King James Version

What Does Romans 3:9 Mean?

Romans 3:9 in the King James Version says “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 3:9 · KJV

Context

7

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

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.

Read Romans 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul pivots from objections to his thesis. Ti oun (Τί οὖν, "What then?") introduces his conclusion. Are Jews proechometha (προεχόμεθα, "better/superior")? Ou pantōs (Οὐ πάντως, "not at all/by no means")—despite the advantages of verses 1-2, Jews have no moral superiority.

The verb proētiasametha (προῃτιασάμεθα, "we have before proved/charged") references Paul's arguments in 1:18-3:8. Both Jews and Greeks are hyph' hamartian (ὑφ' ἁμαρτίαν, "under sin")—depicting sin as a slave master or occupying power. This is not mere moral failure but cosmic bondage. Paul's egalitarianism is devastating: all human ethnic, religious, and moral distinctions are irrelevant before the bar of divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism sharply distinguished between the righteous (themselves) and sinners (Gentiles). Palestinian Judaism even debated whether Gentiles had any share in the world to come. Paul's assertion of universal guilt would have been scandalous to Jewish pride, though echoes appear in some rabbinic literature acknowledging the evil impulse's power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What forms of spiritual pride or ethnic superiority must you renounce in light of universal human guilt?
  2. How does the phrase "under sin" deepen your understanding of humanity's plight beyond mere moral failure?
  3. Why is recognizing your equality in condemnation with all humanity essential to receiving grace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Τί1 of 15

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 15

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

προεχόμεθα3 of 15

“are we better”

G4284

to hold oneself before others, i.e., (figuratively) to excel

οὐ4 of 15

“than they No”

G3756

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

πάντως·5 of 15

“in no wise”

G3843

entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event

προῃτιασάμεθα6 of 15

“we have before proved”

G4256

to accuse already, i.e., previously charge

γὰρ7 of 15

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Ἰουδαίους8 of 15

“Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

τε9 of 15

“both”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ10 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

Ἕλληνας11 of 15

“Gentiles”

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

πάντας12 of 15

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑφ'13 of 15

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἁμαρτίαν14 of 15

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

εἶναι15 of 15

“that they are”

G1511

to exist

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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:22Romans 6:15Isaiah 65:5Romans 3:22-23Romans 11:32Romans 3:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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