Romans 3:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 3:10
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Chapter Context
Romans 3 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, discipleship, covenant. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 3:10
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Analysis
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. Paul begins his devastating catena (chain) of Old Testament quotations (vv. 10-18), drawing primarily from the Psalms and Isaiah. Kathos gegraptai (καθὼς γέγραπται, "as it is written") anchors the argument in Scripture's authority. Ouk estin dikaios oude heis (οὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς, "there is no righteous one, not even one")—echoing Psalm 14:1-3 and 53:1-3.
Dikaios (δίκαιος, "righteous") means conforming to God's standard, the opposite of hamartōlos ("sinner"). The emphatic oude heis ("not even one") eliminates all exceptions. Paul uses Israel's own Scriptures to prove universal depravity. This is not hyperbole or exaggeration—it is the Spirit-inspired assessment of human moral standing. No one, by nature, meets God's righteous requirements.
Historical Context
Psalm 14 (repeated as Psalm 53) was Israel's confession of human folly and corruption. Paul applies what Israel said about pagan nations to all humanity, including Israel itself. This hermeneutical move—universalizing texts Israel applied only to Gentiles—undergirds Paul's entire argument.
Reflection
- Do you truly believe there is "not one righteous"—including yourself apart from Christ?
- How does this verse demolish all attempts at self-justification or moral comparison?
- Why must the gospel begin with this radical assessment of human unrighteousness?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1342 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Romans 3:4, Job 15:14, 25:4
- Parallel theme: Romans 3:23, Job 14:4, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 15:19, Mark 10:18, Titus 3:3