King James Version

What Does Romans 3:10 Mean?

Romans 3:10 in the King James Version says “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”

Romans 3:10 · KJV

Context

8

And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

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; proved: Gr. charged

10

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

11

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

12

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. Paul begins his devastating catena (chain) of Old Testament quotations (vv. 10-18), drawing primarily from the Psalms and Isaiah. Kathos gegraptai (καθὼς γέγραπται, "as it is written") anchors the argument in Scripture's authority. Ouk estin dikaios oude heis (οὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς, "there is no righteous one, not even one")—echoing Psalm 14:1-3 and 53:1-3.

Dikaios (δίκαιος, "righteous") means conforming to God's standard, the opposite of hamartōlos ("sinner"). The emphatic oude heis ("not even one") eliminates all exceptions. Paul uses Israel's own Scriptures to prove universal depravity. This is not hyperbole or exaggeration—it is the Spirit-inspired assessment of human moral standing. No one, by nature, meets God's righteous requirements.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 14 (repeated as Psalm 53) was Israel's confession of human folly and corruption. Paul applies what Israel said about pagan nations to all humanity, including Israel itself. This hermeneutical move—universalizing texts Israel applied only to Gentiles—undergirds Paul's entire argument.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you truly believe there is "not one righteous"—including yourself apart from Christ?
  2. How does this verse demolish all attempts at self-justification or moral comparison?
  3. Why must the gospel begin with this radical assessment of human unrighteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
καθὼς1 of 8

“As”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

γέγραπται2 of 8

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὅτι3 of 8
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οὐκ4 of 8

“none”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν5 of 8

“There is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

δίκαιος6 of 8

“righteous”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

οὐδὲ7 of 8

“no not”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

εἷς8 of 8

“one”

G1520

one

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 3:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 53:1-3Psalms 14:1-3Romans 3:231 John 1:8-10Job 15:14Job 25:4

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 3 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes