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Romans 3:9

ESV What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin,
NIV What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin.
NASB What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin;
CSB What then? Are we any better off? Not at all! For we have already charged that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin,
NLT Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin.
KJV 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;
NKJV What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.

What does Romans 3:9 mean?

Paul seems to repeat the question from the beginning of this chapter when he asked, "What is the advantage of being a Jew?" There he said there was much advantage in every way. After all, God had given to the Jews His own words in the law.

Now, though, Paul responds to the question, "Are we Jews better off?" much differently. He says they are not. Paul points out once more that every person is "under sin," whether Jewish or Gentile. In other words, the Jewish people do have an advantage on a national level. They are God's chosen people and the receivers of great promises from Him. God remains faithful to His covenants with them. And, as members of God's chosen people, they have particularly close access to God's words and revelations.

However, on a personal level, there is no extra advantage to being Jewish when it comes to being judged by God for sin. Jewish or Gentile, God will hold every person accountable for their actions.

The following verses will show that by the standards of that judgment, every last human being ought to be deemed unrighteous before God for our sinfulness.
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