What Is Total Depravity — In Biblical Context
Total depravity is the doctrine that sin has corrupted every part of human nature, leaving no one able to save himself.
Total depravity is the doctrine that sin has corrupted every part of human nature, leaving no one able to save himself.
"There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God." — Romans 3:10-12 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Total depravity does not mean that every person is as evil as he could possibly be. It means that sin has affected every faculty — mind, will, emotions, conscience, and body. There is no part of human nature untouched by the fall. Because of this, the unconverted person is spiritually dead, blind to the things of God, and unable on his own to come to Christ. 'There is none righteous, no, not one... there is none that seeketh after God' (Romans 3:10-11). This doctrine destroys all pride and shows why salvation must be entirely a work of God's grace. The Holy Spirit must give new life before a sinner can repent and believe.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Romans 3:10-12, sits inside Romans 3. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."
Supporting Passages
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can You Lose Your Salvation?
Sin & Salvation
God Promises Victory Over Sin
Bible promises that you can overcome sin through Christ's power.
God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
Bible promises about complete forgiveness, cleansing, and the removal of guilt t
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.