And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

ROMANS 1:27KJV
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Romans 1:27 (KJV)

What does Romans 1:27 mean?

Romans 1:27 describes men abandoning sexual relations with women and instead being consumed with desire for one another, engaging in acts that the passage calls "unseemly" and experiencing consequences for these actions that are described as fitting or deserved. The verse presents this as an example of people turning away from what is described as natural relationships.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, explaining how humanity has turned away from God and the results of that choice. In this section, Paul uses strong language to highlight behaviors he sees as evidence of this turning away, focusing here on same-sex relations between men. The verse is part of a larger argument showing the effects of ignoring God, not just singling out one behavior but illustrating a broader pattern.

The Greek behind Romans 1:27

  • ἄρσενες (arsenes, "men"): The Greek word used here specifically refers to males, emphasizing that the actions described are between men.
  • φυσικὴν χρῆσιν (physikēn chrēsin, "natural use"): This phrase is often understood as referring to sexual relations that Paul considers typical or expected between a man and a woman. The Greek highlights a contrast between what is seen as "natural" and the behavior being described.
  • κατεργαζόμενοι τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην (katergazomenoi tēn aschēmosynēn, "working that which is unseemly"): The word ἀσχημοσύνη (aschēmosynē) means something shameful or indecent, underlining Paul's negative view of the acts.
  • ἀντιμισθίαν (antimisthian, "recompence"): This word means a payback or consequence, suggesting that the results experienced are a direct response to the actions taken.

Why Romans 1:27 matters

  • Romans 1:27 is often discussed because it directly addresses same-sex relations, making it a key verse in conversations about sexuality and biblical teaching.
  • The verse is part of Paul's larger argument about humanity's rejection of God and the resulting behaviors, so it should be read in the context of the whole passage rather than in isolation.
  • Understanding the specific Greek words and phrases helps clarify that Paul is making a point about what he sees as a departure from "natural" relations, which is central to his argument about the effects of turning away from God.

Where else these words appear

“use” Greek G5540 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

“unseemly” Greek G808 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

“recompence” Greek G489 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 6:13 Now for a recompence in the same,(I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

“natural” Greek G5446 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
  • 2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;