Romans 1:28

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;

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};

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.

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.

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

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;"

Context

This verse concludes a section in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans (Romans 1:18-32) where he outlines the sinfulness of humanity, specifically focusing on those who have rejected the natural revelation of God. Paul argues that despite having sufficient knowledge of God through creation, people suppressed this truth and chose idolatry and immorality. Verse 28 follows two previous instances (verses 24 and 26) where Paul states that God gave them over to the consequences of their choices – first to uncleanness, then to vile affections. Verse 28 describes the final stage of this spiritual decline: being given over to a corrupted mind.

Key Themes

  • Rejection of God's Knowledge: The core issue is humanity's deliberate choice "not to retain God in their knowledge." This isn't merely ignorance but an active dislike and suppression of the truth about God that they possessed.
  • Divine Judgment (Giving Over): The phrase "God gave them over" indicates a passive judgment where God removes His restraining influence, allowing people to follow the full course of their sinful desires and face the natural, destructive consequences. This is the third instance of this phrase in quick succession (Romans 1:26).
  • The Reprobate Mind: A "reprobate mind" (Greek: adokimos nous) is a mind that is disqualified, worthless, or unable to discern properly. Having rejected God, the source of true wisdom and moral order, their thinking becomes fundamentally corrupted and incapable of judging what is right or wrong according to God's standard.
  • Unfitting Behavior: The result of a reprobate mind is doing "things which are not convenient" (Greek: ouk kathekonta). This means engaging in actions that are improper, unfitting, unbecoming, and contrary to what is right or dutiful for human beings created in God's image. The following verses (Romans 1:29-31) list examples of such behavior.

Linguistic Insights

The term "reprobate" translates the Greek word adokimos, which means "not standing the test," "rejected," or "worthless." Applied to the mind (nous), it signifies a mind that God has deemed incapable of rightly processing truth or making sound moral judgments because it has actively rejected Him. "Not convenient" translates ouk kathekonta, meaning "not fitting," "improper," or "contrary to duty," highlighting that the actions stemming from a reprobate mind are fundamentally disordered and unnatural in God's created order.

Reflection and Application

Romans 1:28 serves as a sobering warning about the progressive nature of rejecting God. When individuals or societies deliberately suppress the truth of God, it leads to a corruption not just of behavior, but of the very capacity for right thinking and moral discernment. The "reprobate mind" is the consequence of choosing to exclude God from one's knowledge. This underscores the critical importance of retaining God in our knowledge – actively seeking to know Him through His Word and creation – as the foundation for sound judgment and righteous living. It also highlights the need for spiritual transformation, as described in Romans 12:2, where believers are called to be renewed in their minds.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10 (32 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 (32 votes)

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

  • Romans 1:21 (27 votes)

    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 (26 votes)

    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 (18 votes)

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

  • Romans 1:24 (16 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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