Romans 1:24

KJV

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} God {G2316} also {G2532} gave {G3860} them {G846} up {G3860} to {G1519} uncleanness {G167} through {G1722} the lusts {G1939} of their own {G846} hearts {G2588}, to dishonour {G818} their own {G846} bodies {G4983} between {G1722} themselves {G1438}:

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why God has given them up to the vileness of their hearts’ lusts, to the shameful misuse of each other’s bodies.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another.

American Standard Version

Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:24 reveals a profound consequence of humanity's persistent suppression of divine truth and idolatrous rebellion against God: His judicial act of "giving them up." This surrender is not an active causation of sin, but a withdrawal of His restraining grace, allowing individuals and societies to fully experience the natural, destructive trajectory of their chosen path. The immediate outcome highlighted is a descent into moral and spiritual uncleanness, driven by the unchecked lusts of their own hearts, leading to the dishonoring of their bodies through various forms of depravity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Paul's sweeping indictment of human sinfulness in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Sin"). Having established that God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")), Paul details the progression of humanity's rejection of God. Verses [Romans 1:19-23](/romans/1-19-23 "Romans 1:19-23 - Humanity's Inexcusable Rebellion") describe how humanity, despite clear evidence of God's eternal power and divine nature in creation, refused to acknowledge or glorify Him, instead exchanging His glory for created images. Verse [Romans 1:24](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24 - God Gives Them Up to Uncleanness") marks the first of three instances where God "gives them up" ([Romans 1:26](/romans/1-26 "Romans 1:26 - God Gives Them Up to Dishonorable Passions"), [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gives Them Up to a Debased Mind")), each subsequent "giving up" leading to deeper moral degradation, from sexual impurity to unnatural relations, and finally to a completely depraved mind.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to believers in the heart of the Roman Empire, a society characterized by widespread idolatry, polytheism, and significant moral decay. Greco-Roman culture, while advanced in many areas, was deeply steeped in practices that would be considered sexually immoral by biblical standards, including various forms of promiscuity, prostitution, and homosexual acts. The worship of numerous gods and goddesses often involved rituals that blurred lines between religious devotion and sexual license. Paul's description of humanity's descent into "uncleanness" and "dishonoring their bodies" would have resonated strongly with the observable realities of the pagan world around them, where the connection between idolatry and immorality was readily apparent. This context underscores the severity of humanity's rebellion and the natural consequences that follow when a society abandons its Creator.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 1:24](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24 - God Gives Them Up to Uncleanness") contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book of Romans and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment as Abandonment**, where God's wrath is not merely active punishment but also a judicial withdrawal of His protective and restraining hand, allowing humanity to reap the consequences of its chosen rebellion. This highlights the **Consequences of Suppressing Truth**, demonstrating that rejecting God's revelation inevitably leads to moral and spiritual corruption. The verse also underscores the **Interconnectedness of Idolatry and Immorality**, showing how the abandonment of the true God for false worship directly precedes and fuels a descent into sexual and moral "uncleanness" and the "dishonoring" of the body. This illustrates the fundamental principle that a right relationship with the Creator is essential for human flourishing and moral integrity, a theme that echoes throughout [the entire book of Romans](/romans/1 "The Book of Romans").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave them up (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** From G3860. This verb means "to surrender," "to yield up," "to intrust," or "to transmit." In this context, it signifies God's judicial act of handing over or permitting individuals to fall into the natural consequences of their chosen rebellion. It is not that God actively causes their sin, but rather that He removes His restraining influence, allowing their inherent sinful desires to run their course. This is a form of passive judgment, where God respects human free will to reject Him and allows them to experience the full, destructive implications of that choice.
