Romans 3:19
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.
Original Language Analysis
Οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
Οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμῳ
the law
G3551
νόμῳ
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
6 of 24
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμῳ
the law
G3551
νόμῳ
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
11 of 24
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
στόμα
mouth
G4750
στόμα
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
15 of 24
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
φραγῇ
may be stopped
G5420
φραγῇ
may be stopped
Strong's:
G5420
Word #:
16 of 24
to fence or inclose, i.e., (specially), to block up (figuratively, to silence)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γένηται
may become
G1096
γένηται
may become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
19 of 24
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
22 of 24
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
Cross References
Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.Romans 3:9What 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;Ezekiel 16:63That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.Psalms 107:42The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;1 Corinthians 1:29That no flesh should glory in his presence.Galatians 5:18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.Job 5:16So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.Romans 1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:John 8:9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- What excuses, comparisons, or self-justifications must be silenced before you can receive grace?
- How does recognizing your accountability (hypodikos) to God change your approach to sin and righteousness?
- Why must all mouths be stopped before the gospel can be heard?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.