Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with verses 4 and 10-18 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.
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]])
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 goea against the popular idea that "all people are basically good." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
Because God is holy, anyone with him in heaven must be perfect. Any sin at all will condemn a person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]])
Obeying the law cannot make a person right with God. Obeying God's law is a way a person shows they believe in God. People have always been justified only by faith. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justify]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
Paul frequently uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the reader see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]])
See in Reader
