Romans 1:28

KJV

And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} even as {G2531} they did {G1381} not {G3756} like {G1381} to retain {G2192} God {G2316} in {G1722} their knowledge {G1922}, God {G2316} gave {G3860} them {G846} over {G3860} to {G1519} a reprobate {G96} mind {G3563}, to do {G4160} those things which are {G2520} not {G3361} convenient {G2520};

Complete Jewish Bible

In other words, since they have not considered God worth knowing, God has given them up to worthless ways of thinking; so that they do improper things.

Berean Standard Bible

Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

American Standard Version

And even as they refused to have God intheirknowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:28 marks a profound and sobering culmination of humanity's rejection of God, detailing the divine consequence of such persistent rebellion. Having deliberately suppressed the clear revelation of God in creation and refused to acknowledge Him, humanity is judicially "given over" by God to a "reprobate mind," a state of moral and intellectual corruption that renders them incapable of discerning truth or acting in accordance with what is proper and fitting for human beings, leading to increasingly disordered and destructive behaviors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:28 stands as the climactic statement in Paul's powerful indictment of Gentile sin, which begins in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness"). Paul argues that humanity, despite having clear evidence of God's existence and attributes through creation ([Romans 1:19-20](/romans/1-19-20 "Romans 1:19-20 - God's Invisible Attributes Revealed in Creation")), actively suppressed this truth, choosing instead to worship created things rather than the Creator ([Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - Suppressing Truth and Idolatry")). This deliberate rejection leads to a threefold divine "giving over" (παραδίδωμι, _paradídōmi_). First, God gives them over to uncleanness and sexual impurity ([Romans 1:24](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24 - Given Over to Uncleanness")). Second, He gives them over to vile affections and homosexual acts ([Romans 1:26](/romans/1-26 "Romans 1:26 - Given Over to Vile Affections")). Finally, in verse 28, the ultimate consequence is revealed: being given over to a "reprobate mind," which then manifests in a comprehensive list of social and moral evils in [Romans 1:29-32](/romans/1-29-32 "Romans 1:29-32 - A List of Depraved Behaviors"). This progression illustrates the escalating nature of sin and divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to a diverse church in Rome, a city that was the epicenter of the Roman Empire, characterized by its syncretistic religious practices, widespread idolatry, and pervasive moral laxity. The "knowledge" of God Paul refers to is not necessarily specialized theological understanding but the general awareness of a divine Creator that is accessible through natural revelation. In the Greco-Roman world, while philosophical schools debated ethics and the nature of the divine, popular religion was often polytheistic and intertwined with civic life, including emperor worship. The moral landscape was often shaped by expediency and pleasure rather than transcendent truth. Paul's critique is not merely of specific acts but of a fundamental spiritual posture: the deliberate choice to exclude God from one's worldview and moral framework, despite the inherent knowledge of Him. This rejection, for Paul, is the root cause of the societal degradation he observes and describes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several critical themes within Romans and broader biblical theology. The central theme is the **rejection of God's knowledge**, highlighting humanity's active suppression of truth rather than passive ignorance. This rejection is met with **divine judgment**, specifically the "giving over" (παραδίδωμι, _paradídōmi_) by God, which signifies a removal of His restraining grace, allowing humanity to experience the full, destructive consequences of their chosen path. This is not arbitrary punishment but a judicial act that allows sin to run its course. The result is the **reprobate mind**, a profound corruption of human intellect and moral discernment, rendering it incapable of distinguishing right from wrong according to God's standard. This mental corruption inevitably leads to **unfitting behavior**, actions that are contrary to God's created order and the inherent dignity of humanity. This theme is further elaborated in [Romans 1:29-32](/romans/1-29-32 "Romans 1:29-32 - The Consequences of a Reprobate Mind"), which lists the specific manifestations of this moral decay.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **did not like (Greek, _dokimázō_):** From G1381, meaning "to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve." The negative construction "did not like to retain" (οὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν ἔχειν, _ouk edokímasan échein_) suggests more than mere disinterest; it implies a deliberate refusal to approve or acknowledge God in their knowledge. They tested God's truth and found it unappealing or inconvenient, thus rejecting it. This is an active, volitional choice to disapprove of God's rightful place in their understanding.
* **knowledge (Greek, _epígnōsis_):** From G1922, meaning "recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement." This is not just superficial awareness but a deep, experiential, and acknowledging knowledge. The phrase "did not like to retain God in their knowledge" indicates a conscious and active suppression of this full and discerning recognition of God, which was available to them. They chose not to hold onto the truth about God that they possessed.
* **reprobate (Greek, _adókimos_):** From G96, meaning "unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)." This term is the antonym of _dokimázō_ (to approve). A "reprobate mind" (νοῦς ἀδόκιμος, _noûs adókimos_) is a mind that has been tested and found wanting, disqualified, or rejected by God because it has itself rejected God. It is a mind that is no longer capable of discerning good from evil or truth from falsehood according to God's standard, having become morally worthless in its judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge":** This opening clause establishes the premise for God's subsequent action. It emphasizes humanity's active culpability. The phrase "did not like to retain God in their knowledge" signifies a deliberate, volitional choice to reject the clear, inherent knowledge of God available through creation. It is not an issue of ignorance, but of willful suppression and disapproval of God's rightful place in their understanding and worldview. They found God's truth inconvenient or undesirable and chose to push it out of their consciousness and moral framework.
* **"God gave them over to a reprobate mind":** This is the divine response to humanity's rejection. The phrase "God gave them over" (παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεός, _parédōken autoùs ho Theós_) indicates a judicial act of judgment where God removes His restraining grace, allowing humanity to fully experience the natural and destructive consequences of their chosen path. The "reprobate mind" (νοῦς ἀδόκιμος, _noûs adókimos_) is a mind that has been tested and found wanting, disqualified, or worthless. It is a mind that, having rejected the source of all truth and wisdom, becomes fundamentally corrupted in its ability to discern what is right, good, or true. This is the ultimate spiritual consequence of suppressing God's knowledge.
* **"to do those things which are not convenient;":** This final clause describes the inevitable outcome and manifestation of the reprobate mind. "Not convenient" (οὐ καθηκόντα, _ou kathékonta_) translates to "not fitting," "improper," "unbecoming," or "contrary to duty." It refers to actions that are fundamentally disordered, unnatural, and inappropriate for human beings created in God's image. Having lost the capacity for sound moral judgment due to their corrupted minds, people are left to engage in behaviors that violate God's moral order and are utterly unfitting for human dignity and flourishing. The following verses ([Romans 1:29-32](/romans/1-29-32 "Romans 1:29-32 - The Fruits of a Reprobate Mind")) provide a detailed list of these "inconvenient" or improper actions.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - The Reprobate Mind") to underscore his theological argument. Most notably, there is a clear **Progression** of divine judgment throughout [Romans 1:24-28](/romans/1-24-28 "Romans 1:24-28 - God's Threefold Giving Over"). The phrase "God gave them over" (παρέδωκεν ὁ Θεός) acts as an **Anaphora**, repeated three times (in [Romans 1:24](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24 - Given Over to Uncleanness"), [Romans 1:26](/romans/1-26 "Romans 1:26 - Given Over to Vile Affections"), and [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - Given Over to a Reprobate Mind")), emphasizing the escalating nature of God's judicial abandonment as a consequence of humanity's escalating rebellion. This repetition creates a sense of inevitability and solemnity. Furthermore, there is a striking **Contrast** between "retaining God in their knowledge" and being given over to a "reprobate mind." The former represents light, truth, and moral order, while the latter signifies darkness, falsehood, and moral chaos. The phrase "not convenient" also functions as a form of **Litotes** (understatement for emphasis), as the behaviors described in the subsequent verses are far more than merely "inconvenient" but are deeply destructive and morally abhorrent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:28 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and human responsibility. It reveals that God's wrath is not arbitrary but a just response to humanity's deliberate suppression of truth and rejection of His rightful place. The "giving over" signifies a removal of God's restraining hand, allowing sin to run its full, destructive course. This is not God actively causing evil, but rather allowing the natural, internal consequences of sin to unfold when His light and truth are actively resisted. It underscores the concept that genuine knowledge of God is foundational for moral sanity and societal order; without it, the human mind becomes corrupted, leading to widespread depravity. This verse serves as a stark warning about the progressive hardening that occurs when individuals and societies persistently choose darkness over light.

* [Psalm 81:11-12](/psalms/81-11-12 "Psalm 81:11-12 - God Gives Israel Over to Their Own Desires")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:10-12](/2_thessalonians/2-10-12 "2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - God Sends a Strong Delusion")
* [Proverbs 1:22-33](/proverbs/1-22-33 "Proverbs 1:22-33 - Wisdom's Rejection and Consequences")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:28 offers a chilling diagnosis of the human condition apart from God and serves as a vital warning for individuals and societies today. It highlights that the most dangerous consequence of rejecting God is not merely external punishment, but an internal corruption of the mind itself, leading to a diminished capacity for moral discernment and a distorted perception of reality. When truth is suppressed, the very faculty designed to apprehend truth becomes "reprobate"—disqualified and worthless in its judgment. For us, this means that actively "retaining God in our knowledge" is not an optional spiritual exercise but a foundational necessity for mental clarity, moral integrity, and spiritual health. It calls us to continually immerse ourselves in God's Word, seek His wisdom through prayer, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, ensuring that our thoughts and actions are aligned with His truth, rather than being given over to the deceptive and destructive patterns of a world that has rejected Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my society, be subtly "not liking to retain God in our knowledge" today?**
* **What are the practical implications of having a mind that is "reprobate" or "disqualified" in discerning truth and morality?**
* **How can I actively "retain God in my knowledge" daily to safeguard my mind from spiritual corruption?**
* **Considering the progression in Romans 1, what steps can I take to ensure I am not moving further away from God's truth?**

### FAQ
**What does "reprobate mind" truly mean, and is it a permanent state?**

Answer: A "reprobate mind" (Greek: νοῦς ἀδόκιμος, _noûs adókimos_) literally means a mind that has been tested and found wanting or disqualified. It signifies a profound spiritual and moral corruption where the mind, having actively rejected God and suppressed His truth, loses its capacity to discern right from wrong according to God's standard. It's not merely ignorance but a state of moral blindness and intellectual distortion. While [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - The Reprobate Mind") describes a judicial "giving over" by God, the Bible also speaks of God's redemptive power. For those who are "given over," it represents a severe consequence of persistent rebellion. However, for those who come to repentance and faith in Christ, there is the promise of a renewed mind ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")) and transformation by the Holy Spirit. While the state described in [Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - The Guilt of Humanity") is dire, the New Testament's overarching message is one of hope and the possibility of radical change through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:28 vividly paints the picture of humanity's desperate spiritual condition apart from God, culminating in a "reprobate mind" incapable of discerning truth or living righteously. This stark reality underscores the profound necessity of Christ. Jesus, as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), came precisely to dispel the darkness of such a corrupted mind. Where humanity suppressed the knowledge of God, Christ perfectly revealed Him ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son")). He is the embodiment of God's wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")) and the one through whom the mind can be renewed and transformed. The "reprobate mind" is healed and restored through faith in Christ, as believers are called to put off the old self and be "renewed in the spirit of your minds" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New")). The Holy Spirit, given through Christ, enables believers to have the "mind of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - We Have the Mind of Christ")), allowing them to discern spiritual truths and live in a manner that is "convenient" and pleasing to God, reversing the very curse described in this verse.

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

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.

Romans 1:21

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Titus 1:16

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Jeremiah 9:6

Thine habitation [is] in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.

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:

Romans 8:7

Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.