Who are 'they who are under the law' in Romans 3:19?
In Romans 3:19, 'they who are under the law' refers to Israel, the nation addressed by the law. The verse says the law speaks to them so that every mouth may be stopped, extending the principle to the whole human race, not just Israel.
Les explains that in Romans 3:19 the phrase 'them who are under the law' points specifically to Israel—he says, 'which would Israel.' He compares this with Galatians, where Christ came to redeem them that were under the law so that we might receive the adoption of sons. Yet Romans 3:19 goes further: the law speaks not only to Israel but so that every mouth may be stopped, meaning the whole human race. Les notes that at the great white throne in Revelation 20, lost humanity will have no argument, no debate, and no jury trial; they will suddenly see the record and face the righteous judge, Christ Jesus Himself.
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
More Questions
What is the purpose of the law according to Romans 3:19?
Romans 3:19 teaches that the law's purpose is not only to address Israel but to stop every mouth, meaning the whole human race, so that all understand they have no argument before God.
Which people were actually under the law in Romans 3:19?
Of all the peoples of the earth, the only group that was literally under the law was the Jews; the law was given to them alone.