Romans 1:31

KJV

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

KJV (with Strong's)

Without understanding {G801}, covenantbreakers {G802}, without natural affection {G794}, implacable {G786}, unmerciful {G415}:

Complete Jewish Bible

they are brainless, faithless, heartless and ruthless.

Berean Standard Bible

They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless.

American Standard Version

without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:31 is a poignant segment of Paul's comprehensive indictment of humanity's rebellion against God, detailing a further descent into moral depravity as a consequence of suppressing divine truth and engaging in idolatry. This verse, part of a chilling catalogue of vices, illuminates the profound breakdown of human relationships and societal order when people are abandoned to their fallen desires, manifesting in a rejection of wisdom, faithfulness, natural affection, reconciliation, and compassion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:31 is situated within Paul's powerful theological argument in [Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - God's Righteousness Revealed"), specifically within the section (verses 18-32) that outlines God's wrath against human ungodliness and unrighteousness. Having established that humanity has willfully rejected the clear revelation of God in creation (verses 19-20) and exchanged His glory for idolatry (verses 21-23), Paul describes a threefold divine "giving over" (παρέδωκεν, _paredōken_) of humanity to its sinful desires: first to impurity (verse 24), then to dishonorable passions (verse 26), and finally to a "debased mind" (ἀδόκιμον νοῦν, _adokimon noun_) in verse 28. The list of vices that follows, beginning in [Romans 1:29](/romans/1-29 "Romans 1:29 - A List of Vices"), serves as a vivid illustration of the practical outworking of this debased mind, with verse 31 specifically highlighting relational and ethical failures that undermine societal bonds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome included both Jewish and Gentile believers, living in the heart of the Roman Empire. Roman society, while valuing order and law, was also characterized by widespread paganism, moral relativism, and significant social stratification. The vices listed by Paul, such as lack of natural affection and implacability, were not uncommon in a culture where infanticide, abandonment of children, and gladiatorial contests were accepted, and where personal loyalty often superseded broader ethical considerations. Paul's catalogue of sins in [Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - The Gospel and Human Sin") would have resonated with both Jewish critiques of Gentile immorality and with the philosophical concerns of some Roman moralists who lamented the decline of traditional virtues. However, Paul's unique contribution is to root this moral decay not merely in cultural decline but in a fundamental theological rebellion against the Creator, contrasting sharply with the ethical demands of the God of Israel and the nascent Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 1:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Romans. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **human depravity** and the pervasive nature of sin, demonstrating that sin affects not only one's relationship with God but also one's relationships with other humans, leading to social disintegration. It highlights the **consequences of rejecting God's truth**, showing how a spiritual turning away from the Creator inevitably leads to moral corruption and a "debased mind" ([Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - A Debased Mind")). The verse also implicitly sets the stage for the necessity of **God's righteousness** (δικαιοσύνη θεοῦ, _dikaiosynē theou_), a central theme introduced in [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed"), as it demonstrates humanity's utter inability to achieve righteousness on its own, thereby necessitating salvation through faith in Christ. The catalogue of vices also serves as a stark contrast to the **fruit of the Spirit** described elsewhere, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), illustrating the difference between a life given over to sin and a life transformed by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Without understanding (Greek, _asýnetos_):** From G801, meaning "unintelligent; by implication, wicked." This is not merely a lack of intellectual capacity, but a spiritual inability or unwillingness to grasp divine truth and its moral implications. It points to a mind that is not discerning or wise concerning God's ways, leading to foolish and ungodly behavior. This intellectual dullness is a consequence of suppressing the truth about God.
* **Covenantbreakers (Greek, _asýnthetos_):** From G802, meaning "properly, not agreed, i.e. treacherous to compacts." This term signifies a profound lack of faithfulness and trustworthiness. It refers to those who disregard solemn agreements, whether with God or with fellow humans. In a biblical context, covenant-breaking is a grave offense, indicative of a deep moral failing that undermines the very fabric of trust and community.
* **Without natural affection (Greek, _ástorgos_):** From G794, meaning "hard-hearted towards kindred." This word describes a deficiency in the instinctive, familial love (storge) that should exist between family members, parents and children, or close relations. It highlights a breakdown in the most fundamental human relationships, pointing to a severe moral corruption where even basic human kindness and empathy towards one's own kin are absent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Without understanding":** This phrase describes a spiritual and moral blindness, an inability or unwillingness to comprehend divine truth and its implications for ethical living. It's not merely ignorance, but a deliberate suppression of the knowledge of God, leading to foolish decisions and a distorted worldview.
* **"covenantbreakers":** This refers to those who are faithless and unreliable in their commitments. They disregard agreements, oaths, and promises, whether formal or informal, with God or with other people. This trait signifies a profound lack of integrity and trustworthiness, eroding the foundations of social trust and order.
* **"without natural affection":** This powerful phrase points to a severe perversion of human nature, specifically the absence of the innate love and tenderness that should bind families and close relations. It indicates a cold, callous disregard for those with whom one should have the deepest bonds, reflecting a profound moral decay at the very core of human relationships.
* **"implacable":** This term describes those who are unwilling to be appeased, reconciled, or to make peace. They hold onto resentment, hostility, and bitterness, refusing to resolve conflicts or forgive. This characteristic highlights an unyielding spirit that prevents harmony and perpetuates strife.
* **"unmerciful":** This final descriptor signifies a complete lack of compassion, pity, or empathy towards others, especially those who are suffering or in need. It speaks of a hard-heartedness that refuses to extend kindness or grace, demonstrating an absence of the very quality that God Himself abundantly demonstrates towards humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's use of a **catalogue of vices** in [Romans 1:29-31](/romans/1-29-31 "Romans 1:29-31 - A Catalogue of Vices") is a powerful rhetorical device, creating a cumulative effect that emphasizes the pervasive and multifaceted nature of human sin when separated from God. The rapid-fire listing, often without conjunctions (**asyndeton**), creates a sense of overwhelming moral decay and the relentless downward spiral of a debased mind. The repeated use of the alpha-privative (the Greek prefix "a-" or "an-," meaning "without" or "not") in words like _asýnetos_, _asýnthetos_, _ástorgos_, _áspondos_, and _aneleḗmōn_ functions as a form of **anaphora** (though not strictly at the beginning of clauses, but as a recurring negative prefix), underscoring the *absence* of essential virtues and the *negation* of what is good and godly. This highlights a fundamental deficit in character, rather than merely isolated acts of sin. Furthermore, the entire list serves as a stark **juxtaposition** to the character of God and the virtues that the Holy Spirit produces in believers, implicitly contrasting the darkness of sin with the light of righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:31 paints a grim picture of humanity's moral landscape when God's truth is rejected. Theologically, these vices are not random failings but direct consequences of humanity's idolatry and suppression of truth, revealing the depth of the fall and the pervasive nature of sin. The absence of understanding, the breaking of covenants, and the lack of natural affection and mercy demonstrate a fundamental breakdown in both vertical (God-human) and horizontal (human-human) relationships. This moral decay underscores the biblical teaching that true wisdom, faithfulness, love, and compassion flow from a right relationship with God. Without Him, humanity inevitably descends into a state characterized by these destructive traits, highlighting the urgent need for divine intervention and the transformative power of the Gospel. These characteristics stand in stark contrast to the virtues found in God's own character and those called for in His people, particularly under the New Covenant.

