Romans 3:14

KJV

Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness:

KJV (with Strong's)

Whose {G3739} mouth {G4750} is full {G1073} of cursing {G685} and {G2532} bitterness {G4088}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Their mouths are full of curses and bitterness.

Berean Standard Bible

“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”

American Standard Version

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 3:14, a poignant excerpt from Paul's Old Testament mosaic in his argument for universal human sinfulness, vividly describes the corrupt nature of unredeemed human speech. It asserts that the mouth, an instrument of communication, is not merely prone to occasional missteps but is fundamentally "full of cursing and bitterness," reflecting an internal state of hostility and malice that manifests outwardly in destructive words. This verse serves as a stark indictment of humanity's fallen condition, demonstrating how sin permeates even our most basic forms of interaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 3:14 is part of a crucial section in Paul's letter to the Romans (specifically [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10-18 "Romans 3:10-18 - The Universal Guilt of Humanity")), where he systematically builds his case for the universal guilt of both Jews and Gentiles before God. Having declared that "all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin" ([Romans 3:9](/romans/3-9 "Romans 3:9 - All Under Sin")), Paul supports this sweeping assertion by compiling a series of quotations from various Old Testament books, primarily the Psalms and Isaiah. These verses collectively paint a comprehensive picture of human depravity, touching on every faculty: the throat ([Romans 3:13a](/romans/3-13 "Romans 3:13 - Their Throat is an Open Sepulchre")), the tongue ([Romans 3:13b](/romans/3-13 "Romans 3:13 - They Have Used Their Tongues to Deceive")), the lips ([Romans 3:13c](/romans/3-13 "Romans 3:13 - The Poison of Asps is Under Their Lips")), and finally, in verse 14, the mouth itself and the words it produces. This progression emphasizes the pervasive nature of sin, which corrupts not only actions but also the very core of human expression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's use of Old Testament scriptures, particularly from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), was a common rhetorical strategy in the early church to establish theological points from a shared authoritative text. The concept of speech, its power, and its moral implications was deeply ingrained in ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. Words were understood to carry significant weight, capable of blessing or cursing, building up or tearing down. For the Jewish audience, the Law emphasized the sanctity of oaths and the dangers of false witness ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - Do Not Take the Lord's Name in Vain"), [Deuteronomy 5:11](/deuteronomy/5-11 "Deuteronomy 5:11 - Do Not Misuse the Name of the Lord")). The Old Testament prophets frequently condemned those whose mouths spoke deceit or violence. Paul's citation of [Psalm 10:7](/psalms/10-7 "Psalm 10:7 - The Wicked's Mouth") (as found in the Septuagint) in Romans 3:14 would have resonated with this cultural understanding, highlighting that the problem of corrupt speech was not new but a persistent manifestation of humanity's fallen nature throughout history.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 3:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book of Romans and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **universal sinfulness and depravity of humanity**, a foundational premise for Paul's argument for justification by faith. The verse illustrates that sin is not merely a collection of isolated acts but a pervasive condition that affects every facet of human existence, including our communication. Secondly, it highlights the **corrupting power of sin on human speech**. It moves beyond external actions to expose the internal bitterness and malice that fuel destructive words, aligning with Jesus' teaching that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" ([Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - The Mouth Speaks from the Heart")). This theme of the "unruly tongue" is further developed in the New Testament, notably in [James 3](/james/3 "James 3 - Taming the Tongue"). Thirdly, it sets the stage for the **necessity of divine intervention and redemption**. By demonstrating humanity's utter inability to live righteously, even in their speech, Paul prepares his readers for the glorious solution found in God's righteousness revealed through faith in Jesus Christ, as elaborated in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **full (Greek, _gémō'_):** This primary verb signifies being "swelled out" or "completely filled." In the context of Romans 3:14, it conveys not just an occasional instance but a pervasive, overflowing state. The mouth is not merely capable of cursing and bitterness; it is characterized by being entirely saturated with them, indicating a deep-seated issue rather than a superficial one.
* **cursing (Greek, _ará'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to lift up" (as in prayer), _ará_ here specifically refers to imprecation or a calling down of evil. It denotes speech that is intended to harm, condemn, or invoke divine judgment upon others. It is the verbal manifestation of ill will, a direct opposite of blessing.
* **bitterness (Greek, _pikría'_):** This term describes an "acridity," literally or figuratively. It speaks of a sharp, pungent, or sour quality. In a figurative sense, as used here, it refers to a deep-seated resentment, harshness, ill will, or rancor of the spirit. It is the internal, acrid disposition of the heart that fuels negative and harmful speech, making the mouth "full" of such expressions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whose mouth":** This phrase refers to the collective mouth of humanity, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles, as part of Paul's overarching argument for universal sinfulness. It highlights the instrument of speech as a primary vehicle through which human depravity is expressed.
* **"is full of cursing":** This clause describes the content and character of unredeemed human speech. The word "full" (as analyzed above) emphasizes the pervasive and abundant nature of this "cursing." It indicates that human communication, left to its own devices, is frequently characterized by imprecations, maledictions, and words intended to harm or condemn others.
* **"and bitterness":** This final phrase identifies the underlying source or quality of the "cursing." The conjunction "and" links the outward manifestation (cursing) with the inward disposition (bitterness). It reveals that the harmful words spoken are not random but stem from an internal state of resentment, hostility, and ill will. This bitterness is the acrid root from which the poisonous fruit of cursing springs.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 3:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "Whose mouth," where "mouth" stands in for the entirety of human speech and communication. This emphasizes that the organ of speech itself, and by extension the words it produces, is implicated in humanity's fallen state. The phrase "is full of cursing and bitterness" functions as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. It suggests not just an occasional lapse into harmful speech, but a pervasive, overflowing, and characteristic state, underscoring the depth of human depravity. Furthermore, the **Juxtaposition** of "cursing" (an outward act) and "bitterness" (an inward disposition) creates a powerful link, illustrating that harmful words are not merely external phenomena but are deeply rooted in the heart's condition. This connection highlights the spiritual truth that what comes out of the mouth ultimately reveals what is in the heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 3:14 powerfully underscores the pervasive nature of human sin, demonstrating that it corrupts not only our actions and thoughts but also our most fundamental means of interaction: speech. This verse, drawn from Old Testament wisdom, serves as a crucial piece in Paul's theological argument that all humanity stands condemned before a holy God, utterly incapable of achieving righteousness on their own. The "fullness" of cursing and bitterness in the mouth reveals an internal spiritual sickness, a heart alienated from God and filled with malice. This deep-seated depravity necessitates a radical, divine intervention for salvation, which Paul introduces as God's provision of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. The inability of humanity to speak purely or kindly highlights the profound need for a new heart and a transformed nature, a work that only the Holy Spirit can accomplish.

* [Psalm 10:7](/psalms/10-7 "Psalm 10:7 - The Wicked's Mouth"): "His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression: under his tongue is mischief and vanity." (The Septuagint version is closer to Paul's quote).
* [James 3:8](/james/3-8 "James 3:8 - The Untameable Tongue"): "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Comes Out of the Mouth Defiles"): "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 3:14 offers a sobering mirror, inviting us to examine the state of our own hearts and the words that proceed from our mouths. It challenges the superficial notion that sin is merely a collection of external misdeeds, revealing instead that it is a deep-seated condition that taints even our communication. If our mouths are "full of cursing and bitterness," it is not simply a bad habit, but a symptom of an internal reservoir of resentment, anger, or malice. This verse calls us to move beyond merely managing our words to addressing the root cause within our hearts. True transformation of speech begins with a transformed heart, one that has been cleansed and renewed by God's grace. This means actively seeking to replace bitterness with forgiveness, anger with peace, and cursing with blessing. It compels us to pray for clean hearts and to cultivate a spirit of love and grace, allowing our words to build up rather than tear down, to heal rather than wound.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "cursing and bitterness" manifest in my own speech, even subtly (e.g., gossip, sarcasm, harsh criticism)?**
* **What internal "bitterness" or unresolved issues might be fueling negative speech in my life?**
* **How does understanding the depth of human depravity, as described in this verse, deepen my appreciation for God's grace and the need for Christ's redemption?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that produces words of blessing and encouragement, rather than cursing and bitterness?**

### FAQ
**Does "cursing and bitterness" only refer to profanity and overt malice?**

Answer: While profanity and overt malice are certainly included, the scope of "cursing and bitterness" in Romans 3:14 extends much broader. "Cursing" (Greek: _ará_) refers to any form of imprecation or wishing ill upon others, which can include slander, gossip, harsh criticism, or even a spirit of condemnation. "Bitterness" (Greek: _pikría_) describes an internal state of deep-seated resentment, hostility, or acrimony. Therefore, the verse encompasses not only explicit foul language but also any speech that stems from an unholy, resentful, or hostile heart, manifesting as destructive words. This aligns with Jesus' teaching that what defiles a person comes from the heart, including "evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" ([Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Comes Out of the Mouth Defiles")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 3:14, by exposing the mouth "full of cursing and bitterness," powerfully highlights the universal sinfulness of humanity and our desperate need for a Savior. This bleak assessment of human speech serves as a stark contrast to the perfect speech of Jesus Christ. While humanity's mouth is tainted by depravity, Christ's mouth was full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), speaking words of life, healing, and forgiveness. He never uttered a word of cursing or bitterness, even when reviled ([1 Peter 2:22-23](/1_peter/2-22-23 "1 Peter 2:22-23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). His perfect obedience, including His blameless speech, stands in stark opposition to the indictment of Romans 3:14. Ultimately, the "fullness of cursing and bitterness" in the human mouth underscores the necessity of Christ's atoning sacrifice, which alone can cleanse the heart and transform the tongue. Through faith in Him, believers are given a new heart and empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak words that are "good for edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")), fulfilling the divine purpose for human communication.

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

Psalms 10:7

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.

Psalms 109:17

As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

Psalms 109:18

As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.

Psalms 59:12

[For] the sin of their mouth [and] the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying [which] they speak.

James 3:10

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.