Bible Strands
Romans 3:9
What then? Are we any better? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman church, which includes both Jewish and Gentile members, immediately after concluding his argument in Romans 3:8 that slanderers falsely claim Christians endorse doing evil to produce good.
The words — προέχομεθα (proechometha) literally means "Are we better?" and πάντως (pantōs) translates to "at all," forming the immediate, absolute denial that follows the rhetorical question.
The thread — The text's declaration that all people stand under sin runs parallel to Galatians 3:22, which confines all things under sin, and aligns with the warning against self-righteous pride in Isaiah 65:5.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to reject any assumption of spiritual or moral superiority and to acknowledge that both Jews and Greeks are equally subject to sin before any appeal to grace in Romans 6:15 can be understood.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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;
Cross-references
- Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.
- Romans 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Certainly not!
- Isaiah 65:5 They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.
- Romans 3:22 And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,
- Romans 11:32 For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone.
- Romans 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
- Luke 7:39 When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!”
- Luke 18:9 To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable:
- Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
- Romans 3:5 But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms.