Romans 3:19
Now 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.
Study Note
Study Note
'Now 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.' The climax of Paul's argument in Romans 1-3, this verse declares that the law's function is not to justify but to render every possible excuse silent before divine judgment. 'Every mouth stopped' is a striking forensic image: the defendant has no defense, no testimony that can establish innocence. This universal condemnation serves as the essential backdrop for Romans 3:21-26's announcement of righteousness through faith — the gospel makes sense only against the complete closure of every alternative path.
Other Translations
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:
And we have known that as many things as the law saith, to those in the law it doth speak, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may come under judgment to God;
Now, we have knowledge that what the law says is for those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and all men may be judged by God:
Cross References
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall …
So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.
I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I …
And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into …
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, …
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?