Romans 1:24

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

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:"

Context

This verse is part of Paul's indictment against humanity's rejection of God, which begins in Romans 1:18. Paul argues that God's wrath is revealed against those who suppress the truth about Him. Having described how people exchanged the glory of the immortal God for idols and worshipped the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:23, Romans 1:25), this verse describes the first consequence of this spiritual rebellion: God 'giving them up' to their sinful desires and the resulting moral decay.

Key Themes

  • Divine Abandonment (Consequence): God's action of "giving them up" is not an active pushing into sin, but a withdrawal of restraining grace, allowing people to experience the natural, destructive consequences of their chosen path away from Him.
  • Uncleanness and Lusts: The verse directly links the rejection of God to indulgence in impure desires and actions ("uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts").
  • Dishonoring the Body: A specific outcome of this state is the misuse and defilement of the physical body, often in sexual sin, which dishonors both the body itself and the individuals involved.
  • The Result of Rejecting God: This verse highlights the severe moral and spiritual consequences that follow when humanity turns away from worshipping and acknowledging the true God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gave them up" translates the Greek word paredōken (παρέδωκεν), which means to hand over, deliver, or permit. It signifies God allowing or permitting the natural consequences of their actions to take their course, rather than actively causing their sin. This same word is used again in Romans 1:26 and Romans 1:28, emphasizing a pattern of consequences for persistent rejection of God. "Uncleanness" comes from akatharsia (ἀκαθαρσία), referring to moral and spiritual impurity, not just physical dirt. "Lusts" is epithymiais (ἐπιθυμίαις), which can mean strong desires, not always negative, but here used in the context of sinful cravings.

Reflection

Romans 1:24 serves as a solemn warning. It teaches that turning away from God and suppressing the truth about Him has profound consequences, leading to moral corruption and dishonor. The "giving up" shows that while God is patient, there comes a point where persistent rebellion results in Him allowing individuals to pursue the destructive path they have chosen. This highlights the interconnectedness of our relationship with God and our moral behavior. A right relationship with the Creator is foundational to living a life free from the bondage of sinful lusts and uncleanness.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 81:11 (38 votes)

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

  • Psalms 81:12 (38 votes)

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

  • Acts 7:42 (22 votes)

    ¶ 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 (20 votes)

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

  • Matthew 15:14 (18 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

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