Romans 1:26
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
For {G1223} this {G5124} cause God {G2316} gave {G3860} them {G846} up {G3860} unto {G1519} vile {G819} affections {G3806}: for {G1063} even {G5037} their {G846} women {G2338} did change {G3337} the natural {G5446} use {G5540} into {G1519} that which is against {G3844} nature {G5449}:
This is why God has given them up to degrading passions; so that their women exchange natural sexual relations for unnatural;
For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature:
Cross-References
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Jude 1:7
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. -
1 Timothy 1:10
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; -
Leviticus 18:22
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination. -
Leviticus 18:28
That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that [were] before you. -
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: -
1 Corinthians 6:9
¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, -
Ephesians 4:19
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Commentary
This verse is part of a crucial section in Paul's letter to the Romans where he explains the necessity of the gospel by describing the universal human condition of sin.
Context
Romans 1:26 follows Paul's argument that humanity, having suppressed the truth about God (see Romans 1:18), turned to idolatry and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images (see Romans 1:23). As a consequence of this deliberate rejection and distortion of the knowledge of God, Paul states that God "gave them up" to the consequences of their choices. Verses 24, 26, and 28 each describe a stage of this divine "giving up" or yielding to corrupted desires, moving from impurity to vile affections and finally to a reprobate mind.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "affections" is pathē (πάθη), often translated as passions or lusts. When combined with atimias (ἀτιμίας), meaning dishonor or shame, it strongly emphasizes corrupted, shameful desires. The phrase "against nature" translates para physin (παρὰ φύσιν), meaning contrary to nature, highlighting a deviation from the created biological and moral order as understood by the author.
Reflection and Application
Romans 1:26 challenges readers to consider the deep connection between one's relationship with God and the health of human relationships and desires. Paul argues that when humanity rejects the Creator, it leads to distortions in creation, including human behavior. The principle is that turning away from God's truth results in disordered loves and actions. This verse serves as a solemn warning about the downward spiral that occurs when individuals or societies suppress the knowledge of God and worship created things rather than the Creator. Understanding this verse encourages self-examination and a return to honoring God as the source and standard for all aspects of life, including relationships and sexuality.
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