Skeptics argue that the Biblical assertion that all men are sinners (Romans 3:10, 23; Psalm 14:3) contradicts verses that describe figures like Job (Job 1:1), Noah (Genesis 7:1), or Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:6) as "perfect" or "righteous."

However, the descriptions of New Testament figures as "righteous before God" do not mean they never sinned. The word nowhere implies absolute perfection. It means that they followed all the commandments, which included bringing the appropriate sacrifices required by the Old Covenant to cover their sins and make them righteous before God. The sacrifices themselves imply that a Jew would never be perfectly sinless; otherwise, there would be no need for atonement.

Regarding Old Testament figures, the Hebrew word tam used to describe Job refers to completeness and moral integrity, not sinless perfection. It means fulfilling one's duties and having the proper reaction to sin, but it does not equate to being absolutely sinless. The word for moral perfection, tamiym, is used of Noah in Genesis 6:9, but it refers to his wholehearted devotion and moral integrity among his contemporaries, not absolute sinlessness.

Skeptics also fail to consider genre. When Romans 3:10 says "There is none righteous, no, not one," Paul is quoting a Psalm to explain that no one will be declared righteous by observing the law, but rather the law makes us conscious of sin. One could be "righteous" in terms of following the law's sacrificial requirements and remaining faithful, yet still be a flawed human being relying on God's grace.

Critics are fond of quoting Genesis 6:9, which speaks of Noah being "perfect", and asking if this does not contradict statements elsewhere that all men sin (such as Romans 3:23). They misunderstand this verse, as well as similar verses like Job 1:1 and Luke 1:6 that describe various men as perfect, righteous, or blameless.

Typically, Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) literature used exaggeration for effect. Job, Noah and others were comparatively righteous, and are described as completely so for comparative effect. These descriptions do not claim absolute, sinless perfection that would contradict the Christian teaching that all have sinned.