Romans 1:25
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλάτρευσαν
served
G3000
ἐλάτρευσαν
served
Strong's:
G3000
Word #:
13 of 25
to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κτίσει
the creature
G2937
κτίσει
the creature
Strong's:
G2937
Word #:
15 of 25
original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)
παρὰ
more than
G3844
παρὰ
more than
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
16 of 25
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅς
who
G3739
ὅς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Habakkuk 2:18What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?Jeremiah 13:25This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.Isaiah 44:20He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?Amos 2:4Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.2 Corinthians 11:31The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.Romans 1:23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.2 Timothy 3:4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;Romans 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Historical Context
The exchange of truth for a lie characterizes every false religion and philosophy. Ancient Gnosticism claimed secret knowledge (gnosis) superior to biblical revelation. Roman imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar. Modern ideologies—secular humanism, materialism, relativism—are variations on the primordial lie that humans are autonomous. Every heresy exchanges biblical truth for falsehood. The remedy is clinging to the truth revealed in Scripture and embodied in Christ (John 14:6).
Questions for Reflection
- What specific truths about God, humanity, or morality is contemporary culture 'exchanging for a lie' (μεταλλάσσω τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐν τῷ ψεύδει)?
- How do you practically 'worship and serve the Creator' (σεβάζομαι καὶ λατρεύω τὸν κτίσαντα) rather than created things—time, money, relationships, self?
- Why is it important to spontaneously ascribe blessing to God ('who is blessed forever, Amen') even in the midst of describing darkness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Paul reiterates the root of the problem: hoitines metēllaxan tēn alētheian tou theou en tō pseudei (οἵτινες μετήλλαξαν τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ψεύδει, 'who exchanged the truth of God for the lie'). Metēllaxan (μετήλλαξαν, exchanged) echoes verse 23—another tragic exchange. Tēn alētheian tou theou (τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ θεοῦ, the truth of God) is reality, divine revelation about God's character and creation. En tō pseudei (ἐν τῷ ψεύδει, for the lie) uses the definite article—the archetypal lie, the serpent's lie in Eden (Genesis 3:4-5), that creatures can be autonomous from the Creator.
They esebasthēsan kai elatreusan tē ktisei para ton ktisanta (ἐσεβάσθησαν καὶ ἐλάτρευσαν τῇ κτίσει παρὰ τὸν κτίσαντα, 'worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator'). Esebasthēsan (worshiped) and elatreusan (served) are religious terms reserved for God alone. Para (παρά, rather than/instead of) indicates substitution. Paul interrupts with doxology: hos estin eulogētos eis tous aiōnas. Amēn (ὅς ἐστιν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ἀμήν, 'who is blessed forever. Amen'). Even discussing idolatry, Paul cannot help but worship the true God—a model for believers to maintain God-centered perspective amid cultural darkness.