King James Version

What Does Romans 3:12 Mean?

Romans 3:12 in the King James Version says “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one . — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 3:12 · KJV


Context

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 .

13

Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

14

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. The catena continues (Psalm 14:3). Pantes exeklinan (πάντες ἐξέκλιναν, "all turned aside")—universal apostasy. Hama ēchreiōthēsan (ἅμα ἠχρειώθησαν, "together became worthless")—depicting humanity as achreios (ἀχρεῖος), "unprofitable/useless" for God's purposes, like sour wine or corroded metal.

Ouk estin ho poiōn chrēstotēta (οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ποιῶν χρηστότητα, "there is none who does good/kindness")—total moral inability. The repetition of ouk estin heōs henos ("not even one") hammers home universality. This is not saying humans do no good deeds by human standards, but that no one does what is truly good by God's standard—nothing proceeds from faith and love for God (Romans 14:23; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The imagery of "turning aside" reflects Israel's wilderness wanderings and apostasy. Paul applies Israel's own self-critique in the Psalms to prove that Jews, like Gentiles, are covenant breakers who have departed from God's way. The Qumran community also emphasized human sinfulness, though they considered themselves the righteous remnant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Bible's definition of "good" differ from cultural or relative morality?
  2. Why can even apparently good deeds be "unprofitable" if not done in faith and for God's glory?
  3. How should this verse humble your self-assessment while driving you to Christ's righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
πάντες1 of 12

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐξέκλιναν2 of 12

They are

G1578

to deviate, i.e., (absolutely) to shun (literally or figuratively), or (relatively) to decline (from piety)

ἅμα3 of 12

together

G260

properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association

ἠχρειώθησαν·4 of 12

become unprofitable

G889

to render useless, i.e., spoil

οὐκ5 of 12

no not

G3756

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

ἔστιν6 of 12

one

G2076

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

ποιῶν7 of 12

that doeth

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

χρηστότητα8 of 12

good

G5544

usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)

οὐκ9 of 12

no not

G3756

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

ἔστιν10 of 12

one

G2076

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

ἕως11 of 12
G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἑνός12 of 12
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 3:12 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 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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