Romans 1:32
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 1:32
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Chapter Context
Romans 1 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, faith, covenant. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 1:32
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Analysis
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Paul concludes the indictment with shocking escalation: hoitines to dikaiōma tou theou epignontes (οἵτινες τὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ θεοῦ ἐπιγνόντες, 'who, knowing the righteous decree of God'). Dikaiōma (δικαίωμα, righteous requirement/decree) is God's moral law. Epignontes (ἐπιγνόντες, knowing fully) indicates clear awareness—conscience testifies to right and wrong (Romans 2:14-15). They know hoti hoi ta toiauta prassontes axioi thanatou eisin (ὅτι οἱ τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντες ἄξιοι θανάτου εἰσίν, 'that those who practice such things are worthy of death').
Axioi thanatou (ἄξιοι θανάτου, worthy of death) is divine judgment—not just physical death but eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). Despite knowing this, ou monon auta poiousin alla kai syneudokousin tois prassousin (οὐ μόνον αὐτὰ ποιοῦσιν ἀλλὰ καὶ συνευδοκοῦσιν τοῖς πράσσουσιν, 'not only do them but also approve of those who practice them'). Syneudokousin (συνευδοκέω, approve/take pleasure in) escalates guilt—celebrating sin in others is worse than committing it oneself. This describes modern culture: not only sinning but championing sin as virtue, silencing dissent, and persecuting righteousness. This is the end of the line—total moral inversion. Yet Romans 2:1 will declare: you are without excuse. All humanity stands condemned, desperately needing the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel (1:17).
Historical Context
Paul's audience—both Jews and Gentiles in Rome—would have recognized this description of pagan society. But Paul's rhetorical strategy leads to Romans 2:1: 'Therefore you have no excuse... for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself.' The self-righteous Jew who condemns Gentile sin is equally guilty. Paul's gospel levels all humanity as sinners needing grace. Romans 1 sets up the glorious doctrines of justification (3-5), sanctification (6-8), and Israel's future (9-11) that follow.
Reflection
- How does 'approving those who practice' (συνευδοκέω τοῖς πράσσουσιν) sin demonstrate greater guilt than committing sin oneself?
- What sins does contemporary culture celebrate and demand approval of, punishing those who dissent?
- Having read Romans 1:18-32, how does your own sinfulness and need for the gospel become clearer?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 1:21
- Judgment: Romans 1:18
- Parallel theme: Romans 6:21, Psalms 50:18, Hosea 7:3, Luke 11:48, Acts 8:1, 22:20