Romans 1:19

KJV

¶ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G1360} that which may be known {G1110} of God {G2316} is {G2076} manifest {G5318} in {G1722} them {G846}; for {G1063} God {G2316} hath shewed {G5319} it unto them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because what is known about God is plain to them, since God has made it plain to them.

Berean Standard Bible

For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.

American Standard Version

because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:19 serves as a foundational declaration in Paul's comprehensive argument regarding humanity's universal accountability before God. It asserts that fundamental truths about God's existence, power, and divine nature are not concealed but are openly and clearly discernible to all people through the created order and an inherent witness, thereby rendering humanity without excuse for their ungodliness and unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the opening section of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, specifically following his powerful declaration in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed") that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." Romans 1:19 provides the crucial theological justification for this universal indictment, explaining *why* humanity is accountable for its ungodliness. It transitions from the revelation of God's wrath to the prior revelation of God Himself, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent exposition in [Romans 1:20-32](/romans/1-20-32 "Romans 1:20-32 - The Suppression of Truth and Idolatry") concerning humanity's suppression of this evident truth and its descent into idolatry and moral depravity. The verse establishes the premise that even those without the Mosaic Law (primarily Gentiles) possess sufficient knowledge of God to be held responsible.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to a diverse church in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers, within the broader context of the Greco-Roman world. In this era, various philosophical schools, such as Stoicism, engaged in discussions about a divine principle or creator discernible through nature. However, widespread polytheism, emperor worship, and pervasive idolatry characterized the dominant cultural landscape. For the Gentiles, who did not possess the special revelation of the Old Testament Law, Paul argues that God had still provided a universal witness. This concept of God revealing Himself through creation (often termed "natural revelation" or "general revelation") would have resonated with some philosophical ideas while simultaneously challenging the prevailing pagan practices by asserting the existence of one true, knowable God who demands worship and accountability from all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 1:19 is pivotal for several overarching themes in Romans and biblical theology. Firstly, it introduces the concept of **Natural Revelation**, asserting that God's attributes are made evident through the created world, distinct from the specific revelation found in Scripture or through Christ. Secondly, it underscores the **Universal Knowledge of God**, positing that essential aspects of God's being are inherently accessible to all humanity, not just a select group. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Manifestation**, highlighting God's active role in making Himself known, rather than humanity simply discovering Him. This divine initiative is crucial. Finally, and most significantly for Paul's argument, it establishes the foundation for **Universal Accountability**, demonstrating that because this knowledge is universally available and divinely presented, all people are without excuse for their failure to honor and worship God, thus necessitating the Gospel for salvation, as further developed in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). This theme resonates with the ancient witness of [Psalm 19](/psalms/19 "Psalm 19 - God's Revelation in Creation and Law"), which declares how "the heavens declare the glory of God" ([Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Known (Greek, _gnōstós'_):** From G1110, meaning "well-known," "acquaintance," or "that which may be known." This term indicates that certain aspects of God are inherently knowable or discernible to humanity. It does not imply a comprehensive or saving knowledge, but rather a sufficient awareness of God's existence and power that removes any claim of ignorance.
* **Manifest (Greek, _phanerós'_):** From G5318, meaning "shining," "apparent," "publicly," or "openly." This word describes the state of the knowledge of God – it is not hidden or obscure, but openly displayed and clearly visible. It conveys a sense of clarity and undeniable evidence, implying that this revelation is readily accessible to human perception and understanding.
* **Hath shewed (Greek, _phaneróō'_):** From G5319, meaning "to render apparent," "manifestly declare," or "make manifest." This verb is directly related to "manifest" and emphasizes God's active role as the subject of the action. It highlights that the clarity of God's revelation is not a result of human discovery but a deliberate, divine act of making Himself known and evident to humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them;":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental premise for human culpability. It asserts that the knowable aspects of God – particularly His eternal power and divine nature, as elaborated in the subsequent verse ([Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Seen")) – are not hidden or obscure. Instead, they are openly and clearly displayed ("manifest") within humanity's experience, consciousness, or through their inherent capacity to perceive the world around them. The phrase "in them" (ἐν αὐτοῖς, _en autois_) suggests an internal witness or a revelation that is accessible to human beings as they exist and interact with creation.
* **"for God hath shewed [it] unto them.":** This second clause provides the divine explanation and ultimate justification for the first. The reason God's knowable attributes are manifest is because God Himself has actively and intentionally made them known ("hath shewed it"). This underscores that the revelation is not a passive phenomenon or a human intellectual achievement, but a deliberate, sovereign act of God. It emphasizes divine agency, confirming that humanity's knowledge of God's existence and power is not self-generated but divinely imparted, leaving no room for legitimate excuse for unbelief.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's concise statement in [Romans 1:19](/romans/1-19 "Romans 1:19 - God's Manifest Revelation") employs several literary devices to enhance its rhetorical power and theological precision. There is clear **Parallelism** between the two clauses: "that which may be known of God is manifest in them" and "for God hath shewed [it] unto them." The second clause functions as an explanation and reinforcement of the first, with the cognate relationship between "manifest" (φανερός, _phanerós_) and "hath shewed" (ἐφανέρωσεν, _ephanerōsen_, from _phaneróō_) creating a strong semantic link that underscores the clarity and divine origin of this revelation. Furthermore, the verse powerfully demonstrates **Divine Agency**, with God explicitly identified as the active subject ("God hath shewed it"), emphasizing that this revelation is not a passive occurrence but a deliberate act of the Creator. This contributes to Paul's overarching **Rhetorical Argumentation**, as the "because...for" structure (διότι...γάρ, _dióti...gár_) establishes a logical, cause-and-effect premise that forms the bedrock for his subsequent indictment of human unrighteousness and the universal need for the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:19 is a cornerstone for understanding the doctrine of general revelation, asserting that God has made Himself known to all humanity through creation and conscience. This universal revelation is sufficient to establish human accountability, demonstrating God's existence, power, and divine nature, and thus leaving humanity without excuse for their failure to acknowledge and worship Him. However, it is crucial to understand that while general revelation provides a basis for accountability, it is not sufficient for salvation; it reveals God's power and deity, but not His redemptive grace, which is revealed only through special revelation in Christ and the Gospel. This distinction highlights the profound need for the Gospel message to bridge the gap between humanity's inherent knowledge of God and their desperate need for reconciliation.

