King James Version

What Does Romans 3:19 Mean?

Romans 3:19 in the King James Version says “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopp...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. guilty: or, subject to the judgment of God”

Romans 3:19 · KJV

Context

17

And the way of peace have they not known:

18

There is no fear of God before their eyes.

19

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. guilty: or, subject to the judgment of God

20

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.

21

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Read Romans 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul applies the catena (vv. 10-18). Ta nomō (τὰ νομῷ, "in the law")—the Old Testament Scriptures just quoted—speaks to tois en tō nomō (τοῖς ἐν τῷ νόμῳ, "those under the law"), i.e., Jews.

The purpose: hina pan stoma phragē (ἵνα πᾶν στόμα φραγῇ, "that every mouth may be stopped")—silenced, no defense left. And hypodikos genētai pas ho kosmos tō theō (ὑπόδικος γένηται πᾶς ὁ κόσμος τῷ θεῷ, "all the world may become accountable to God"). Hypodikos (ὑπόδικος) is a legal term: liable to judgment, answerable. If Israel, possessing Scripture and covenant, stands condemned by its own Scriptures, then Gentiles have no excuse either. All humanity—Jew and Greek, religious and pagan—is hypodikos before God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's argument is rhetorically brilliant: he uses Israel's own Scriptures to silence Jewish objections to universal guilt. If the people of the book are condemned by the book, who can claim exemption? This sets up the necessity of justification by faith alone (vv. 21-26).

Reflection Questions

  1. What excuses, comparisons, or self-justifications must be silenced before you can receive grace?
  2. How does recognizing your accountability (hypodikos) to God change your approach to sin and righteousness?
  3. Why must all mouths be stopped before the gospel can be heard?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Οἴδαμεν1 of 24

“we know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 24

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὅτι3 of 24

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὅσα4 of 24

“what things soever”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ὁ5 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμῳ6 of 24

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

λέγει7 of 24

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τοῖς8 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν9 of 24

“to them who are under”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ10 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμῳ11 of 24

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

λαλεῖ12 of 24

“it saith”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἵνα13 of 24

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πᾶς14 of 24

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

στόμα15 of 24

“mouth”

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

φραγῇ16 of 24

“may be stopped”

G5420

to fence or inclose, i.e., (specially), to block up (figuratively, to silence)

καὶ17 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑπόδικος18 of 24

“guilty”

G5267

under sentence, i.e., (by implication) condemned

γένηται19 of 24

“may become”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

πᾶς20 of 24

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ21 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμος22 of 24

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τῷ23 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ·24 of 24

“before God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 3:19 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 3:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:10Galatians 3:22-23Romans 2:12-18Romans 3:91 Corinthians 1:29Galatians 5:18

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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