This verse introduces a conclusion drawn on the basis of the Old Testament quotation given in the previous verse. To give an account of himself may be rendered as “to explain to God what one has done and why one has done it” or “to answer to God for what one has done.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .