Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

ROMANS 1:19KJV
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Romans 1:19 (KJV)

What does Romans 1:19 mean?

Romans 1:19 says that what people can know about God is clear to them, because God has made it obvious to them. The verse claims that God has shown people enough about Himself that they are able to recognize His existence and some of His qualities.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining why people are responsible for their response to God. In this context, Paul argues that God has not hidden Himself; instead, He has made certain truths about Himself plain and accessible to everyone, so people cannot claim total ignorance about God.

The Greek behind Romans 1:19

  • "Known" (γνωστόν, gnōston): This word refers to something that can be known or understood, not just guessed at. Paul is saying that there is real, graspable knowledge of God available to people.
  • "Manifest" (φανερόν, phaneron): This means something made visible or clear. The verse emphasizes that God has not kept Himself hidden; He has made Himself evident.
  • "Shewed" (ἐφανέρωσεν, ephanerōsen): This is the verb form of "manifest" and means "to make clear" or "to reveal." Paul stresses that God Himself is the one who has actively revealed this knowledge, not leaving it up to human discovery alone.

Why Romans 1:19 matters

  • Romans 1:19 addresses the idea that people are not left in total darkness about God; there is a basic, universal knowledge available to all.
  • The verse sets up Paul's argument that people are accountable for how they respond to this revealed knowledge, which is a key theme in the opening chapters of Romans.
  • By saying God has made Himself known, Paul challenges the notion that ignorance of God is an excuse for unbelief or wrongdoing.

Where else these words appear

“known” Greek G1110 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
  • Acts 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
  • Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

“manifest” Greek G5318 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him;(for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

“Because” Greek G1360 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Acts 22:18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

“shewed” Greek G5319 · used in 43 verses

  • Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
  • Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;