Some translations prefer to set apart quotations of the Old Testament. The ULB and many other English translations indent the lines of 3:4, 10-18, which are quotations from the Old Testament.
Chapter 2 explained that all Jews are condemned because they violated the law of Moses and that Gentiles could be saved. Chapter 3 answers the question: what advantage does being a Jew have over being a Gentile? (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
#### Special concepts in this chapter ####
##### Universal Condemnation #####
This chapter explains that the whole world is without excuse and has enough knowledge to seek after and believe in the true God, Yahweh. Sin is a problem for all of mankind and enslaves the unbeliever in their sin. This refutes the common understanding that "all people are basically good." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
##### "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" #####
The standard required for entrance into heaven and being in the presence of God is perfection. Anything less than perfect leads to condemnation. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]])
##### The purpose of the law of Moses #####
Obedience to the law cannot justify a person. The Law does not justify a person but is a way a person displays their faith in God. It has always been faith that justified a person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justify]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
#### Important figures of speech in this chapter ####
##### Rhetorical Questions #####
These are frequently used in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical question is to make the reader feel guilty, or to convict them in their sin and ultimately bring them to faith in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]])
See in Reader
