Romans 3:14
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
Original Language Analysis
ὧν
Whose
G3739
ὧν
Whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 7
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόμα
mouth
G4750
στόμα
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
3 of 7
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
ἀρᾶς
of cursing
G685
ἀρᾶς
of cursing
Strong's:
G685
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, prayer (as lifted to heaven), i.e., (by implication) imprecation
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
In Jewish thought, the power of the spoken word was enormous (see James 3:1-12). Words could bless or curse, create or destroy. Paul's indictment strikes at the heart of human pretension: even our most distinctive faculty—speech—is corrupted by sin.
Questions for Reflection
- What "cursing and bitterness" characterize your speech patterns—complaint, cynicism, criticism?
- How can you cultivate speech that gives grace to hearers (Ephesians 4:29) rather than spreads poison?
- Why is taming the tongue impossible apart from heart transformation by the Spirit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. From Psalm 10:7, Paul continues the indictment of speech. Hōn to stoma aras kai pikrias gemei (ὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει, "whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness"). Ara (ἀρά) is cursing—invoking harm on others. Pikria (πικρία) is bitterness—the rancid, poisonous disposition that underlies cursing.
The verb gemei (γέμει, "is full") depicts the mouth as a vessel overflowing with venom. Jesus taught that the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart (Matthew 12:34). Paul's point: human speech reveals the corruption within. Where God's image-bearers should speak blessing, truth, and wisdom, we spew cursing, deception, and bitterness. This is total depravity—not that humans are as evil as they could be, but that sin has corrupted every faculty.