* **uncleanness (Greek, _akatharsía'_):** From G167. This term refers to "impurity," specifically in a moral or spiritual sense, though it can also have a physical connotation. It denotes a state of defilement that is offensive to God's holiness. In Paul's writings, it often encompasses a broad range of sexual sins and other moral impurities that render one unfit for divine fellowship. Here, it is the direct result of God "giving them up," indicating a complete lack of moral restraint.
* **lusts (Greek, _epithymía'_):** From G1939. This word denotes "a longing," "a strong desire," or "a craving." While not inherently negative, when paired with "uncleanness" and "dishonour," as it is here, it specifically refers to "concupiscence" or "forbidden desires." These are the internal, intense cravings that drive individuals towards sinful acts, particularly those related to sexual immorality, when unbridled by divine truth or restraint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore God also gave them up":** This opening phrase establishes the divine response to humanity's prior rebellion and suppression of truth (as described in [Romans 1:18-23](/romans/1-18-23 "Romans 1:18-23 - Humanity's Rebellion")). The "wherefore" (G1352, _dió_) indicates a logical consequence: because humanity exchanged the glory of God for idols and refused to honor Him, God, in His just judgment, "gave them up." This "giving up" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) is a judicial act of abandonment, a withdrawal of His divine restraint, allowing humanity to pursue the path it chose.
* **"to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts":** This clause specifies the immediate consequence and the driving force behind it. The "uncleanness" (G167, _akatharsía_) refers to moral and spiritual impurity, particularly sexual immorality, which is the first manifestation of God's "giving up." This impurity is not imposed by God but arises "through" (G1722, _en_) the "lusts" (G1939, _epithymía_) that originate from "their own hearts" (G2588, _kardía_). The emphasis on "their own hearts" (G846, _autós_) highlights human culpability; the desires were already present, and God's withdrawal simply allowed them to dominate without restraint.
* **"to dishonour their own bodies between themselves":** This final phrase describes the specific outcome and manifestation of the "uncleanness" and "lusts." The purpose or result of being given up is "to dishonour" (G818, _atimázō_) their "own bodies" (G4983, _sōma_). This "dishonoring" refers to the misuse and defilement of the physical body, treating it in ways that are contrary to God's design and purpose, often involving sexual acts that degrade the individual and violate God's law. The phrase "between themselves" (G1438, _heautoû_) further emphasizes the self-inflicted nature of this degradation, as individuals engage in these acts with one another, perpetuating a cycle of mutual dishonor.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [Romans 1:24](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24 - God Gives Them Up to Uncleanness") to convey his theological message. The most prominent is the **Divine Passive**, where God is the implied agent of "gave them up," but the action is described as something that happens *to* humanity, rather than God directly *causing* their sin. This emphasizes God's judicial judgment as a withdrawal, allowing natural consequences to unfold. There is also a strong sense of **Cause and Effect**, as the verse explicitly links humanity's prior idolatry and suppression of truth (the cause) to God's "giving them up" and the subsequent moral decay (the effect). The phrase "lusts of their own hearts" highlights **Internal Motivation**, placing the source of sin squarely within humanity's corrupted desires, rather than an external imposition. Finally, the repetition of "their own" (bodies, hearts) functions as **Emphasis**, underscoring the self-inflicted nature of their dishonor and the inherent culpability of humanity in its rebellion and subsequent degradation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:24 serves as a stark theological declaration of God's righteous judgment against persistent human rebellion. It articulates the principle that when humanity deliberately rejects the clear revelation of God and chooses to worship created things rather than the Creator, God, in His justice, will eventually withdraw His restraining hand. This "giving up" is not an act of malice but a divine permission, allowing individuals and societies to experience the full, destructive consequences of their chosen path of autonomy from God. It highlights the profound interconnectedness between theological truth (who God is) and moral behavior: a distortion of the former inevitably leads to a corruption of the latter. The "uncleanness" and "dishonoring of bodies" are direct manifestations of a heart that has abandoned its true object of worship, demonstrating that true freedom and honor are found only in submission to God's design.

