Romans 1:29

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Being filled with {G4137} all {G3956} unrighteousness {G93}, fornication {G4202}, wickedness {G4189}, covetousness {G4124}, maliciousness {G2549}; full {G3324} of envy {G5355}, murder {G5408}, debate {G2054}, deceit {G1388}, malignity {G2550}; whisperers {G5588},

They are filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and vice; stuffed with jealousy, murder, quarrelling, dishonesty and ill-will; they are gossips,

They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips,

being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Commentary

Commentary on Romans 1:29 (KJV)

This verse is part of Paul's powerful opening argument in the book of Romans, where he meticulously lays out the case for the universal sinfulness of humanity, both Gentiles and Jews, demonstrating their need for God's righteousness found in Christ. Following his description of those who suppress the truth of God and exchange His glory for idols and natural relations for unnatural ones, Paul provides a detailed list of the moral decay that results from this foundational rejection of the Creator.

Context

Romans chapter 1 describes the downward spiral that occurs when humanity refuses to acknowledge God and give Him glory. Verses 18-23 speak of God's wrath against ungodliness and unrighteousness, the suppression of truth, and the worship of creation rather than the Creator. Verses 24-27 detail the consequences of this rejection, including being given over to impurity, dishonorable passions, and vile affections. Verse 28 mentions being given over to a "reprobate mind" because they did not retain God in their knowledge. Verse 29 then begins a lengthy catalog of specific sins that manifest from this state of spiritual alienation.

Key Themes

  • Universal Depravity: The extensive list underscores the pervasive nature of sin and moral corruption that results from turning away from God. It covers a wide range of internal attitudes and external behaviors.
  • Consequences of Rejecting God: The list serves as evidence of the moral breakdown that inevitably follows the suppression of truth and the exchange of God's worship for idolatry and perversion.
  • Variety of Sins: The catalogue includes sexual sin (fornication), general wickedness, greed (covetousness), ill will, envy, violence, conflict, deception, malice, and destructive gossip. This shows sin affects every area of life and relationship.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "unrighteousness" is adikia, meaning injustice or wickedness, the opposite of righteousness (dikaiosunฤ“), a key theme in Romans. "Fornication" (porneia) is a general term for sexual immorality. "Covetousness" (pleonexia) literally means a desire for more, often greedy and grasping. "Malignity" (kakฤ“thos) refers to ill will or malicious disposition, a desire to harm others. "Whisperers" (psithuristas) describes those who secretly spread slander or gossip, often with malicious intent, highlighting the insidious nature of such sin.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a stark reminder of the reality of sin and its manifestations in human behavior when God is not central. It challenges us to examine our own lives for any of these traits, recognizing that they stem from a heart that is not fully surrendered to God. The extensive list emphasizes that sin is not limited to obvious outward acts but includes destructive attitudes and words like envy, maliciousness, and whispering. It highlights the need for the transformative power of the Gospel, which offers not only forgiveness but also deliverance from the power of sin, enabling believers to walk in righteousness instead of being filled with these vices, as described later in Romans (e.g., Romans 6:11-14).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 12:20

    For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and [that] I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest [there be] debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

  • Proverbs 16:28

    A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

  • Psalms 41:7

    All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

  • Proverbs 26:20

    ยถ Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

  • Romans 3:10

    As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: