Romans 1:27

KJV

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} likewise {G3668} also {G2532} the men {G730}, leaving {G863} the natural {G5446} use {G5540} of the woman {G2338}, burned {G1572} in {G1722} their {G846} lust {G3715} one toward another {G1519}{G240}; men {G730} with {G1722} men {G730} working {G2716} that which is unseemly {G808}, and {G2532} receiving {G618} in {G1722} themselves {G1438} that recompence {G489} of their {G846} error {G4106} which {G3739} was meet {G1163}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and likewise the men, giving up natural relations with the opposite sex, burn with passion for one another, men committing shameful acts with other men and receiving in their own persons the penalty appropriate to their perversion.

Berean Standard Bible

Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

American Standard Version

and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:27 continues the apostle Paul's profound exposition on the universal sinfulness of humanity, detailing how men, having abandoned God's intended design for sexual relations, engaged in homosexual acts fueled by unrestrained lust. This behavior is presented not merely as a moral failing but as a direct consequence and manifestation of God's judgment, where individuals are "given up" to the destructive recompense inherent in their rebellion against the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended argument in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness") concerning God's wrath against human ungodliness and unrighteousness. Having established that humanity suppresses the truth about God, leading to idolatry (explicitly stated in [Romans 1:23](/romans/1-23 "Romans 1:23 - Exchanging God's Glory for Idols") and [Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Exchanging Truth for a Lie")), Paul then describes a threefold "giving up" by God. First, God "gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts" ([Romans 1:24](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24 - God Gives Them Up to Uncleanness")). Second, He "gave them up unto vile affections" ([Romans 1:26](/romans/1-26 "Romans 1:26 - God Gives Them Up to Vile Affections")), specifically mentioning women exchanging natural relations for unnatural ones. Romans 1:27 serves as the male counterpart to this second "giving up," illustrating the depth of moral degradation that results from spiritual rebellion. The subsequent verses in [Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - The Gospel of God's Righteousness") list a comprehensive catalog of vices, further demonstrating humanity's fallen state.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome, a city at the heart of the Roman Empire, which was characterized by a diverse religious landscape and prevalent pagan practices. Roman society, while possessing its own moral codes, was notably permissive regarding sexual ethics, especially concerning same-sex relations, which were often viewed differently than in Jewish or early Christian contexts. While certain forms of same-sex activity were common, particularly pederasty or relations between free men and slaves, the concept of exclusive, committed homosexual relationships as understood today was not the primary focus. Paul's critique here is not merely a reflection of contemporary Roman practices but is rooted in a distinctly biblical understanding of creation, sexual design, and idolatry. His condemnation of "unseemly" acts and "unnatural use" aligns with Old Testament prohibitions and a broader Judeo-Christian worldview that viewed sexual activity as divinely ordained for procreation and within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 1:27 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Romans and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Human Depravity and Universal Sinfulness**, demonstrating that humanity's rejection of God leads to a comprehensive moral breakdown, affecting even fundamental aspects of creation like sexual design. It highlights **Divine Judgment and Consequence**, illustrating that God's "giving up" is not merely passive abandonment but an active judicial act where the consequences of sin are experienced intrinsically by the sinner. The verse also implicitly reinforces the theme of **God's Created Order**, portraying the "natural use" as a divinely established standard for human sexuality, deviations from which are deemed "unseemly" and indicative of a deeper spiritual rebellion. Ultimately, this vivid depiction of human sinfulness sets the stage for Paul's grand exposition of **God's Righteousness and the Necessity of the Gospel** in [Romans 3](/romans/3 "Romans 3 - No One Is Righteous"), where justification by faith in Christ is presented as the only remedy for humanity's pervasive sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **burned (Greek, _ekkaíō'_):** From G1572, meaning "to inflame deeply." This word vividly portrays the intensity and consuming nature of the lust described. It suggests a passion that is not merely present but is an overwhelming, uncontrollable fire within, driving the individuals to act on their desires. This burning lust is presented as a direct consequence of God giving them over to their passions, indicating a spiritual state where desires are unchecked by divine restraint or moral conscience.