* [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalms/19-1-4 "Psalm 19:1-4 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Acts 14:17](/acts/14-17 "Acts 14:17 - God's Witness in Nature")
* [Acts 17:24-28](/acts/17-24-28 "Acts 17:24-28 - Paul's Areopagus Speech on God's Nature")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:19 confronts us with the profound truth that no one can truly claim ignorance of God's existence. The very fabric of creation, from the vastness of the cosmos to the intricate design of life, continually declares the glory and power of its Creator. This verse calls us to a posture of humility, recognizing that our knowledge of God is not a human achievement but a divine gift, graciously "shewed" to us. It underscores our universal accountability, reminding us that our response to this evident truth determines our standing before God. For those who acknowledge God, it should deepen their worship and appreciation for His omnipresent revelation. For those who have yet to embrace the Gospel, it serves as a powerful reminder of their moral responsibility and the inescapable reality of God's presence. We are challenged to consider how readily we acknowledge God's hand in creation and how faithfully we respond to the truth He has made manifest, rather than suppressing it in unrighteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I personally observe "that which may be known of God" in the world around me?**
* **How might I be prone to "suppress the truth" about God, even subtly, in my daily life or worldview?**
* **Given that God has "shewed it unto them," what is my responsibility to share the fuller revelation of God found in the Gospel with those who may only know Him through creation?**
* **How does the concept of universal accountability, based on natural revelation, impact my understanding of God's justice and mercy?**

### FAQ
**What is "natural revelation" and how does it differ from "special revelation"?**

Answer: Natural revelation, as implied in [Romans 1:19](/romans/1-19 "Romans 1:19 - God's Manifest Revelation") and explicitly stated in [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Clearly Seen"), refers to God making Himself known through the created order and human conscience. It reveals God's existence, power, wisdom, and deity, making humanity accountable for acknowledging Him. It's universal and accessible to all people at all times. Special revelation, on the other hand, is God making Himself known through specific, supernatural acts, primarily through the inspired Scriptures (the Bible) and supremely through the person of Jesus Christ. Special revelation provides a more detailed, redemptive knowledge of God, including His character, His plan of salvation, and His will for humanity, which natural revelation cannot provide. While natural revelation points to a Creator, special revelation reveals the Savior.

**Does Romans 1:19 imply that people can be saved without hearing the Gospel or having the Bible?**

Answer: No, [Romans 1:19](/romans/1-19 "Romans 1:19 - God's Manifest Revelation") does not imply that people can be saved without the Gospel. Instead, it establishes the *basis for universal accountability*. It states that all people have sufficient knowledge of God through creation to be held responsible for their failure to worship Him. Paul's argument in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath and Human Depravity") demonstrates that humanity, far from responding rightly to this general revelation, actively suppresses the truth in unrighteousness and turns to idolatry. This suppression of truth leads to God's wrath and leaves all people condemned and in need of salvation. The Gospel, which reveals God's righteousness and provides the means of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ ([Romans 1:16-17](/romans/1-16-17 "Romans 1:16-17 - The Power of the Gospel")), is therefore absolutely necessary for redemption, as natural revelation only reveals humanity's guilt, not God's saving grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Romans 1:19](/romans/1-19 "Romans 1:19 - God's Manifest Revelation") speaks of God's general revelation through creation, it implicitly points to the ultimate and perfect revelation found in Jesus Christ. The "truth" about God that is "manifest" and "shewed" to all humanity, yet suppressed in unrighteousness ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")), finds its complete embodiment and saving power in Christ. He is not merely a manifestation of God's power and deity, but the very "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), in whom "all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). The general revelation of God's existence through creation makes humanity accountable, but it does not reveal God's redemptive love or the path to reconciliation. That saving knowledge comes only through 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")). Thus, the universal accountability established by natural revelation in [Romans 1:19](/romans/1-19 "Romans 1:19 - God's Manifest Revelation") serves to highlight humanity's desperate need for the specific, saving revelation of God's grace and mercy, fully unveiled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Acts 14:16

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Acts 14:17

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Psalms 19:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Psalms 19:6

His going forth [is] from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

Romans 1:20

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Acts 17:23

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Acts 17:30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: