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 1:32KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 1:32 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“pleasure” Greek G4909 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 11:48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

“judgment” Greek G1345 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
  • Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
  • Hebrews 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

“commit” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

“knowing” Greek G1921 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
  • Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.