Romans 1:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:32 serves as a stark culmination of Paul's indictment against humanity, revealing the profound depth of rebellion against God. It describes individuals who, despite possessing a clear understanding of God's righteous judgment that certain actions are worthy of death, not only persist in committing these very sins but also actively derive pleasure from and endorse those who engage in such practices. This verse highlights a hardened heart that has not merely fallen into sin, but has embraced and celebrated unrighteousness, demonstrating a complete inversion of divine moral order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's powerful opening argument in [Romans 1:18-31](/romans/1-18-31 "Romans 1:18-31 - The Wrath of God Against Ungodliness"), detailing the consequences of humanity's suppression of the truth about God. Having described the downward spiral from idolatry to various forms of sexual immorality and a comprehensive list of vices, Paul reaches a chilling climax in verse 32. It's not enough that people commit these sins; the ultimate sign of their depravity is their active approval and shared delight in the sins of others. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent argument in [Romans 2](/romans/2 "Romans 2 - God's Righteous Judgment") concerning God's impartial judgment on all humanity, both Jew and Gentile, based on their deeds and the light they have received.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to the church in Rome, the capital of an empire known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and often, pervasive moral laxity. The "such things" mentioned in the verse refer to the widespread societal behaviors described in the preceding verses, including idolatry, homosexuality, and a litany of social sins like envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice ([Romans 1:24-31](/romans/1-24-31 "Romans 1:24-31 - The Depravity of Humanity")). The concept of "judgment of God" would have been understood by both Jewish believers (from the Old Testament Law) and Gentile believers (from natural law and conscience), even if their specific understanding of divine justice differed. Paul's description reflects the moral landscape of the Greco-Roman world, where many of these behaviors were not only tolerated but sometimes celebrated.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Revelation and Human Suppression:** A central theme in [Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - The Gospel and God's Wrath") is that God's truth is clearly revealed through creation and conscience ([Romans 1:19-20](/romans/1-19-20 "Romans 1:19-20 - God's Invisible Attributes Revealed")), yet humanity actively suppresses this truth, leading to a "reprobate mind" ([Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - A Reprobate Mind")). Verse 32 underscores this by stating that people act contrary to their own knowledge of God's judgment.
* **The Depth of Human Depravity:** The verse highlights the ultimate stage of human rebellion: not merely committing sins out of weakness or desire, but actively endorsing and finding pleasure in the unrighteousness of others. This signifies a profound moral inversion and a complete rejection of God's holy standards.
* **God's Righteous Judgment:** The "judgment of God" is a foundational theme throughout [Romans](/romans "The Book of Romans"), emphasizing God's justice against all ungodliness and unrighteousness ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")). This verse reinforces that humanity is without excuse because they are aware of this impending judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knowing (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** This term signifies more than a casual acquaintance; it implies a full, accurate, or complete knowledge, a recognition based on experience or deep understanding. In the context of Romans 1:32, it means humanity has a conscious, undeniable awareness of God's moral standards and the just consequences for violating them, whether through natural revelation, conscience, or specific divine law.
* **judgment (Greek, _dikaíōma'_):** Derived from the verb "to justify," this word refers to an equitable deed, a righteous ordinance, or a just decision. Here, it denotes God's righteous verdict or decree concerning the unrighteous actions, specifically His pronouncement that such sins are "worthy of death." It speaks to the inherent justice of God's moral order.
* **have pleasure (Greek, _syneudokéō'_):** This compound verb combines "with" (σύν) and "to think well of/be pleased" (εὐδοκέω). It means to consent with, approve of, or take pleasure in common with others. It goes beyond passive tolerance or mere acceptance, indicating an active, shared delight, approval, or even encouragement of the sinful actions of others, thereby participating in their sin by endorsing it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who knowing the judgment of God":** This clause establishes that the individuals in question are not ignorant of divine justice. They possess an inherent or revealed understanding of God's moral standards and the dire consequences of violating them. This knowledge renders them culpable and without excuse.
* **"that they which commit such things are worthy of death":** This specifies the content of the known judgment. The "such things" refer to the comprehensive list of vices and moral degradations detailed in [Romans 1:29-31](/romans/1-29-31 "Romans 1:29-31 - A List of Vices"). God's righteous verdict is that these actions are not minor transgressions but are so grievous that they justly incur the penalty of spiritual and eternal death.
* **"not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them":** This final phrase reveals the extreme depth of human depravity. It's not merely that people engage in these sinful practices themselves; they also find satisfaction, approval, and even shared delight in the unrighteous actions of others. This indicates a hardened conscience that not only rejects God's law personally but actively promotes and celebrates its rejection communally, signifying a complete moral collapse and hostility towards God's holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 1:32 functions as a powerful **climax** to Paul's description of humanity's descent into depravity, moving beyond personal sin to communal endorsement of evil. The verse employs striking **juxtaposition** by contrasting humanity's "knowing the judgment of God" with their subsequent actions of committing sin and delighting in the sins of others. This highlights the willful defiance and irrationality of a fallen humanity that acts against its own inherent knowledge of divine justice. Furthermore, the phrase "have pleasure in them that do them" serves as an **intensification** of sin, indicating a deeper level of moral corruption where unrighteousness is not merely tolerated but celebrated, signifying a complete inversion of God's righteous standards.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the doctrine of human depravity, asserting that humanity's rebellion against God is not merely a matter of ignorance or weakness, but a conscious, willful rejection of divine truth and a perverse delight in unrighteousness. This state of affairs underscores the absolute necessity of God's intervention for salvation, as humanity is utterly incapable of saving itself. It highlights that sin is not just an individual act but can become a communal endorsement of evil, further entrenching humanity in its fallen state and demonstrating its desperate need for grace. The "judgment of God" here is not arbitrary but a just consequence for a humanity that has actively chosen to suppress truth and embrace darkness, even celebrating it in others.
* [Proverbs 2:14](/proverbs/2-14 "Proverbs 2:14 - Delight in Evil")
* [Psalm 50:18](/psalms/50-18 "Psalm 50:18 - Partnering with Thieves")
* [1 Timothy 5:22](/1_timothy/5-22 "1 Timothy 5:22 - Do Not Participate in Others' Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:32 presents a profound challenge to believers regarding their posture towards sin, both personally and communally. It compels us to examine whether we truly hate what God hates, or if there are areas where we, perhaps subtly, condone or even find amusement in behaviors that contradict God's righteous standards, either in ourselves or in others. This verse calls for a radical self-assessment: are we merely avoiding certain sins, or are we actively cultivating a heart that delights in God's holiness and grieves over all unrighteousness? It reminds us that spiritual maturity involves not just abstaining from evil, but also actively abhorring it and refusing to participate in its promotion or celebration, even indirectly. Our witness to a fallen world is compromised if we, who "know the judgment of God" through His revealed Word, fail to demonstrate a clear distinction from those who "have pleasure in them that do them."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, "have pleasure in them that do them" by condoning or even celebrating behaviors that God calls sin, whether in media, entertainment, or social circles?**
* **How does my awareness of God's judgment influence my daily choices, my conversations, and my interactions with culture?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that genuinely grieves over sin and delights in God's righteousness, aligning my affections with God's?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "knowing the judgment of God"?**

Answer: Paul indicates that humanity possesses an inherent or revealed understanding of God's moral law and the consequences of violating it. This knowledge can come through the natural revelation of God's character in creation (as described in [Romans 1:19-20](/romans/1-19-20 "Romans 1:19-20 - God's Invisible Attributes Revealed")), through the inner witness of conscience ([Romans 2:14-15](/romans/2-14-15 "Romans 2:14-15 - The Law Written on Hearts")), or through specific divine revelation like the Law given to Israel. Regardless of the source, the point is that humanity is not ignorant of God's righteous standards or His just verdict against sin. This knowledge renders them culpable for their rebellion.

**Why is "having pleasure in them that do them" considered such a severe aspect of sin?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a profound level of moral corruption and a hardened heart. It moves beyond merely committing sin out of weakness or desire to an active endorsement and shared delight in the unrighteousness of others. This indicates a conscience that is not only seared but has inverted its moral compass, where what God condemns is embraced and even applauded. It reveals a deep-seated hostility towards God's holiness and righteousness, effectively becoming an accomplice and promoter of evil. This communal approval of sin intensifies the rebellion against God and demonstrates a complete rejection of His moral authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:32 vividly portrays the depths of humanity's fallen state, a condition of willful rebellion and active endorsement of sin that underscores the absolute necessity of a divine deliverer. This desperate human condition finds its complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While humanity, "knowing the judgment of God," chooses death and delights in unrighteousness, Christ, "who knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), willingly embraced the "judgment of God" on the cross, becoming "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")) to rescue those "worthy of death." His sacrifice did not merely cover sins but conquered the power of sin, including the perverse pleasure in unrighteousness, offering instead a new heart that delights in God's law ([Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord")) and seeks to live righteously. Through faith in Him, believers are transformed from those who "have pleasure in them that do them" to those who "hate evil" and "hold fast to what is good" ([Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Love Must Be Sincere")), reflecting the very character of God. The ultimate fulfillment of this verse, therefore, is found in Christ's triumph over sin and death, offering life and righteousness to all who believe, enabling them to live no longer for sin but for Him who died and rose again ([2 Corinthians 5:15](/2_corinthians/5-15 "2 Corinthians 5:15 - Living for Christ")).

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

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.