They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

ROMANS 3:12KJV
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Romans 3:12 (KJV)

What does Romans 3:12 mean?

Romans 3:12 says that everyone has turned away from the right path and, together, people have become useless or unhelpful; no one does what is truly good—not even a single person. This verse emphasizes the complete lack of goodness or righteousness among people on their own.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, explaining that both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of God's help because no one is naturally righteous. Romans 3:12 is part of a larger argument showing that all people fall short of God's standards, quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures to make his point clear to his audience.

The Greek behind Romans 3:12

  • "ἀχρεώθησαν" (achreōthēsan, "are become unprofitable"): This Greek word means to become useless or spoiled, like milk that has gone bad. Paul uses it to stress that people, by turning away from God, have lost their intended purpose or value.
  • "χρηστότητα" (chrēstotēta, "good"): The word for "good" here carries the sense of genuine moral goodness or kindness, not just outwardly good actions. Paul is saying that no one, in their natural state, truly lives up to this standard.
  • "οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ποιῶν χρηστότητα, οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός" (ouk estin ho poiōn chrēstotēta, ouk estin heōs henos, "there is none that doeth good, no, not one"): The repetition and strong negative in Greek make it clear that Paul means absolutely no exceptions—no one is righteous on their own.

Why Romans 3:12 matters

  • Romans 3:12 clears up the idea that some people might be naturally good enough for God; Paul insists that everyone falls short, setting up his later explanation of why all need grace.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage where Paul strings together several Old Testament quotes to show that the problem of sin is universal, not limited to any one group.
  • Understanding the strong language and the original words helps readers see how Paul is not just making a casual observation, but building a serious case about human nature and the need for God's intervention.