Romans 1:26
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
For
G1223
διὰ
For
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
cause God
G2316
θεὸς
cause God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πάθη
affections
G3806
πάθη
affections
Strong's:
G3806
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e., (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence)
ἀτιμίας
vile
G819
ἀτιμίας
vile
Strong's:
G819
Word #:
9 of 22
infamy, i.e., (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace
αἵ
G3588
αἵ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 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
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρῆσιν
use
G5540
χρῆσιν
use
Strong's:
G5540
Word #:
18 of 22
employment, i.e., (specially), sexual intercourse (as an occupation of the body)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jude 1:7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.1 Timothy 1:10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;Romans 1:24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:Ephesians 4:19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.1 Corinthians 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Genesis 19:5And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.Judges 19:22Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.Ephesians 5:12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;1 Thessalonians 4:5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
Historical Context
Homosexual practice was widespread in Greco-Roman culture. Pederasty (older men with boys) was institutionalized in Greek education. Roman emperors openly engaged in homosexual relationships. Lesbianism, though less discussed in ancient texts, also occurred. Jewish law unequivocally condemned homosexual acts (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13), and Paul, writing under inspiration, applies this to the new covenant community. Early Christians stood firmly against sexual immorality of all kinds, contributing to Christianity's reputation as puritanical but also attracting converts seeking moral clarity and family stability.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's argument from 'nature' (φύσις) and 'against nature' (παρὰ φύσιν) ground sexual ethics in creation rather than mere convention?
- What does it mean that God 'gave them over' to sexual sin as judicial judgment rather than redemptive discipline?
- How can Christians uphold biblical sexual ethics with compassion while resisting cultural pressure to affirm what Scripture condemns?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
The second paredōken (παρέδωκεν, gave them over) intensifies the judgment: dia touto paredōken autous ho theos eis pathē atimias (διὰ τοῦτο παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς εἰς πάθη ἀτιμίας, 'for this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions'). Pathē atimias (πάθη ἀτιμίας, passions of dishonor) are degrading lusts, appetites that dehumanize. Paul specifies homosexual behavior, beginning with lesbianism: hai te gar thēleiai autōn metēllaxan tēn physikēn chrēsin eis tēn para physin (αἵ τε γὰρ θήλειαι αὐτῶν μετήλλαξαν τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν εἰς τὴν παρὰ φύσιν, 'for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is against nature').
Metēllaxan (exchanged) appears again—another tragic exchange. Physikēn chrēsin (φυσικὴν χρῆσιν, natural function/use) refers to God's design for sexuality—complementary male-female union in marriage (Genesis 1:27; 2:24). Para physin (παρὰ φύσιν, against nature) means contrary to created order, not merely cultural taboo. Paul's argument is creational, not merely covenantal—homosexual practice violates the natural design evident in anatomy, procreation, and complementarity. This is not a culturally conditioned view but rooted in God's creative intent.