Romans 1:18

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

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};

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;

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

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

This verse serves as a pivotal transition in Paul's letter to the Romans. Having just declared the power of the gospel for salvation and the revelation of God's righteousness through faith (Romans 1:16-17), Paul now turns to the necessary backdrop: the revelation of God's wrath against human sin. He establishes the universal need for salvation by demonstrating the universal reality of ungodliness and unrighteousness. This sets the stage for his detailed argument in chapters 1-3 about the sinfulness of both Gentiles and Jews.

Key Themes

  • The Wrath of God: This is not merely an emotional outburst but God's settled opposition and righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. It is revealed, meaning it is not hidden but evident through consequences and, ultimately, in divine judgment.
  • Ungodliness and Unrighteousness: Ungodliness (asebeia) refers to a lack of reverence or piety towards God, a failure to honor Him. Unrighteousness (adikia) refers to injustice, wrong-doing, or moral failure in relation to others and God's standards. The verse shows God's wrath is directed at both aspects of sin.
  • Holding/Suppressing the Truth: The phrase "hold the truth in unrighteousness" implies that humanity has some knowledge of God or truth about Him, yet actively suppresses, hinders, or ignores it through their unrighteous actions and choices. This suppression is a key reason for God's wrath.

Linguistic Insights

The word for "wrath" is orgē, which in this context signifies God's holy indignation and determined opposition to sin. "Revealed" (apokalyptetai) is the same word used in verse 17 for the revelation of God's righteousness, highlighting a parallel disclosure – God's character is revealed in both His saving righteousness and His judging wrath. "Hold the truth in unrighteousness" translates tous tēn alētheian en adikia katechontōn. Katechontōn can mean to hold fast, possess, or restrain/suppress. The context here and the following verses (Romans 1:19-23) strongly suggest the meaning of actively suppressing or hindering the truth that is known.

Reflection and Application

Romans 1:18 is a sober reminder of the seriousness of sin. It teaches that God's wrath is a present reality, revealed against all who live in rebellion against Him, particularly those who have access to truth but choose to reject or ignore it through sinful living. This verse underscores the essential need for the gospel of Jesus Christ, which provides the only way to escape God's righteous wrath and be reconciled to Him through faith in His Son. It challenges us to consider if we are truly living in light of the truth we know, or if we are allowing unrighteousness to suppress it in our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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