And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

ROMANS 1:28KJV
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Romans 1:28 (KJV)

What does Romans 1:28 mean?

Romans 1:28 says that because people chose not to acknowledge or keep God in their thinking, God allowed them to follow a mind that could no longer judge right from wrong, leading them to do things that are improper or morally wrong. This verse highlights a turning point where God lets people go their own way after they persistently reject Him.

Paul, writing to believers in Rome, is explaining how humanity’s refusal to honor God leads to a downward spiral in thinking and behavior. The verse is part of a larger section where Paul describes the consequences of ignoring God, showing that when people continually push God out of their lives, their ability to discern good from evil becomes distorted, and they end up doing things that go against what is fitting or right.

The Greek behind Romans 1:28

  • ἀδόκιμος (adokimos, "reprobate"): This word means "unapproved" or "failing the test." In this context, it describes a mind that is no longer able to make sound judgments, especially about moral matters.
  • ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, "knowledge"): This word refers to a deep, full knowledge or recognition. The verse points out that people did not want to keep God in this kind of meaningful awareness.
  • παρέδωκεν (paredōken, "gave over"): This word means to hand over or deliver up. Here, it shows that God allowed people to follow the consequences of their own choices, rather than forcing them to stay on the right path.
  • μὴ καθήκοντα (mē kathēkonta, "not convenient"): This phrase means things that are not fitting or proper. It emphasizes that the actions people end up doing are out of line with what is right or appropriate.

Why Romans 1:28 matters

  • Romans 1:28 clarifies that God’s judgment can involve letting people experience the results of their own choices, rather than immediate punishment.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting God, showing that it affects not just beliefs but also the ability to make moral decisions.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s larger argument about humanity’s need for God’s mercy, setting up the need for the gospel message that follows in the letter.

Where else these words appear

“are” Greek G2520 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

“reprobate” Greek G96 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
  • 2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

“knowledge” Greek G1922 · used in 20 verses

  • Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
  • Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“did” Greek G1381 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
  • 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
  • Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;