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Romans 1:21

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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.

Because {G1360} that, when they knew {G1097} God {G2316}, they glorified {G1392} him not {G3756} as {G5613} God {G2316}, neither {G2228} were thankful {G2168}; but {G235} became vain {G3154} in {G1722} their {G846} imaginations {G1261}, and {G2532} their {G846} foolish {G801} heart {G2588} was darkened {G4654}.

because, although they know who God is, they do not glorify him as God or thank him. On the contrary, they have become futile in their thinking; and their undiscerning hearts have become darkened.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.

because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened.

Commentary

Romans 1:21 (KJV) presents a critical step in Paul's argument about the universal need for salvation. It describes the foundational error of humanity that leads to ungodliness and unrighteousness: failing to properly respond to the knowledge of God.

Context

This verse follows Paul's assertion in Romans 1:18 that the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. He explains that this ungodliness is inexcusable because, as stated in Romans 1:20, God's eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in the creation. Romans 1:21 then details the human response to this clear revelation – or rather, the failure to respond appropriately.

Key Themes

  • Suppression of Truth: Despite knowing God, they chose not to honor or give thanks to Him. This is an active choice to reject the implications of His existence and power.
  • Lack of Glorification: To "glorify Him not as God" means failing to attribute to Him the honor, reverence, and supreme position He deserves as the Creator and sustainer of all things.
  • Absence of Thankfulness: A direct consequence of not glorifying God is a lack of gratitude. Recognizing God's role naturally leads to thankfulness for life, provision, and blessings. The absence of this is a sign of spiritual distortion.
  • Futile Thinking: Their "imaginations" (or reasonings, thoughts) became "vain" or futile (Greek: mataiōthēsan). Their intellectual pursuits and understanding became pointless and empty because they were not centered on the truth of God. This intellectual vanity is a consequence of spiritual rebellion.
  • Darkened Heart: Their "foolish heart" (the center of their intellect, will, and emotion) became "darkened" (Greek: eskōtistē). Without the light of God's truth, their inner being and understanding of reality became obscured, leading to spiritual ignorance and moral confusion. This is echoed in passages like Ephesians 4:18.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "knew God" uses the Greek word ginōskō, which implies not just intellectual awareness but often an experiential or relational knowledge. Despite this level of knowing, they did not "glorify" (doxazō - to honor, praise, magnify) Him as God, nor were they "thankful" (eucharisteō - to be grateful). Their "imaginations" (dialogismoi - thoughts, reasonings, debates within oneself) became "vain" (mataioō - to make empty, foolish, futile), and their "heart" (kardia - the core of one's being, including intellect and will) was "darkened" (skotizō - to be obscured, made dark).

Reflection and Application

Romans 1:21 serves as a powerful reminder that acknowledging God's existence is not enough. True knowledge of God must lead to worship (glorifying Him) and gratitude (being thankful). When we fail to give God His rightful place and thanks, our thinking becomes distorted and our spiritual understanding becomes obscured. This verse challenges us to constantly center our thoughts and lives on God, ensuring that our intellectual pursuits and emotional responses are grounded in His truth, leading to genuine worship and thankfulness.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 4:17 (22 votes)

    ¶ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

  • Ephesians 4:18 (22 votes)

    Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

  • 2 Kings 17:15 (14 votes)

    And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

  • Psalms 50:23 (13 votes)

    Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth [his] conversation [aright] will I shew the salvation of God.

  • Jeremiah 2:5 (13 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

  • 2 Timothy 3:2 (11 votes)

    For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

  • Revelation 14:7 (8 votes)

    Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.