Romans 3:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 3:12
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Chapter Context
Romans 3 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, prayer. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 3:12
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Good: Psalms 14:3, Ecclesiastes 7:20
- Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 7:29, Isaiah 53:6, 59:8, 64:6, 1 Peter 2:25