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Romans 1:22

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Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Professing themselves {G5335} to be {G1511} wise {G4680}, they became fools {G3471},

Claiming to be wise, they have become fools!

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Commentary

This verse from Romans 1:22 in the King James Version sharply contrasts human intellectual pride with the spiritual reality of foolishness that results from rejecting God. It is part of Paul's powerful argument in the opening chapter of Romans, detailing the universal sinfulness of humanity, both Gentile and Jew, demonstrating the need for God's righteousness provided through faith in Jesus Christ.

Context

Romans chapter 1 sets the stage for Paul's theological masterpiece. After introducing himself and his gospel, Paul turns to describe the state of humanity apart from God. Verses 18-32 detail the wrath of God against ungodliness and unrighteousness. The preceding verses (like Romans 1:21) explain that despite knowing God, people did not glorify Him or give thanks, leading to futile thinking and darkened hearts. Verse 22 specifically addresses the tragic irony: those who claimed wisdom actually descended into foolishness. This leads directly into descriptions of idolatry (Romans 1:23) and moral depravity as consequences of this fundamental rejection.

Key Themes

  • Intellectual Pride: The verse highlights the danger of human arrogance, where people rely solely on their own intellect and reasoning, assuming they possess true wisdom independent of divine revelation.
  • Spiritual Foolishness: In God's perspective, true wisdom begins with acknowledging and fearing Him (Proverbs 1:7). Rejecting God, therefore, is the ultimate act of foolishness, regardless of worldly knowledge or achievements.
  • Consequence of Rejecting God: The verse shows that turning away from God doesn't lead to enlightenment, but rather to a state of delusion and spiritual blindness, resulting in actions and beliefs that are fundamentally unwise and destructive.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "professing themselves to be wise" is related to sophoi (wise ones). The term translated "they became fools" is emōranthēsan, which comes from the root mōros, the origin of the English word "moron." It literally means "they were made foolish" or "they were rendered foolish." This highlights the active degradation of their understanding as a result of their choices, not just a passive state. Their claim to wisdom resulted in them becoming utterly foolish in God's sight.

Reflection and Application

Romans 1:22 serves as a timeless warning against intellectual arrogance that excludes God. In a world that often values human reasoning above all else, this verse reminds us that true wisdom is grounded in acknowledging our Creator and His truth. When we rely solely on our own understanding or the wisdom of the world, we risk becoming spiritually blind and making foolish choices that lead us away from God and His purposes. It challenges us to humbly seek God's wisdom, which is often seen as foolishness by the world (1 Corinthians 1:25), but is the source of genuine understanding and life.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 (9 votes)

    For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:21 (9 votes)

    For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

  • Romans 11:25 (8 votes)

    For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

  • Proverbs 26:12 (8 votes)

    ¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

  • Proverbs 25:14 (6 votes)

    ¶ Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift [is like] clouds and wind without rain.

  • Jeremiah 8:8 (5 votes)

    How do ye say, We [are] wise, and the law of the LORD [is] with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he [it]; the pen of the scribes [is] in vain.

  • Jeremiah 8:9 (5 votes)

    The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?