Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
ROMANS 1:32KJVWhat does Romans 1:32 mean?
Romans 1:32 describes people who know that God’s judgment declares certain actions deserve death, yet they not only keep doing these things but also approve of others who do them. The verse highlights both personal wrongdoing and the encouragement of wrongdoing in others, showing a deep disregard for God’s standards.
Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how people can become so hardened that they celebrate evil, not just privately but also by supporting others who act the same way. This verse comes at the end of a section where Paul lists various sins and shows how knowing right from wrong does not always stop people from choosing what is wrong.
The Greek behind Romans 1:32
- "judgment" (κρίμα, krima): This word means a legal decision or verdict. Here, it refers to God’s official declaration about what actions deserve.
- "pleasure" (συνευδοκέω, syneudokeo): This word means to approve of or take delight in something. The verse points out that it is not just doing wrong, but also finding joy in others’ wrongdoing, that Paul is warning about.
Why Romans 1:32 matters
- Romans 1:32 clarifies that knowing what is wrong does not always lead people to avoid it; sometimes, people knowingly choose what is wrong and even encourage others to do the same.
- The verse emphasizes the seriousness of not only personal sin but also the approval and celebration of sin in a community.
- This verse helps set up Paul’s argument in Romans that all people, regardless of their background or knowledge, are in need of God’s mercy, because everyone falls short in some way.