Romans 3:13
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Original Language Analysis
ἀνεῳγμένος
is an open
G455
ἀνεῳγμένος
is an open
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
2 of 15
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν·
Their
G846
αὐτῶν·
Their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλώσσαις
tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
7 of 15
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
αὐτῶν·
Their
G846
αὐτῶν·
Their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
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
ἰὸς
the poison
G2447
ἰὸς
the poison
Strong's:
G2447
Word #:
10 of 15
rust (as if emitted by metals); also venom (as emitted by serpents)
ἀσπίδων
of asps
G785
ἀσπίδων
of asps
Strong's:
G785
Word #:
11 of 15
a buckler (or round shield); used of a serpent (as coiling itself), probably the "asp"
ὑπὸ
is under
G5259
ὑπὸ
is under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
12 of 15
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 5:9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.Psalms 140:3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.Isaiah 59:3For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.Psalms 52:2Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.Ezekiel 13:7Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?Psalms 36:3The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.Jeremiah 5:16Their quiver is as an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men.Romans 3:4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.Deuteronomy 32:33Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.
Historical Context
Ancient Judaism highly valued truthful speech as reflecting God's character. The Psalms Paul quotes were originally about Israel's enemies. By applying them to all humanity, Paul argues that Jews stand under the same condemnation. The asp (cobra) was particularly feared in the Mediterranean world for its deadly venom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this sobering imagery challenge your view of "small" sins like gossip, flattery, or white lies?
- In what ways does your speech spread corruption rather than life (Ephesians 4:29)?
- What does it mean that even your words, apart from grace, are instruments of death?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips. Paul shifts from general indictment to specific sins, beginning with speech (vv. 13-14). From Psalm 5:9 and 140:3, the imagery is grotesque. Taphos aneōgmenos ho larynx autōn (τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν, "their throat is an opened grave")—what emerges from human mouths is the stench of death and corruption.
Tais glōssais autōn edolioung (ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν, "with their tongues they kept deceiving")—continuous deception. Ios aspidōn (ἰὸς ἀσπίδων, "venom of asps") depicts words as lethal poison. James 3:8 echoes this: "the tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Human speech, which should glorify God, instead spreads corruption, falsehood, and spiritual death. The throat-tongue-lips sequence emphasizes that evil proceeds from humanity's core.