Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Original Language Analysis
ἐξέκλιναν
They are
G1578
ἐξέκλιναν
They are
Strong's:
G1578
Word #:
2 of 12
to deviate, i.e., (absolutely) to shun (literally or figuratively), or (relatively) to decline (from piety)
ἅμα
together
G260
ἅμα
together
Strong's:
G260
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association
ποιῶν
that doeth
G4160
ποιῶν
that doeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 12
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
χρηστότητα
good
G5544
χρηστότητα
good
Strong's:
G5544
Word #:
8 of 12
usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)
Cross References
Psalms 14:3They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.Ecclesiastes 7:20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.Isaiah 59:8The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.Isaiah 53:6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.Ecclesiastes 7:29Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.1 Peter 2:25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Bible's definition of "good" differ from cultural or relative morality?
- Why can even apparently good deeds be "unprofitable" if not done in faith and for God's glory?
- How should this verse humble your self-assessment while driving you to Christ's righteousness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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).