Romans 3:9

What then? The query expresses a transition in Paul’s argument. Here it refers back to vs. 1 and 2.

Are we better than they? Gr. proechometha, which some have rendered, “Are we worse than they?” However, the context seems to be against such a translation. Paul has already declared in v. 2 that the Jews had important advantages over the Gentiles. Nevertheless greater privilege involves greater responsibility, and in that sense it is true that the enlightened Jews merit more severe punishment than the unenlightened Gentiles (Luke 12:47, 48). The rest of the verse makes it clear that, regardless of advantage or disadvantage, Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin and in need of justification.

No, in no wise. That is, not at all, not in the least.

Before proved. Better, “already charged.” The charge was made against the Gentiles in ch. 1:18-32 and against the Jews in ch. 2:1-29.

Gentiles. Literally, “Greeks,” meaning, however, Gentiles (see on ch. 1:16).

Under sin. That is, under the power, or control, of sin. The expression denotes subjection to sin as a power that rules in the life of all men in their natural state, unrenewed by the grace of God (see Rom. 7:14; Gal. 3:22).