What does Romans 3:12 mean?
"They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." - Romans 3:12

Romans 3:12 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
This verse comes from the New Testament book of Romans, which was written by the apostle Paul. In this passage, Paul is making a case for the universal sinfulness of humanity. He argues that both Jews and Gentiles are equally guilty before God because they have all sinned and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). In the previous verse, Paul quotes from the Psalms to emphasize that "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10, KJV).
The theme of universal sinfulness is central to the Christian doctrine of salvation. According to the Bible, all people are born with a sinful nature due to the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Romans 5:12). As a result, no one can earn their salvation through their own good deeds because they are inherently unrighteous and incapable of living up to God's perfect standard (Romans 3:20).
The phrase "gone out of the way" in Romans 3:12 carries the connotation of straying from the path or deviating from what is right. It suggests that all people have turned away from God and have chosen their own way instead of following His commands. This aligns with the biblical concept of humanity's rebellion against God, which began with Adam and Eve's disobedience and has been perpetuated throughout history.
Furthermore, the statement "they are together become unprofitable" emphasizes the futility of relying on human effort or righteousness for salvation. No matter how hard people may try to be good or moral, their actions are ultimately inadequate in God's eyes because they are tainted by sin. This aligns with the biblical teaching that salvation is not based on works but on faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The verse concludes with the assertion that "there is none that doeth good, no, not one." This declaration is a stark reminder of the universal depravity of humanity apart from God. It echoes the sentiments expressed in the Psalms and other biblical passages that highlight the human tendency towards selfishness, pride, and wickedness (Psalm 14:1-3).
In addition to its doctrinal implications, Romans 3:12 also serves as a powerful rhetorical device in Paul's argument. By painting such a bleak picture of human nature, Paul underscores the desperate need for God's grace and the necessity of the gospel. The verse lays the groundwork for the following verses in which Paul presents Jesus Christ as the solution to humanity's predicament, offering redemption and justification through His sacrifice on the cross.
Symbolically, Romans 3:12 serves as a mirror that reflects the fallen state of humanity. It exposes the reality of sin and our inability to save ourselves. However, it also points to the hope and salvation that are available through Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the verse directs our attention to the need for humility, repentance, and faith in God's redemptive plan. It invites us to acknowledge our own sinfulness and to embrace the message of salvation by grace through faith.
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Romans 3:12 - "They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."
"They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." - Romans 3:12
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." - Romans 12:3
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Romans 12:12 - "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"
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Romans 12:3 - "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."