Romans 1:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 1:27
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Chapter Context
Romans 1 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, faith, obedience. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 1:27
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Analysis
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Paul turns to male homosexuality: homoiōs te kai hoi arsenes aphentes tēn physikēn chrēsin tēs thēleias exekauthēsan en tē orexei autōn eis allēlous (ὁμοίως τε καὶ οἱ ἄρσενες ἀφέντες τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν τῆς θηλείας ἐξεκαύθησαν ἐν τῇ ὀρέξει αὐτῶν εἰς ἀλλήλους, 'likewise also the men, abandoning the natural function of the woman, burned in their desire toward one another'). Aphentes (ἀφέντες, abandoning) indicates willful rejection of God's design. Exekauthēsan (ἐξεκαύθησαν, burned) conveys intense, consuming passion—not mere temptation but active pursuit.
Arsenes en arsesin tēn aschēmosynēn katergazomenoi (ἄρσενες ἐν ἄρσεσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην κατεργαζόμενοι, 'men with men committing shameful acts'). Aschēmosynēn (ἀσχημοσύνη, shameful/indecent act) echoes Leviticus 18:22. Katergazomenoi (κατεργάζομαι, working/accomplishing) implies deliberate action. The consequence: kai tēn antimisthian hēn edei tēs planēs autōn en heautois apolambanontes (καὶ τὴν ἀντιμισθίαν ἣν ἔδει τῆς πλάνης αὐτῶν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀπολαμβάνοντες, 'and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error'). Antimisthian (ἀντιμισθία, recompense/penalty) is retributive justice. Planēs (πλάνης, error/wandering) indicates moral deviation. The penalty is internal—physical, psychological, and spiritual consequences.
Historical Context
Paul's condemnation of homosexual practice is clear and unambiguous, consistent with Old Testament law and Jewish teaching. This was controversial in Greco-Roman society where such practices were normalized. Early Christianity's sexual ethics were radical—calling for chastity outside marriage, fidelity within marriage, and rejection of all sexual immorality (porneia). This countercultural stance was both attractive (offering moral clarity and family stability) and repelling (requiring repentance from cherished sins). The early church maintained this teaching despite cultural pressure, as must the church today.
Reflection
- How does Paul's teaching challenge modern claims that homosexual desire is part of one's created identity rather than 'error' (πλάνη)?
- What 'due penalty' (ἀντιμισθία) does sexual sin bring 'in themselves'—what are the natural consequences Paul may have in mind?
- How can churches lovingly call all people (including those with same-sex attraction) to repentance and offer hope in Christ's transforming power?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 18:22, 20:13