Romans 1:19

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

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}.

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

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

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

Romans 1:19 is a foundational verse in Paul's argument about the universal knowledge of God and human accountability. It asserts that the existence and nature of God are not hidden but are clearly discernible through creation and an inner sense, making humanity without excuse for rejecting Him.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's opening argument in the Epistle to the Romans, where he establishes the need for the gospel by demonstrating the sinfulness of both Gentiles and Jews. In the verses leading up to Romans 1:19, Paul introduces the theme of God's wrath being revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). Verse 19 specifically addresses why the Gentile world, which did not have the Law of Moses, is still held accountable. Paul explains that God has made certain truths about Himself evident to all people through natural means.

Key Themes

  • Natural Revelation: The verse highlights the concept that God reveals Himself through the created world and human conscience, distinct from special revelation (like the Bible or Christ).
  • Knowledge of God: It states that essential aspects "which may be known of God" are inherently accessible to humanity.
  • Divine Manifestation: God has actively "shewed" or made this knowledge "manifest" (evident, clear) to people.
  • Universal Accountability: Because this knowledge is universally available, all people are responsible before God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "manifest in them" (Greek: phaneron estin en autois) suggests that this knowledge is made evident or visible within human experience or consciousness. It implies a clear display, not a hidden secret. The KJV phrase "hath shewed [it] unto them" uses a verb (Greek: ephanerōsen) related to the word for "manifest," reinforcing the idea that God Himself has actively made this knowledge known and clear. This isn't something humanity discovered on its own, but something God revealed.

Reflection

Romans 1:19 has profound implications for how we understand God's relationship with all of humanity. It teaches that basic knowledge of God's power and deity is not exclusive to those with the Bible or specific religious instruction, but is universally available through observation of the world and inner human awareness. This means no one can claim ignorance as a complete excuse for rejecting God. It underscores the importance of recognizing God's hand in creation (as Psalm 19:1 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God") and the internal witness God provides. The subsequent verses in Romans 1 go on to describe how humanity suppresses this truth in unrighteousness (see Romans 1:18) and turns to idolatry, highlighting the human condition even when confronted with undeniable evidence of God's existence.

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.

  • 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:
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