Romans 1:18

KJV

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the wrath {G3709} of God {G2316} is revealed {G601} from {G575} heaven {G3772} against {G1909} all {G3956} ungodliness {G763} and {G2532} unrighteousness {G93} of men {G444}, who hold {G2722} the truth {G225} in {G1722} unrighteousness {G93};

Complete Jewish Bible

What is revealed is God’s anger from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who in their wickedness keep suppressing the truth;

Berean Standard Bible

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.

American Standard Version

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:18 marks a crucial pivot in Paul's argument, shifting from the revelation of God's saving righteousness to the equally certain revelation of His righteous wrath. This verse establishes the universal human predicament of sin, declaring that divine judgment is actively being unveiled from heaven against all forms of human impiety and moral wrongdoing, particularly targeting those who, despite possessing a measure of truth, actively suppress or hinder it through their unrighteous lives. It sets the indispensable backdrop for understanding humanity's dire need for the gospel's salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:18 immediately follows Paul's profound declaration of the gospel's power for salvation to everyone who believes, where "the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith" ([Romans 1:16-17](/romans/1-16-17 "Romans 1:16-17 - The Power and Righteousness of the Gospel")). Having presented the solution—God's righteousness—Paul now introduces the problem: humanity's universal sinfulness that necessitates such a divine intervention. This verse inaugurates a lengthy and detailed indictment of both Gentile and Jewish sinfulness, spanning through [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - All Under Sin"), demonstrating that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - The Universal Reality of Sin")). The "for" (Greek: _gar_) at the beginning of the verse signifies that it provides the reason or explanation for the gospel's necessity, establishing the dire situation from which the gospel offers deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to the church in Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and religions. While the Roman world boasted of its legal systems, philosophical advancements, and moral codes, it was also characterized by widespread idolatry, sexual immorality, social injustice, and a general disregard for the one true God. Paul's audience would have been familiar with various forms of pagan worship and ethical systems. His assertion that God's wrath is "revealed from heaven" would have resonated with both Jewish and Gentile understandings of divine judgment, though Paul redefines its scope and nature. The concept of "truth" was debated among philosophers, but Paul presents it as an inherent knowledge of God, accessible even to those without the Mosaic Law, which is then suppressed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and contributes to several foundational themes in Romans. Firstly, the **Wrath of God** is presented not as capricious anger but as God's settled, righteous, and active opposition to sin, a necessary aspect of His holy character. Secondly, the themes of **Ungodliness** (_asébeia_) and **Unrighteousness** (_adikía_) are central, demonstrating humanity's dual failure: a failure to honor God (ungodliness) and a failure to live justly in relation to God's standards and fellow humans (unrighteousness). Thirdly, the concept of **Suppression of Truth** is pivotal, highlighting humanity's culpability. Paul argues that humanity has an innate, undeniable knowledge of God (as elaborated in [Romans 1:19-20](/romans/1-19-20 "Romans 1:19-20 - God's Revelation in Creation")), but actively chooses to "hold" or "suppress" this truth, leading to further moral decay and justly incurring divine wrath. This suppression is not ignorance but willful rejection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrath (Greek, _orgḗ'_):** This term signifies more than a fleeting emotion; it denotes a settled, righteous indignation and determined opposition. In the context of God, _orgḗ_ is His holy, just, and unwavering antagonism toward sin and rebellion. It implies a judicial response to human wickedness, leading to consequences and ultimately, divine judgment. It is not an uncontrolled outburst but a consistent attribute of God's character in response to unrighteousness.
* **Revealed (Greek, _apokalýptō'_):** Derived from _apó_ (from) and _kalýptō_ (to cover), this verb literally means "to uncover" or "to disclose." The use of the present tense indicates an ongoing, active process. Just as God's righteousness is being "revealed" (v. 17), so too is His wrath. This revelation is not hidden but is evident through the natural consequences of sin, the moral decay of society, and ultimately, through divine judgment. It implies that humanity is without excuse, as God's opposition to sin is made manifest.
* **Hold (Greek, _katéchō'_):** This verb has a range of meanings, including "to hold fast," "to possess," "to retain," but also "to restrain," "to hinder," or "to suppress." In the context of "holding the truth in unrighteousness," the latter meaning is strongly implied and supported by the subsequent verses ([Romans 1:19-23](/romans/1-19-23 "Romans 1:19-23 - Humanity's Suppression of Truth")). It suggests an active, willful act of suppressing or hindering the truth about God that is already known, preventing it from having its proper effect on one's life. This suppression is not passive ignorance but an active rebellion against divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven":** This clause introduces the foundational premise for the universal need for the gospel. "For" (G1063, _gár_) links this statement as the reason for the gospel's necessity. "The wrath of God" (G3709, _orgḗ_ G2316, _theós_) is God's righteous, active opposition to sin. The phrase "is revealed" (G601, _apokalýptō_) signifies an ongoing, evident disclosure, paralleling the revelation of God's righteousness in the preceding verse. "From heaven" (G575, _apó_ G3772, _ouranós_) emphasizes the divine origin and authority of this revelation, indicating that it is not a human construct but a direct manifestation of God's character and judgment.
* **"against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men":** This specifies the target of God's wrath. "Against all" (G1909, _epí_ G3956, _pâs_) indicates a comprehensive and universal scope, encompassing every instance and form of human sin. "Ungodliness" (G763, _asébeia_) refers to impiety, irreverence, or a failure to honor God, encompassing a lack of proper worship, respect, or devotion. "Unrighteousness" (G93, _adikía_) refers to injustice, moral wrong-doing, and a failure to meet God's ethical standards in relation to others and oneself. The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) highlights that God's wrath is directed at both aspects of human rebellion: the vertical (against God) and the horizontal (against His moral law and fellow humans).
* **"who hold the truth in unrighteousness;":** This final clause identifies the particular culpability of humanity. "Who hold" (G2722, _katéchō_) implies an active suppression or hindering. "The truth" (G225, _alḗtheia_) refers to the inherent knowledge of God and His moral demands, which Paul further explains in [Romans 1:19-20](/romans/1-19-20 "Romans 1:19-20 - God's Visible Attributes"). Humanity possesses this truth, not through special revelation, but through creation and conscience. "In unrighteousness" (G1722, _en_ G93, _adikía_) describes the manner or sphere in which this suppression occurs: it is through their sinful actions, choices, and lifestyles that people actively hinder or reject the truth they know about God. This makes their ungodliness and unrighteousness inexcusable.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in Romans 1:18 to underscore his message. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the contrast and connection between "the righteousness of God is revealed" in verse 17 and "the wrath of God is revealed" in verse 18. This highlights that both aspects of God's character are actively disclosed, one offering salvation, the other demonstrating the dire need for it. The phrase "from heaven" serves as a powerful **Metonymy**, where "heaven" stands for God Himself, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of this revealed wrath. Furthermore, the description of "ungodliness and unrighteousness" uses **Merism**, combining two distinct but related terms to encompass the totality of human sin—both vertical offenses against God and horizontal offenses against His moral order and fellow humans. Finally, the concluding phrase, "who hold the truth in unrighteousness," is a striking **Paradox** and a form of **Irony**, as it describes individuals who possess knowledge of divine truth yet actively use their sinful lives to suppress or hinder that very truth, making their condemnation all the more just.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:18 is a foundational theological statement that underscores the justice and holiness of God. It asserts that God's wrath is not arbitrary but a righteous response to human rebellion, specifically against those who suppress the innate knowledge of God. This revelation of wrath is not merely a future event but an active, ongoing process, manifested in the consequences of sin and the moral degradation described in the subsequent verses. It establishes the universal guilt of humanity, demonstrating that all people, regardless of their access to specific divine law, are accountable before God due to their willful rejection of the truth evident in creation and conscience. This profound declaration of human culpability and divine judgment sets the stage for the glorious revelation of God's saving righteousness through faith in Christ, highlighting the indispensable need for the gospel as the sole remedy for humanity's desperate condition.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [John 3:36](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - The Consequences of Disbelief")
* [Ephesians 5:6](/ephesians/5-6 "Ephesians 5:6 - The Wrath of God on the Disobedient")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:18 serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the unwavering holiness of God. It challenges us to confront the reality that God's wrath is not a distant, abstract concept, but a present and active opposition to all forms of ungodliness and unrighteousness. For those who acknowledge Christ, this verse deepens our appreciation for the immense grace found in the gospel, which delivers us from this very wrath. It compels us to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His righteousness, rather than suppressing the truth we have received. For those yet to embrace the gospel, it serves as a stark warning, urging a turning from rebellion to repentance and faith. We are called to examine our own lives: are we truly living in alignment with the truth of God we profess to know, or are there areas where our actions and attitudes subtly, or overtly, suppress that truth? This verse powerfully underscores the urgency of sharing the good news of Christ, for it is the only way for humanity to escape the just condemnation of God's wrath and enter into His saving righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's wrath as a righteous, revealed attribute deepen your appreciation for His holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways might individuals, even today, "hold the truth in unrighteousness," either consciously or unconsciously?**
* **How does the revelation of God's wrath in Romans 1:18 highlight the indispensable nature and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that God's righteous indignation and active opposition to sin are not hidden but are being openly and continuously disclosed. "From heaven" emphasizes the divine origin and authority of this revelation, meaning it is God's own judgment and holy response emanating from His throne. This revelation is evident both in the natural consequences of sin (as described in [Romans 1:24-32](/romans/1-24-32 "Romans 1:24-32 - God's Handing Over to Depravity")) and in the ultimate judgment to come. It underscores that humanity is without excuse, as God's character and His opposition to unrighteousness are clearly manifested.

**What is the difference between "ungodliness" and "unrighteousness"?**

Answer: While closely related, "ungodliness" (Greek: _asébeia_) primarily refers to a lack of reverence, piety, or proper worship toward God. It is a failure in one's vertical relationship with the Creator, encompassing a disregard for His authority, glory, and rightful place. "Unrighteousness" (Greek: _adikía_), on the other hand, refers to injustice, moral wrongdoing, or a failure to meet God's ethical standards in one's horizontal relationships with others and in one's own character. It signifies a deviation from what is right or just. Paul uses both terms to comprehensively describe humanity's rebellion, encompassing both a failure to honor God and a failure to live according to His moral law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:18, in its stark declaration of God's revealed wrath against sin, serves as the essential dark canvas upon which the brilliance of Christ's saving work is painted. The very wrath described here, which humanity justly incurs, is precisely what Jesus Christ bore on the cross. He became the propitiation for our sins, diverting God's righteous anger from us by enduring it Himself ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). The "truth" that humanity suppresses in unrighteousness is ultimately embodied in Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Christ fulfilled the demands of God's righteousness, offering a path for humanity to be declared righteous and escape the wrath that is revealed from heaven ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). Thus, this verse, while describing humanity's dire predicament, ultimately magnifies the unparalleled grace and redemptive power of the Lord Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:6

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

1 Timothy 4:1

¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1 Timothy 4:2

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Romans 1:32

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Colossians 3:6

For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Romans 4:15

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression.