Romans 1:29

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:29 initiates a sobering catalog of vices that characterize humanity's moral decay, a direct consequence of suppressing the truth about God and exchanging His glory for idolatry. This verse, along with those that follow, details a comprehensive list of sins ranging from sexual immorality and greed to interpersonal strife, deception, and malicious gossip, illustrating the pervasive and multifaceted nature of human rebellion against the Creator. It paints a stark picture of the spiritual emptiness and moral corruption that inevitably result when humanity rejects divine knowledge and chooses self-worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:29 is the opening verse of a lengthy and disturbing catalog of sins (Romans 1:29-31) that Paul presents as the practical outworking of humanity's fundamental rejection of God. This list immediately follows Paul's description of God "giving them over" (Romans 1:24, 26, 28) to their sinful desires and a "reprobate mind" because they refused to acknowledge Him. The preceding verses (Romans 1:18-23) establish the universal guilt of humanity, both Gentile and Jew, by demonstrating how God's invisible attributes are clearly seen in creation, leaving no excuse for ungodliness. The sins listed in Romans 1:29-31 serve as empirical evidence of the spiritual downward spiral that begins with idolatry and culminates in widespread moral depravity, setting the stage for Paul's exposition on God's righteousness revealed through faith in Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers, situated in the heart of the Roman Empire. Roman society, while possessing a sophisticated legal system and impressive infrastructure, was also characterized by widespread moral laxity, idolatry, and social stratification. The sins listed in this passage—such as fornication, covetousness, murder, and deceit—were prevalent issues in both the Greco-Roman world and among the Jewish population, though the latter had the Law. Paul's comprehensive list is not merely an indictment of pagan practices but a universal diagnosis of the human condition, demonstrating that without a right relationship with the Creator, all humanity falls prey to a similar pattern of sin and moral corruption, regardless of cultural or religious background.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Romans. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Universal Depravity**, demonstrating that sin is not merely a collection of isolated acts but a pervasive condition that affects every aspect of human character and conduct. The extensive and varied list of vices highlights the depth of humanity's fallenness, from internal attitudes like envy to outward actions like murder and malicious speech. Secondly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Rejecting God**, showing that the suppression of truth and the exchange of God's glory for idols (as described in [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Exchange of Truth for Lies")) inevitably leads to a moral breakdown. The "giving over" (e.g., [Romans 1:24](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24 - Given Over to Impurity")) is not God's active instigation of sin but His withdrawal of restraint, allowing humanity to experience the natural, destructive consequences of their rebellion. Finally, the passage implicitly emphasizes the **Necessity of God's Righteousness**, setting the stage for Paul's argument in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," thereby establishing the universal need for salvation found only in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unrighteousness (Greek, _adikía'_):** From G93, meaning (legal) injustice, or morally, wrongfulness of character, life, or act. This term encapsulates the fundamental deviation from God's righteous standard, encompassing a broad range of moral failings and a general state of being out of alignment with divine justice.
* **fornication (Greek, _porneía'_):** From G4202, referring to harlotry, encompassing all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery and incest. Figuratively, it can also refer to idolatry, highlighting the spiritual infidelity inherent in turning away from God. Its inclusion first in the list immediately after "unrighteousness" signals the pervasive nature of sexual sin in a fallen world.
* **whisperers (Greek, _psithyristḗs'_):** From G5588, describing a secret calumniator. This word points to those who secretly spread slander or gossip, often with malicious intent, highlighting the insidious and destructive nature of verbal sins that undermine trust and relationships within a community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Being filled with all unrighteousness":** This opening phrase sets the tone, indicating a state of complete saturation. The individuals are not merely dabbling in unrighteousness but are thoroughly permeated by it, suggesting a deep-seated disposition rather than isolated acts. The Greek verb "filled" (G4137, _plēróō_) implies a state of being replete or fully imbued, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their moral corruption.
* **"fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness":** This first cluster of specific sins begins with sexual immorality, a prominent feature of pagan society. "Wickedness" (G4189, _ponēría_) refers to depravity or active malice, while "covetousness" (G4124, _pleonexía_) denotes an insatiable desire for more, often leading to greed and exploitation. "Maliciousness" (G2549, _kakía_) indicates badness, depravity, or active ill-will, showing an intent to harm.
* **"full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity":** The list continues, using the descriptive "full of" (G3324, _mestós_) to reinforce the pervasive nature of these vices. "Envy" (G5355, _phthónos_) is ill-will or jealousy. "Murder" (G5408, _phónos_) is the ultimate act of hatred. "Debate" (G2054, _éris_) signifies quarrel or wrangling, pointing to discord and strife. "Deceit" (G1388, _dólos_) refers to trickery or guile, while "malignity" (G2550, _kakoḗtheia_) denotes a bad character, specifically mischievousness or a readiness to interpret others' actions in the worst possible light.
* **"whisperers":** This final term in the verse introduces a new category of sin, focusing on verbal transgressions. "Whisperers" (G5588, _psithyristḗs_) are secret slanderers or gossips, highlighting the insidious and often hidden ways in which malice and ill-will manifest through destructive speech.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Romans 1:29 to underscore the pervasive nature of human sin. The most prominent is **Cataloguing**, where he provides an extensive and varied list of vices. This long enumeration creates a cumulative effect, overwhelming the reader with the sheer breadth and depth of human depravity, demonstrating that sin is not limited to a few specific acts but infects every facet of life—from internal attitudes (envy, covetousness) to interpersonal actions (murder, debate, deceit) and destructive speech (whisperers). The use of **Repetition** with phrases like "being filled with" and "full of" emphasizes the saturation of these individuals with sin, indicating a state of being completely permeated by unrighteousness rather than simply committing isolated acts. This rhetorical choice highlights the comprehensive moral corruption that results from humanity's rejection of God. Furthermore, the progression from broader terms like "unrighteousness" to more specific and insidious sins like "whisperers" demonstrates a **Climactic Arrangement**, revealing the escalating and multifaceted nature of sin's manifestation in human society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:29 serves as a stark theological indictment, demonstrating the universal scope and profound depth of human sinfulness when humanity suppresses the truth of God and exchanges His glory for idolatry. It illustrates that the rejection of the Creator leads not merely to isolated moral failings but to a comprehensive spiritual and ethical decay that permeates every aspect of human character and society. This comprehensive list of vices underscores the theological truth that sin is not just about breaking rules, but about a fundamental alienation from God that warps human desires, relationships, and even thought processes. It sets the stage for Paul's grand argument for the necessity of God's righteousness, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ, as the only remedy for such pervasive depravity.

* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21-23 "Mark 7:21-23 - What Defiles a Person")
* [Colossians 3:5-9](/colossians/3-5-9 "Colossians 3:5-9 - Put Off the Old Self")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:29 provides a challenging mirror for self-examination, compelling us to consider the pervasive nature of sin not only in the world but within our own hearts. The extensive list of vices reminds us that sin manifests in myriad forms, from overt acts like murder and fornication to more subtle, yet equally destructive, attitudes and behaviors such as envy, maliciousness, and whispering. It highlights that the root of these outward expressions is often an inward turning away from God, a failure to honor Him as Creator and Lord. For believers, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel; we are called not to be "filled with all unrighteousness," but to be "filled with the Spirit" ([Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")) and to put off the old self with its sinful practices, putting on the new self created in righteousness and holiness ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old, Put On the New")). It urges us to cultivate a heart that seeks to honor God in all things, recognizing that true freedom from these vices comes through Christ's work and the ongoing sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Which of the vices listed in Romans 1:29 do I find most challenging to overcome in my own life, and why?**
* **How does understanding the "filling" with unrighteousness (Romans 1:29) help me grasp the depth of humanity's need for God's grace?**
* **In what ways might subtle sins like "whispering" or "malignity" be just as destructive to relationships and communities as more overt sins like "murder" or "fornication"?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to be "filled with all unrighteousness" in Romans 1:29?**

Answer: To be "filled with all unrighteousness" (Greek: _plēróō_ with _adikía_) signifies a complete saturation or permeation by moral wrongfulness and injustice. It's not merely committing isolated acts of sin, but rather having a character and disposition that is thoroughly dominated by unrighteousness. Paul uses this phrase to describe the comprehensive moral decay that results when humanity suppresses the truth about God and rejects His rightful place as Creator, leading to a state where every facet of life and relationship is corrupted by sin. This "filling" underscores the pervasive nature of humanity's fallen condition, making clear the universal need for God's righteousness, which is revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ ([Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:29, with its grim catalog of human depravity, powerfully underscores the profound necessity of Christ's redemptive work. This comprehensive list of sins—from sexual immorality and greed to envy, murder, and deceit—demonstrates the utter inability of humanity, apart from divine intervention, to live righteously. It reveals the depth of the spiritual sickness that afflicts all people, highlighting that the problem is not merely external acts but an internal "filling" with unrighteousness. In this context, Christ emerges as the ultimate answer to humanity's pervasive sin. He is the one who, unlike fallen humanity, was "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")), perfectly fulfilling God's righteous requirements. His atoning sacrifice on the cross provides the means by which God can declare unrighteous sinners righteous ([Romans 3:24-26](/romans/3-24-26 "Romans 3:24-26 - Justification by Faith")). Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ empowers believers to be progressively freed from the very vices listed in Romans 1:29, enabling them to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - New Self in Christ")). Thus, Romans 1:29 serves as a dark backdrop against which the glorious light of Christ's saving and transforming power shines even more brightly.

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 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

¶ 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: