Romans 3:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 3:15
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Chapter Context
Romans 3 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, mercy, creation. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 3:15
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Analysis
Their feet are swift to shed blood. Paul shifts from sins of speech to sins of violence (vv. 15-17), quoting Isaiah 59:7-8. Oxeis hoi podes autōn ekchsai haima (ὀξεῖς οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐκχέαι αἷμα, "swift are their feet to shed blood"). Oxys (ὀξύς) means "sharp/swift"—depicting eager readiness to violence, not mere capacity.
Humanity doesn't reluctantly resort to violence when necessary; we rush toward it. From Cain murdering Abel to the 20th century's genocides, human history is written in blood. The image of "swift feet" suggests that violence is not an aberration but a default human response. We are, by nature, homo homini lupus—"man is wolf to man." Only God's common grace restrains the bloodshed that fallen human nature would otherwise unleash.
Historical Context
Isaiah 59 indicted Israel's injustice and violence despite possessing God's law. First-century Judaism prided itself on not being like violent pagans, yet Paul includes Jews in this universal indictment. Jesus made the same point: murder begins with anger in the heart (Matthew 5:21-22).
Reflection
- How does this verse expose the violence latent in human hearts, even when not physically acted upon?
- What forms of bloodshed exist beyond literal murder—reputation assassination, economic exploitation, abortion?
- How should recognizing your own capacity for violence drive you to the Prince of Peace?
Word Studies
- Blood: αἷμα (Haima) G129 - Blood
Cross-References
- Blood: Proverbs 1:16
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 6:18