Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Who {G3748} knowing {G1921} the judgment {G1345} of God {G2316}, that {G3754} they which commit {G4238} such things {G5108} are {G1526} worthy {G514} of death {G2288}, not {G3756} only {G3440} do {G4160} the same {G846}, but {G235}{G2532} have pleasure {G4909} in them that do {G4238} them.
They know well enough God’s righteous decree that people who do such things deserve to die; yet not only do they keep doing them, but they applaud others who do the same.
Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.
who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practise them.
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Romans 2:1
¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. -
Romans 2:5
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; -
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. -
Romans 6:21
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death. -
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; -
Luke 11:48
Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. -
Psalms 50:18
When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.
Romans 1:32 concludes Paul's powerful description of humanity's turning away from God, highlighting a profound level of rebellion.
Context
This verse follows a detailed list in Romans 1:18-31 of the consequences of suppressing the truth about God. Paul describes how people exchanged the worship of the Creator for creation, leading to moral decay and various forms of sin. Verse 32 points out the ultimate depth of this fallen state: people are aware of God's standard and judgment against these actions, yet persist in them and, disturbingly, endorse others who do the same.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "have pleasure in them that do them" comes from the Greek word syneudokousin (συνευδοκοῦσιν). This word means to consent, approve, or take pleasure *with* others. It suggests a shared delight or approval, going beyond mere tolerance to active endorsement and participation in the approval of sin, making the sinfulness communal.
Reflection and Application
Romans 1:32 serves as a stark warning. It teaches that simply knowing God's standard is not enough; true righteousness involves living by it and upholding it. Furthermore, it reveals that approving or celebrating sin in others is a significant issue in God's eyes, indicating a heart that is not only captive to sin but actively hostile to God's holiness. This challenges believers to not compromise with sin, either in their own lives or by condoning it in the world around them, but rather to stand for God's truth and righteousness, remembering that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.