(9) What then ? are we better than they ? No, in no wise. * What then,' asks the apostle, 'is the conclusion from all this reasoning as to the moral state and character of the Jews and Gentiles 1 Are we Jews better off, or more favourably situated than they 1 By no means.' Our version of the word rendered are we better, expresses, perhaps with sufii* cient accuracy, the meaning of the apostle. The word probably signi- fies here do we excel, and as the connexion shows, do we excel as to the point under discussion, are we more favourably situated as to obtaining the divine favour! That, as to other points, the Jew did excel, or had many advantages, Paul had freely admitted, but as to his justification before God, he and the Gentiles stood on precisely the same level.
The reason why the Jews are declared to be no better off than the Gentiles, as far as justification is concerned, is given in the next clause. For loe have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. The word rendered to prove signifies to bring a charge against any one ; and here, to substantiate an accusation. Paul had not only accused, but established the truth of the accusation, that the Jews and Gentiles were all under sin. This latter phrase may signify to be under the power of sin i or under its guilt, as the word sin often signifies guilt of sin,