3:19 the law. Here “law” is a reference to the Old Testament Scriptures in general, since Paul’s quotes come from Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah.

says. A further indication that Paul sees Scripture as the living voice of God.

under the law. Not in the sense of 6:14, 15, but as in 2:12 (those who possess the Old Testament revelation, i.e., the Jews in particular).

every mouth . . . stopped . . . held accountable. No one, whether Jew or Gentile, has grounds for appeal; none can claim to be free from guilt before God. All are lost.