Romans 3:16
Destruction and misery are in their ways:
Original Language Analysis
σύντριμμα
Destruction
G4938
σύντριμμα
Destruction
Strong's:
G4938
Word #:
1 of 7
concussion or utter fracture (properly, concretely), i.e., complete ruin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Isaiah prophesied against Israel's injustice that created suffering for the poor and oppressed. Paul universalizes this indictment. The Greco-Roman world, despite its philosophical sophistication, was marked by slavery, gladiatorial violence, infanticide, and brutal warfare—as is every human culture.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see destruction and misery as inevitable consequences of human "ways" apart from God?
- What cultural or personal "ways" in your life produce misery rather than shalom?
- How does the gospel offer a fundamentally different "way" (Acts 9:2, John 14:6)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Destruction and misery are in their ways. Continuing from Isaiah 59:7, syntrimma kai talaipōria en tais hodois autōn (σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν, "destruction and misery in their ways"). Syntrimma (σύντριμμα) is breaking, crushing, ruin. Talaipōria (ταλαιπωρία) is wretchedness, calamity, distress.
Human "ways"—our paths, lifestyles, cultures—are marked by destruction and misery. We don't merely commit occasional violent acts; our entire trajectory produces ruin and suffering. The 20th century alone saw two world wars, totalitarian regimes killing over 100 million, ethnic cleansing, and ecological devastation. This is not historical accident but the inevitable fruit of humanity "under sin" (v. 9). Our ways lead not to flourishing but to catastrophe.