NT Text: Romans 3:13
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Direct Quotation
Connection Method(s): Analogy + Longitudinal Theme
Significance: Paul quotes Psalm 5:9 (LXX 5:10) as part of his catena of OT texts in Romans 3:10-18, building a comprehensive indictment of universal human sinfulness. The original psalm is David's morning prayer for protection against his enemies, whose speech is characterized by deceit and destruction — "their throat is an open grave" (taphos aneōgmenos ho larynx autōn). Paul appropriates this description to demonstrate that the corruption of human speech evidences total depravity, a theme that runs from Genesis 3 through the Psalter. Within the catena's structure, this verse addresses the organ of speech (throat/tongue), moving from the general indictment of Psalm 14 (vv. 10-12) to specific bodily manifestations of sin. The LXX text form is followed precisely, confirming Paul's dependence on the Greek Psalter for this composite citation.
NT Use Pattern: Assimilated — Tributary element of the Romans 3:10-18 catena — Psalm 5:9 contributing the indictment of human speech.