Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοὺς
his
G846
αὐτοὺς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
κτίσεως
the creation
G2937
κτίσεως
the creation
Strong's:
G2937
Word #:
6 of 23
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
7 of 23
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιήμασιν
by the things that are made
G4161
ποιήμασιν
by the things that are made
Strong's:
G4161
Word #:
9 of 23
a product, i.e., fabric (literally or figuratively)
νοούμενα
being understood
G3539
νοούμενα
being understood
Strong's:
G3539
Word #:
10 of 23
to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed
καθορᾶται
are clearly seen
G2529
καθορᾶται
are clearly seen
Strong's:
G2529
Word #:
11 of 23
to behold fully, i.e., (figuratively) distinctly apprehend
ἥ
G3588
ἥ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοὺς
his
G846
αὐτοὺς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
δύναμις
power
G1411
δύναμις
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
16 of 23
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
so
G1519
εἰς
so
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 1:19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.Isaiah 40:26Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.Psalms 8:3When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;Romans 2:15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.1 Timothy 1:17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.Psalms 104:5Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.Psalms 119:90Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.John 15:22If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.Colossians 2:9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Historical Context
Natural theology—knowledge of God through nature—was debated in early Christianity. Church Fathers like Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, and Augustine affirmed that creation reveals God's existence and power but not the gospel. Romans 1:20 grounds the traditional theistic arguments for God's existence (cosmological, teleological). The Protestant Reformers distinguished natural revelation (sufficient to condemn) from special revelation (sufficient to save). Modern evolutionary materialism attempts to suppress this innate awareness of the Creator.
Questions for Reflection
- When you observe creation—stars, DNA, ecosystems—what specific attributes of God ('eternal power' and 'divine nature') do you perceive?
- How does natural revelation leave humanity 'without excuse' (ἀναπολόγητος), and why is this important for understanding human culpability?
- In what ways does modern secularism attempt to suppress creation's testimony to the Creator?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Paul elaborates on God's self-revelation through creation: ta gar aorata autou apo ktiseōs kosmou tois poiēmasin nooumena kathoratai (τὰ γὰρ ἀόρατα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ κτίσεως κόσμου τοῖς ποιήμασιν νοούμενα καθοράται, 'for the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things made'). The paradox—aorata (ἀόρατα, invisible things) are kathoratai (καθοράται, clearly seen)—indicates that God's unseen attributes are perceived through visible creation. Nooumena (νοούμενα, being understood) implies rational inference, not mystical intuition.
The content of this revelation is hē te aidios autou dunamis kai theiotēs (ἥ τε ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις καὶ θειότης, 'His eternal power and divine nature/Godhead'). Aidios dunamis (ἀΐδιος δύναμις, eternal power) refers to God's omnipotence and self-existence. Theiotēs (θειότης, divinity/Godhead) is God's divine essence. Creation testifies to a powerful, eternal, intelligent Creator. The conclusion: eis to einai autous anapologētous (εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἀναπολογήτους, 'so that they are without excuse'). Anapologētous (ἀναπολόγητος, without excuse/inexcusable) is a legal term—humanity has no defense before God's tribunal. Ignorance is not a valid plea.