* **unseemly (Greek, _aschēmosýnē'_):** From G808, meaning "an indecency; by implication, the pudenda; shame, that which is unseemly." This term denotes behavior that is disgraceful, shameful, or indecent, lacking in proper form or decorum. It points to a violation of moral and social propriety, particularly in a way that brings shame or dishonor. In the context of Paul's argument, it signifies a profound departure from God's design, resulting in acts that are inherently dishonorable and contrary to what is fitting for humanity created in God's image.
* **recompence (Greek, _antimisthía'_):** From G489, meaning "requital, correspondence." This word signifies a payment, reward, or retribution that is due or corresponds to a particular action. Here, it is used in a negative sense, referring to the deserved consequence or penalty for their "error." It implies a fitting judgment, where the destructive nature of the sin itself becomes its own punishment, a natural and just outcome of rejecting God's truth and design.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman":** This clause parallels the previous verse concerning women, explicitly stating that men also abandoned the divinely ordained and biologically complementary sexual relationship with women. The "natural use" (Greek: _physikós chrēsis_) refers to sexual intercourse within the created order, as established by God in Genesis, implying that this is the normative and intended pattern for humanity.
* **"burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly":** This describes the active engagement in homosexual acts. The phrase "burned in their lust" emphasizes the intense, consuming nature of the desire that drove these actions, indicating an uncontrolled passion. "One toward another; men with men" explicitly identifies the same-sex nature of the relations, highlighting that these acts were performed by individuals of the same gender. The term "working that which is unseemly" (Greek: _katergázomai aschēmosýnē_) underscores the disgraceful and indecent nature of these actions, portraying them as a deliberate engagement in shameful behavior.
* **"and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet":** This final clause articulates the consequence of their actions. They are "receiving in themselves" (Greek: _apolambánō heautoû_) the "recompence" (Greek: _antimisthía_), a fitting retribution or consequence. This "recompence" is for their "error" (Greek: _plánē_), which encompasses their straying from God's truth and their idolatry. The phrase "which was meet" (Greek: _hós deî_) emphasizes that this recompense is just and appropriate, a deserved outcome that corresponds to the nature of their rebellion against God's design and truth. It suggests that the destructive consequences are inherent in the sin itself, a form of divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Romans 1:27 to convey his message. The use of **Parallelism** is evident, as this verse mirrors the preceding one concerning women, creating a comprehensive indictment of humanity's sexual deviation from God's design. This symmetrical structure emphasizes the universal scope of human rebellion. The phrase "burned in their lust" is a vivid **Metaphor**, portraying intense, consuming desire as an internal fire. This imagery communicates the overwhelming and destructive nature of unchecked passion. Furthermore, the concept of "receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet" contains a strong element of **Irony**. What might be perceived as a pursuit of pleasure or fulfillment is revealed to be its own inherent punishment, a fitting consequence that stems directly from the "error" of rejecting God. This highlights the self-destructive nature of sin and the justness of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:27 is a critical passage for understanding the biblical perspective on human sexuality, sin, and divine judgment. Theologically, it asserts a normative order for human sexual relations, rooted in creation, from which humanity has deviated due to its rebellion against God. The "natural use" of man and woman is presented as God's design, and the departure from this design is characterized as "unseemly" and an "error" that incurs a "recompense." This recompense is not merely an external punishment but an intrinsic consequence, reflecting the principle that sin carries its own destructive power. The passage underscores the profound link between idolatry (the rejection of God as Creator) and moral degradation, showing that spiritual rebellion inevitably manifests in distorted human relationships and practices. It highlights the depth of human depravity and the pervasive nature of sin, setting the stage for the glorious solution offered in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

