Romans 3:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 3:13
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Chapter Context
Romans 3 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of creation, hope, faith. 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 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 3:13
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Analysis
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips. Paul shifts from general indictment to specific sins, beginning with speech (vv. 13-14). From Psalm 5:9 and 140:3, the imagery is grotesque. Taphos aneōgmenos ho larynx autōn (τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν, "their throat is an opened grave")—what emerges from human mouths is the stench of death and corruption.
Tais glōssais autōn edolioung (ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν, "with their tongues they kept deceiving")—continuous deception. Ios aspidōn (ἰὸς ἀσπίδων, "venom of asps") depicts words as lethal poison. James 3:8 echoes this: "the tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Human speech, which should glorify God, instead spreads corruption, falsehood, and spiritual death. The throat-tongue-lips sequence emphasizes that evil proceeds from humanity's core.
Historical Context
Ancient Judaism highly valued truthful speech as reflecting God's character. The Psalms Paul quotes were originally about Israel's enemies. By applying them to all humanity, Paul argues that Jews stand under the same condemnation. The asp (cobra) was particularly feared in the Mediterranean world for its deadly venom.
Reflection
- How does this sobering imagery challenge your view of "small" sins like gossip, flattery, or white lies?
- In what ways does your speech spread corruption rather than life (Ephesians 4:29)?
- What does it mean that even your words, apart from grace, are instruments of death?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Romans 3:4, Deuteronomy 32:33, Psalms 5:9, 36:3, 52:2, 57:4