* [2 Timothy 3:1-5](/2_timothy/3-1-5 "2 Timothy 3:1-5 - Perilous Times and Ungodly People")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [Matthew 24:12](/matthew/24-12 "Matthew 24:12 - Love Growing Cold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's stark description in Romans 1:31 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to examine the state of our own hearts and the societies we inhabit. It reminds us that true moral health and relational integrity are not merely matters of human effort or cultural norms, but are deeply rooted in our orientation towards God. The absence of understanding, the propensity to break commitments, the chilling lack of natural affection, and the refusal to reconcile or show mercy are not just ancient vices; they are ever-present dangers that threaten to corrupt our personal lives, families, and communities. This passage challenges us to consider whether we are truly seeking God's wisdom, upholding our commitments, cultivating genuine love and compassion, and extending forgiveness and mercy. It compels us to recognize our own vulnerability to these sinful patterns and to humbly seek the transforming grace of God, which alone can replace these destructive traits with the virtues of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "without understanding" of God's truth, leading to foolish choices or a distorted worldview?**
* **Am I a "covenantbreaker" in my relationships, failing to uphold commitments or demonstrate faithfulness to God and others?**
* **How does the concept of being "without natural affection" challenge me to cultivate deeper love and empathy within my family and community?**
* **Do I exhibit an "implacable" spirit, holding onto resentment or refusing to reconcile, or do I actively pursue peace and forgiveness?**
* **In what ways can I grow in being "unmerciful," extending compassion and grace to those in need, especially when it is difficult?**

### FAQ

**Does this list of vices apply only to non-believers, or can Christians also exhibit these traits?**

Answer: While Paul's immediate context in [Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - The Gospel and Human Sin") describes the consequences of humanity's rejection of God, the vices listed are universal manifestations of human sinfulness. Christians, though redeemed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are still in a process of sanctification and can struggle with these very issues. The New Testament frequently warns believers against such behaviors (e.g., [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh"), [Ephesians 4:31-32](/ephesians/4-31-32 "Ephesians 4:31-32 - Put Away Bitterness")). The difference lies in the Christian's access to the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to overcome these sinful inclinations and to grow in the opposite virtues, such as love, understanding, and mercy ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")).

**How can someone who exhibits these traits find transformation?**

Answer: Paul's entire argument in Romans leads to the glorious solution found in Jesus Christ. The transformation from a life characterized by these vices to one marked by righteousness and love comes through the Gospel. It begins with acknowledging one's sinfulness, repenting, and putting faith in Jesus Christ, whose atoning death and resurrection provide forgiveness and a new life ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Justification by Faith")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to put off the old self and put on the new self ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting on the New Self")), cultivating understanding, faithfulness, natural affection, reconciliation, and mercy, which are the fruit of a life submitted to God ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:31 vividly portrays the depths of human depravity and the relational brokenness that results from humanity's rebellion against God. In stark contrast to these vices, Jesus Christ embodies perfect understanding, unwavering faithfulness, boundless natural affection (agape love), complete reconciliation, and infinite mercy. He is the ultimate fulfillment of all that humanity lacks. Where humanity is "without understanding," Christ is the very wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God")). Where humanity proves to be "covenantbreakers," Jesus is the faithful Son who perfectly upholds the New Covenant, sealing it with His own blood ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant"), [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Mediator of a New Covenant")). In a world "without natural affection," Christ demonstrates the purest form of self-sacrificial love, laying down His life for His friends and even His enemies ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love"), [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners")). Instead of being "implacable," Jesus came to be the ultimate reconciler, breaking down the wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between people groups ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). And far from being "unmerciful," His entire ministry was a testament to divine compassion, culminating in His cry from the cross, "Father, forgive them" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Father Forgive Them")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ offers transformation, enabling those who were once characterized by these vices to be renewed by the Holy Spirit, reflecting His understanding, faithfulness, love, and mercy, thereby fulfilling God's original design for humanity.

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 Timothy 3:3

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Proverbs 18:2

¶ A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Romans 3:11

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Matthew 15:16

And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

Isaiah 33:8

The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man.

Isaiah 27:11

When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, [and] set them on fire: for it [is] a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.