Romans 1:31 (KJV)

What does Romans 1:31 mean?

Romans 1:31 lists several negative qualities—being without understanding, breaking agreements, lacking natural affection, being impossible to reconcile, and showing no mercy—as part of a longer description of people who have turned away from God. The verse highlights the breakdown of basic human relationships and moral sense when people reject what is right.

In Romans, the apostle Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining the consequences of humanity’s choice to ignore God. This verse is part of a passage where Paul describes how people, when they turn from God, begin to lose even the most basic forms of kindness and trustworthiness in their dealings with others.

The Greek behind Romans 1:31

• ἀσυνέτους (asunetous, "without understanding", G801): This word means lacking sense or the ability to discern right from wrong. Paul uses it here to show a loss of basic moral reasoning.
• ἀσυνθέτους (asunthetous, "covenantbreakers", G802): This term refers to people who do not keep agreements or promises, highlighting a breakdown of trust and reliability in society.
• ἀστόργους (astorgous, "without natural affection", G794): This word points to a lack of the natural love or affection that family members or close friends would normally have for each other.
• ἀδιάλλακτους (adiallaktous, "implacable", G786): This means being unwilling to make peace or reconcile, suggesting a stubborn refusal to forgive or restore relationships.
• ἀνελεήμονας (aneleēmonas, "unmerciful", G415): This describes someone who shows no mercy or compassion, even when it is needed.

Why Romans 1:31 matters

• Romans 1:31 helps clarify that Paul is not just talking about religious failings but about the collapse of basic human decency and social bonds.
• The verse shows that when people reject God’s ways, the effects reach into everyday life, damaging trust, family ties, and compassion.
• This list connects to Paul’s larger argument in Romans 1, showing that turning away from God leads to a deep moral and relational unraveling, not just individual wrongdoing.