* [Leviticus 18:22](/leviticus/18-22 "Leviticus 18:22 - Prohibition of Male Homosexual Acts")
* [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Inheriting the Kingdom of God")
* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Sodom and Gomorrah's Punishment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:27 compels us to reflect deeply on the foundational principles of God's created order and the far-reaching consequences of human rebellion. While often discussed in the context of specific sexual behaviors, its primary theological thrust within Paul's argument is broader: it illustrates the comprehensive moral and spiritual decay that results when humanity suppresses the truth about God and exchanges the worship of the Creator for the worship of creation. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives for areas where we might be "leaving the natural use" – not just in terms of sexuality, but in any area where we deviate from God's design for human flourishing, whether in relationships, stewardship, or our pursuit of truth. The "recompence" serves as a sober reminder that sin is not without its internal, destructive consequences, and that true freedom and fulfillment are found only in aligning our lives with God's revealed will. It calls us to humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to glorifying God in all aspects of our being, recognizing that our ultimate well-being is inextricably linked to our relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's argument in Romans 1:18-32, culminating in verses 26-27, demonstrate the interconnectedness of spiritual rebellion (idolatry) and moral degradation?**
* **In what ways might the "recompence" Paul describes be understood as both an inherent consequence of sin and a form of divine judgment?**
* **Beyond sexual ethics, how does the concept of "leaving the natural use" challenge us to consider areas in our lives where we might be departing from God's design for human flourishing?**
* **How does understanding the depth of human sinfulness, as presented in this verse, heighten our appreciation for the necessity and power of the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 1:27 imply that homosexual acts are the "worst" sins?**

Answer: No, Romans 1:27 does not imply that homosexual acts are uniquely or singularly the "worst" sins. Within Paul's broader argument in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness"), these specific behaviors are presented as a vivid and extreme example of the comprehensive moral degradation that results when humanity rejects God and engages in idolatry. Paul lists a wide array of other sins in [Romans 1:29-31](/romans/1-29-31 "Romans 1:29-31 - A List of Sins"), including envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, pride, and disobedience to parents, indicating that all forms of unrighteousness are serious in God's sight. The purpose of this passage is to demonstrate the universality of human sin and the need for God's righteousness, not to create a hierarchy of sin.

**What does "natural use" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Romans 1:27, "natural use" (Greek: _physikós chrēsis_) refers to sexual relations that align with God's created order, specifically the complementary design of male and female for procreation and intimate union as established in [Genesis 1:27-28](/genesis/1-27-28 "Genesis 1:27-28 - Creation of Man and Woman") and [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man and His Wife Become One Flesh"). Paul's language implies that there is an inherent, divinely established pattern for human sexuality, and "leaving" this natural use signifies a departure from that design. This aligns with broader biblical teachings on marriage and sexuality as intended for a man and a woman.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Romans 1:27 vividly portrays the depth of human sin and the just recompense for rebellion against God's design, its ultimate theological purpose within Romans is to underscore the profound necessity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The "error" and "recompense" described in this verse, stemming from humanity's idolatry and moral degradation, highlight the universal predicament of sin that no human effort can rectify. It is precisely because humanity is "given up" to such destructive passions and receives the fitting consequences of its rebellion that the divine solution in Christ becomes so glorious. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, came to bear the recompense for our error, taking upon Himself the just wrath of God against sin, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ offers reconciliation and redemption, freeing those who believe from the power and penalty of sin ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Justification by Faith")). He inaugurates a new creation, empowering believers through the Holy Spirit to live according to God's design, transforming hearts and desires that were once "burned in lust" and "working that which is unseemly" into instruments of righteousness and holiness ([Romans 6:11-14](/romans/6-11-14 "Romans 6:11-14 - Dead to Sin, Alive to God")). Thus, this verse, while exposing the darkness of human sin, ultimately magnifies the light of Christ's redemptive power and the transformative grace available to all who turn to Him.

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

Leviticus 20:13

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Leviticus 18:22

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.

Romans 1:23

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

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: