Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Romans 3:13

Next

Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:

Their {G846} throat {G2995} is an open {G455} sepulchre {G5028}; with their {G846} tongues {G1100} they have used deceit {G1387}; the poison {G2447} of asps {G785} is under {G5259} their {G846} lips {G5491}:

“Their throats are open graves,
they use their tongues to deceive.
Vipers’ venom is under their lips.

“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.”

Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips:

Commentary

Romans 3:13 (KJV): "Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:"

Context

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's extensive argument in Romans chapters 1-3 demonstrating the universal sinfulness of humanity—both Gentiles and Jews. Paul is quoting and synthesizing various passages from the Old Testament (primarily Psalms and Isaiah) to paint a comprehensive picture of human depravity, particularly focusing on the corruption of communication and actions. This particular verse draws on language found in Psalm 5:9 (throat like an open sepulchre) and Psalm 140:3 (poison of asps).

Key Themes

  • Corrupt Speech: The verse vividly portrays how human communication is tainted by sin, being destructive and deceitful.
  • Inner Depravity Manifested: The physical body parts (throat, tongues, lips) are used metaphorically to show how inner corruption expresses itself outwardly through words.
  • Universality of Sin: This is one piece of evidence Paul uses to argue that "there is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10).
  • Deadly Nature of Sin: Comparing the throat to an "open sepulchre" and words to "poison" highlights the destructive and death-dealing power of sinful speech.

Linguistic Insights

The imagery is stark and powerful:

  • "Open sepulchre": A sepulchre (tomb) is associated with death, decay, stench, and uncleanness. An "open" one suggests something actively emitting foulness and death. Applying this to the throat (the source of speech) paints a picture of communication that is dead, decaying, and offensive to God and others.
  • "Poison of asps": The asp is a venomous snake whose bite is deadly. Comparing deceitful words to this poison emphasizes their lethal nature, capable of inflicting severe harm, pain, and spiritual death. The phrase "under their lips" suggests hidden malice and venomous intent concealed behind outward appearance.

Reflection and Application

Romans 3:13 serves as a sobering reminder of the pervasive nature of sin, impacting even our most common form of interaction: speech. It challenges us to consider the source and effect of our own words. Are our tongues used for deceit, slander, or harmful gossip? Or are they instruments of life, truth, and grace? The verse underscores the need for inner transformation, as Jesus taught that what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart. Only through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit can our hearts and, subsequently, our tongues be cleansed and used for God's glory.

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

  • Psalms 5:9 (24 votes)

    For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

  • Psalms 140:3 (21 votes)

    They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah.

  • Matthew 23:27 (8 votes)

    Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.

  • Matthew 23:28 (8 votes)

    Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

  • Psalms 57:4 (7 votes)

    My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

  • Jeremiah 9:3 (7 votes)

    And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 9:5 (7 votes)

    And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, [and] weary themselves to commit iniquity.