under sin. Read Romans 3:9 through Romans 3:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The assembled scriptural testimony brings the accusation against both Jews and Gentiles to its conclusion: the law stops boasting and gives knowledge of sin. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in All under sin (Romans 3:9 to Romans 3:20).
Start reading at Romans 3:9. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Connection to the wholePaul answers objections raised by his treatment of Jewish privilege and accountability without making human sin a justification for doing evil.
Connection to the wholeThe assembled scriptural testimony brings the accusation against both Jews and Gentiles to its conclusion: the law stops boasting and gives knowledge of sin.
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.