What does Romans 1:31 mean?

Explanation

Romans 1:31 speaks to a list of negative characteristics that Paul attributes to those who have turned away from God's truth.

This verse is part of a larger passage where Paul is describing the general decline of human morals and values as a direct result of idolatry and the rejection of God.

In this verse, the Apostle highlights specific behaviors that illustrate the moral degradation of society.

"Without understanding" suggests a lack of discernment or wisdom, implying that individuals have abandoned the knowledge of God, and as a result, they cannot make sound moral judgments.

"Covenantbreakers" refers to those who break agreements or do not keep their promises. In biblical times, covenants were sacred and breaking them was considered a grave sin.

"Without natural affection" points to a breakdown in family relationships and societal bonds , essentially, it indicates a lack of love and compassion that should naturally occur, particularly among family members.

"Implicable" is an archaic term meaning someone who is unable or unwilling to be placated or appeased. It conveys stubbornness and an unwillingness to reconcile.

"Unmerciful" denotes a lack of compassion or pity toward others, suggesting a hardness of heart.

Collectively, the behaviors Paul lists in Romans 1:31 describe a society that has become callous and depraved, illustrating the consequences of departing from God's truth.

Historical Context

Romans was a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian church in Rome around A.D. 57. This was a time of moral complexity in the Roman Empire, where myriad religions and philosophies coexisted and often influenced each other.

Paul's purpose in writing this letter was to explain the principles of the gospel and to address specific issues within the Christian community.

Romans 1:18-32, where this verse is situated, is part of Paul's exposition on the wrath of God against human ungodliness and unrighteousness.

It reflects Paul's observations and concerns about the Roman society of his time, which indulged in idolatry and various forms of immorality, and serves as a caution against such behaviors.

Theological Insights

Theological perspectives on Romans 1:31 may vary according to different Christian traditions.

The verse demonstrates the consequences of sin as seen by Paul. The general consensus is that it underscores the innate human need for redemption through Jesus Christ, who counters these sinful attributes with His teachings of love, mercy, and faithfulness.

A reformed perspective might interpret this passage as evidence of total depravity, underscoring the belief that every part of human beings has been affected by the fall, thus creating the need for divine grace.

A Catholic viewpoint may emphasize the necessity of ongoing conversion and the sacraments as means to overcome the sinful nature described here, while also encouraging believers to live in a way that reflects the love and mercy of Christ.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Romans 1:31 warns against adopting the harmful behaviors listed in the verse.

It suggests that individuals and communities should strive for understanding, faithfulness to commitments, natural affection, reconciliation, and mercy in interactions.

Christians can take this verse as a call to self-reflection and to assess whether any of these negative traits are present in their own lives.

As a guide, it offers a contrast to the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, encouraging believers to exemplify love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Cross-References

• 2 Timothy 3:3: "Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,"
• Ephesians 4:31-32: "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
• Colossians 3:12-13: "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key words have nuanced meanings:

• "Asunetos" (ἀσύνετος) translates to "without understanding" or "foolish," denoting a lack of discernment.
• "Asunthetos" (ἀσυνθέτους) is rendered as "covenantbreakers," from "sunthetos" meaning "agreed upon" or "covenanted," with the negating prefix "a-."
• "Astorgos" (ἄστοργος) translates to "without natural affection," where "storgē" is the natural love typically found within families.
• "Aspondos" (ἄσπονδος) translates to "implacable" and carries the connotation of being "truceless" or "irreconcilable."
• "Anemonos" (ἀνελεήμων) means "unmerciful," providing a picture of someone who lacks compassion or pity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, virtues such as mercy and fidelity to one's word were highly regarded. The behaviors that Paul denounces would have been seen as contrary to these virtues, and often, similar admonitions can be found in other philosophical and religious texts of the time.

However, Paul's critique comes with a specific religious connotation, linking moral behavior directly with the acknowledgment of the true God and His righteousness.

In comparison to other ancient myths and religions, Christianity's focus on a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ is unique, and the moral imperatives are grounded in the character of God rather than societal or cultural norms alone.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives on human behavior often explore the nature versus nurture debate.

While Romans 1:31 describes various negative behaviors from a moral standpoint, contemporary psychology and social sciences look at the influence of genetics, environment, and psychological factors on human behavior.

While science can provide insight into why individuals might display such behaviors, the scripture emphasizes the spiritual and ethical dimensions of these actions.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Romans 1:31 offer various expert interpretations. For example:

• John Stott, an Anglican theologian, suggests that Paul’s catalog of vices illustrates the widespread rebellion against God’s moral law.
• Douglas Moo, an evangelical scholar, comments that the list reflects a society that has turned away from the knowledge of God, which is central to proper ethical behavior.
• N.T.

Wright, a New Testament historian, sees in Paul's letter a diagnosis of the human condition that must be addressed by living according to the Spirit rather than the flesh.

These commentaries underscore the belief in the need for a transformation that comes from a renewed relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.