Romans 1:28
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Romans 1:28
28 And 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;
Chapter Context
Romans 1 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, holiness, sacrifice. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 1:28
28 And 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;
Analysis
And 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;
The third paredōken (παρέδωκεν, gave them over) brings the climax: kai kathōs ouk edokimasan ton theon echein en epignōsei, paredōken autous ho theos eis adokimon noun (καὶ καθὼς οὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν τὸν θεὸν ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει, παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς εἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν, 'and just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind'). Ouk edokimasan (οὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν, did not approve/see fit) indicates deliberate rejection after examination. Echein en epignōsei (ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει, to have in knowledge) is full, accurate knowledge—they refused to retain God in their thinking.
The judgment: eis adokimon noun (εἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν, to a depraved/disqualified mind). Adokimon (ἀδόκιμος) means failed the test, worthless, reprobate—the moral faculty is corrupted. Noun (νοῦς, mind) is the seat of reasoning and moral judgment. When people reject God, He gives them over to darkened thinking (v. 21), leading to immoral behavior. The result: poiein ta mē kathēkonta (ποιεῖν τὰ μὴ καθήκοντα, 'to do things not fitting/proper'). Kathēkonta (καθήκω, fitting/proper) refers to behavior befitting humanity made in God's image—they do the opposite. This introduces the vice list in verses 29-31.
Historical Context
Paul's diagnosis is that intellectual rejection of God leads to moral collapse. History confirms this—societies that abandon God descend into moral chaos. The Roman Empire's decline paralleled its moral decadence. The Enlightenment's rejection of Christianity led to the horrors of 20th-century totalitarianism. Post-Christian Western culture's embrace of relativism has unleashed moral confusion. When God is expelled from public consciousness, objective morality vanishes, and 'anything goes.' The reprobate mind cannot discern right from wrong.
Reflection
- What does it mean to have a 'depraved mind' (ἀδόκιμος νοῦς), and how does this manifest in cultural moral confusion today?
- How does refusing to 'retain God in knowledge' (ἔχω ἐν ἐπιγνώσει) corrupt intellectual, moral, and practical reasoning?
- What hope is there for those with 'reprobate minds'—can they be renewed, and how?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 1:21, 1:24, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, Titus 1:16
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:7, 1:22, 1:29, Jeremiah 6:30, 9:6, 2 Timothy 3:8