Romans 1:21
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Original Language Analysis
γνόντες
that when they knew
G1097
γνόντες
that when they knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
2 of 22
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
6 of 22
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐδόξασαν
they glorified
G1392
ἐδόξασαν
they glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
8 of 22
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
εὐχαρίστησαν
were thankful
G2168
εὐχαρίστησαν
were thankful
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
10 of 22
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐματαιώθησαν
became vain
G3154
ἐματαιώθησαν
became vain
Strong's:
G3154
Word #:
12 of 22
to render (passively, become) foolish, i.e., (morally) wicked or (specially), idolatrous
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαλογισμοῖς
imaginations
G1261
διαλογισμοῖς
imaginations
Strong's:
G1261
Word #:
15 of 22
discussion, i.e., (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 22
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:5Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?2 Kings 17:15And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.Psalms 50:23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.2 Timothy 3:2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,Revelation 14:7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.Revelation 15:4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.Psalms 81:12So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:John 3:19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.Jeremiah 16:19O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.
Historical Context
This describes the trajectory from monotheism to polytheism seen in Genesis 3-11 and throughout human history. Ancient Near Eastern peoples likely began with knowledge of one God but descended into pantheons of deities. Greek philosophy sought truth but often led to skepticism or elaborate mythologies. Roman religion was state-sponsored idolatry. Paul shows that intellectual sophistication without God leads to profound folly. This pattern repeats in post-Christian Western culture's descent into relativism, nihilism, and neo-paganism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does refusing to glorify and thank God lead to 'futile thinking' (διαλογισμοί) and a 'darkened heart' (σκοτίζω καρδία)?
- What are modern equivalents of idolatry that involve intellectual pride and autonomy from God?
- Where in your life do you need to move from knowing about God to glorifying and thanking Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Paul traces the devolution from knowledge to idolatry. Dioti gnontes ton theon ouch hōs theon edoxasan (διότι γνόντες τὸν θεὸν οὐχ ὡς θεὸν ἐδόξασαν, 'because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God'). Gnontes (γνόντες, knowing) is an aorist participle—they possessed real knowledge of God. Yet ouch hōs theon edoxasan (they did not glorify Him as God)—they refused to honor, worship, or acknowledge Him. Ē ēucharistēsan (ἢ ηὐχαρίστησαν, nor were thankful) adds ingratitude to irreverence. Worship and gratitude are the proper human responses to the Creator; their absence is cosmic treason.
The consequence: alla emataiōthēsan en tois dialogismois autōn (ἀλλὰ ἐματαιώθησαν ἐν τοῖς διαλογισμοῖς αὐτῶν, 'but they became futile in their thoughts'). Emataiōthēsan (became futile/vain) echoes the Old Testament condemnation of idolatry as empty, worthless (Jeremiah 2:5). Dialogismois (διαλογισμός, reasonings/speculations) indicates intellectual pride and autonomy. The result: kai eskotisthē hē asynetos autōn kardia (καὶ ἐσκοτίσθη ἡ ἀσύνετος αὐτῶν καρδία, 'and their foolish heart was darkened'). Eskotisthē (was darkened) is passive—God gave them over to darkness as judicial consequence. Asynetos (ἀσύνετος, foolish/without understanding) heart signifies moral and spiritual blindness.