* [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24-25 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Consequences of Impurity") This passage warns Israel against defiling themselves with the practices of the nations, stating that the land itself became defiled and "vomited out" its inhabitants, illustrating a similar principle of divine judgment allowing consequences for moral impurity.
* [Ephesians 4:19](/ephesians/4-19 "Ephesians 4:19 - Given Over to Sensuality") Paul describes those who are "past feeling" and "given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with a craving for more," echoing the idea of being "given up" to unrestrained lusts.
* [1 Thessalonians 4:3-5](/1_thessalonians/4-3-5 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - Sanctification and Sexual Purity") This passage contrasts the "uncleanness" of the pagan world with God's will for believers' sanctification, specifically urging them to "abstain from sexual immorality" and to control their own bodies "in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:24 offers a sober warning for all generations, including our own. It reminds us that humanity's greatest problem is not merely external circumstances but an internal rebellion against God, manifesting as a refusal to acknowledge and glorify Him as Creator. When we suppress the truth about God, whether individually or collectively, we set ourselves on a dangerous trajectory where God may, in His righteous judgment, "give us up" to the natural consequences of our chosen path. This means allowing our desires, unchecked by divine wisdom and restraint, to lead us into moral and spiritual "uncleanness" and the "dishonoring" of our bodies and relationships. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly seeking to honor God in every area of our lives, or are we, perhaps subtly, exchanging His truth for something else? Our physical bodies, created in God's image, are meant to be instruments of worship and holiness, not vehicles for self-gratification apart from His design. Acknowledging God's sovereignty and submitting to His will is not a restriction of freedom, but the very path to true purity, honor, and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might individuals or societies today be "suppressing the truth" about God, leading to a similar "giving up" to destructive desires?**
* **How does the concept of "dishonoring their own bodies" manifest in contemporary culture, and what are the underlying "lusts of their own hearts" driving these behaviors?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our hearts are not given over to ungodly desires, but are instead submitted to God's will?**
* **How does understanding God's "giving up" as a judicial act of allowing consequences, rather than active causation of sin, deepen your understanding of His justice and mercy?**

### FAQ
**Does "God gave them up" mean God causes people to sin?**

Answer: No, "God gave them up" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) does not mean God actively causes people to sin. Instead, it signifies a judicial act of withdrawal or abandonment. Because humanity deliberately chose to reject God, suppress His truth, and worship created things ([Romans 1:18-23](/romans/1-18-23 "Romans 1:18-23 - Humanity's Rebellion")), God, in His righteous judgment, removed His restraining hand. He allowed them to experience the natural, destructive consequences of their own choices and the unchecked "lusts of their own hearts" (G1939, _epithymía_). It is a passive judgment, where He permits the inherent sinfulness of humanity to run its course, rather than actively pushing them into sin. This concept is repeated in [Romans 1:26](/romans/1-26 "Romans 1:26 - God Gives Them Up to Dishonorable Passions") and [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gives Them Up to a Debased Mind"), illustrating a progressive downward spiral.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:24 paints a bleak picture of humanity's self-inflicted degradation when God's restraining grace is withdrawn. Yet, this very darkness illuminates the profound necessity and glory of Christ's work. The "uncleanness" and "dishonoring of bodies" that result from humanity being "given up" are precisely what Jesus came to redeem. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering purification from all "uncleanness" (G167, _akatharsía_) through His shed blood ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from Sin")). Where humanity's hearts were enslaved to "lusts" (G1939, _epithymía_), Christ offers a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), empowering believers to walk in holiness by the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Life by the Spirit")). The dishonoring of bodies is reversed in Christ, as believers are called to present their bodies as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), knowing that their bodies are now "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Christ does not merely prevent God from "giving us up," but actively delivers us from the consequences of being given up, transforming us from those who dishonor their bodies to those who glorify God in their bodies ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorify God in Your Body")).

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

Psalms 81:11

But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

Psalms 81:12

So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: [and] they walked in their own counsels.

Acts 7:42

¶ Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices [by the space of] forty years in the wilderness?

Acts 14:16

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

Matthew 15:14

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

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.

2 Thessalonians 2:12

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.