Romans 3:9
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;
Original Language Analysis
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
προεχόμεθα
are we better
G4284
προεχόμεθα
are we better
Strong's:
G4284
Word #:
3 of 15
to hold oneself before others, i.e., (figuratively) to excel
οὐ
than they No
G3756
οὐ
than they No
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
4 of 15
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
πάντως·
in no wise
G3843
πάντως·
in no wise
Strong's:
G3843
Word #:
5 of 15
entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event
προῃτιασάμεθα
we have before proved
G4256
προῃτιασάμεθα
we have before proved
Strong's:
G4256
Word #:
6 of 15
to accuse already, i.e., previously charge
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἕλληνας
Gentiles
G1672
Ἕλληνας
Gentiles
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
11 of 15
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
Cross References
Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.Romans 6:15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.Romans 11:32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.Romans 3:19Now 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.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What forms of spiritual pride or ethnic superiority must you renounce in light of universal human guilt?
- How does the phrase "under sin" deepen your understanding of humanity's plight beyond mere moral failure?
- Why is recognizing your equality in condemnation with all humanity essential to receiving grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.