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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/1-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/45_Rom_01_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 1:21 - God's Wrath against Sin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/romans/1-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/romans/1-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/1-20.htm" title="Romans 1:20">◄</a> Romans 1:21 <a href="/romans/1-22.htm" title="Romans 1:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/romans/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/romans/1.htm">New International Version</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. <a href="/nlt/romans/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. <a href="/esv/romans/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. <a href="/bsb/romans/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. <a href="/blb/romans/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For having known God, they glorified Him not as God, or were thankful; but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/kjv/romans/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/nkjv/romans/1.htm">New King James Version</a> because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. <a href="/nasb_/romans/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. <a href="/nasb/romans/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/nasb77/romans/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/lsb/romans/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For even though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/amp/romans/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/csb/romans/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. <a href="/hcsb/romans/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. <a href="/asv/romans/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. <a href="/cev/romans/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They know about God, but they don't honor him or even thank him. Their thoughts are useless, and their stupid minds are in the dark. <a href="/erv/romans/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. <a href="/gwt/romans/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They knew God but did not praise and thank him for being God. Instead, their thoughts were pointless, and their misguided minds were plunged into darkness. <a href="/gnt/romans/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> They know God, but they do not give him the honor that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness. <a href="/isv/romans/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him. Instead, their thoughts turned to worthless things, and their senseless hearts were darkened. <a href="/msb/romans/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. <a href="/net/romans/1.htm">NET Bible</a> For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened. <a href="/nheb/romans/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but their thinking became nonsense, and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/wbt/romans/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/wey/romans/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For when they had come to know God, they did not give Him glory as God nor render Him thanks, but they became absorbed in useless discussions, and their senseless minds were darkened. <a href="/web/romans/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Because knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, and didn’t give thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> because, having known God they did not glorify [Him] as God, nor gave thanks, but were made vain in their reasonings, and their unintelligent heart was darkened, <a href="/blb/romans/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For having known God, they glorified Him not as God, or were thankful; but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/ylt/romans/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> because, having known God they did not glorify Him as God, nor gave thanks, but were made vain in their reasonings, and their unintelligent heart was darkened, <a href="/slt/romans/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore having known God, not as God did they honour or return thanks; but were rendered vain in their conversations, and their heart without understanding was darkened.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Because that, when they knew God, they have not glorified him as God, or given thanks; but became vain in their thoughts, and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/cpdv/romans/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For although they had known God, they did not glorify God, nor give thanks. Instead, they became weakened in their thoughts, and their foolish heart was obscured. <a href="/nabre/romans/1.htm">New American Bible</a> for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For they knew God and did not glorify him and give thanks to him as God, but became vain in their imaginations, and their hearts were darkened so that they could not understand. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Because they knew God, and they did not glorify him as God, nor did they give him thanks, so that they became destitute in their reasoning and became dull in their heart without understanding.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> because, when they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor were they thankful; but they became perverse in their reasonings, and their wicked heart was darkened; <a href="/godbey/romans/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> because, knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, neither were they thankful; but they became vain in their reasonings, and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/haweis/romans/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> because though they knew there was a God, they glorified him not as God, nor gave him thanks, but became triflers in their disputations, and their stupid heart was darkened. <a href="/mace/romans/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> because when they knew God, they did not with gratitude glorify him as God, but their reasoning became extravagance, and their minds, void of judgment, were involv'd in darkness. <a href="/wey/romans/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For when they had come to know God, they did not give Him glory as God nor render Him thanks, but they became absorbed in useless discussions, and their senseless minds were darkened. <a href="/worrell/romans/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> because, having known God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor did they give thanks; but they became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. <a href="/worsley/romans/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> so that they are inexcusable; because having thus known God they glorified Him not as God, neither were they thankful; but were infatuated by their own reasonings, and their heart being void of understanding was darkened. <a href="/parallel/romans/1-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=187" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/1.htm">God's Wrath against Sin</a> …20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. 21<a href="/greek/1360.htm" title="1360: Dioti (Conj) -- On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: gnontes (V-APA-NMP) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">although they knew</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/1392.htm" title="1392: edoxasan (V-AIA-3P) -- To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious.">they neither glorified Him</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">nor</a> <a href="/greek/2168.htm" title="2168: ēucharistēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude; specially, to say grace at a meal.">gave thanks to Him,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3154.htm" title="3154: emataiōthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- To become vain or foolish, be perverted. From mataios; to render foolish, i.e. wicked or, idolatrous.">they became futile</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1261.htm" title="1261: dialogismois (N-DMP) -- From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.">thinking</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4654.htm" title="4654: eskotisthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To darken. From skotos; to obscure.">darkened</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">in their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/801.htm" title="801: asynetos (Adj-NFS) -- Unintelligent, without wisdom, unwise, undiscerning (implying probably moral defect). By implication, wicked.">foolish</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-NFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts.</a> 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a> Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1</a> For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. <a href="/jeremiah/2-5.htm">Jeremiah 2:5</a> This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me? They followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves. <a href="/isaiah/44-18.htm">Isaiah 44:18-20</a> They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. / And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” / He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” <a href="/2_kings/17-15.htm">2 Kings 17:15</a> They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. <a href="/psalms/106-20.htm">Psalm 106:20</a> They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox. <a href="/jeremiah/10-14.htm">Jeremiah 10:14</a> Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them. <a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Ephesians 4:17-18</a> So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. / They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">1 Corinthians 1:21</a> For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4</a> The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Ephesians 4:19</a> Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more. <a href="/1_timothy/6-5.htm">1 Timothy 6:5</a> and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. <a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">2 Timothy 3:2-4</a> For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, / traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, <a href="/titus/1-15.htm">Titus 1:15-16</a> To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. / They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. <a href="/psalms/81-12.htm">Psalm 81:12</a> So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.when.<a href="/romans/1-19.htm">Romans 1:19,28</a> Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them… <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19</a> And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.they glorified.<a href="/romans/15-9.htm">Romans 15:9</a> And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.<a href="/psalms/50-23.htm">Psalm 50:23</a> Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.<a href="/psalms/86-9.htm">Psalm 86:9</a> All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.but became.<a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a> And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.<a href="/genesis/8-21.htm">Genesis 8:21</a> And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.<a href="/2_kings/17-15.htm">2 Kings 17:15</a> And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.their foolish.<a href="/romans/11-10.htm">Romans 11:10</a> Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.<a href="/deuteronomy/28-29.htm">Deuteronomy 28:29</a> And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.<a href="/isaiah/60-2.htm">Isaiah 60:2</a> For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/4-15.htm">Absorbed</a> <a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Although</a> <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/luke/23-45.htm">Darkened</a> <a href="/acts/19-9.htm">Discussions</a> <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/mark/7-22.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/romans/1-14.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/acts/28-30.htm">Full</a> <a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Futile</a> <a href="/acts/21-20.htm">Glorified</a> <a href="/john/21-19.htm">Glorify</a> <a href="/acts/22-11.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/acts/19-17.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-61.htm">Imaginations</a> <a href="/acts/28-27.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/acts/28-29.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/luke/24-38.htm">Reasonings</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Render</a> <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/luke/24-25.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/acts/26-3.htm">Speculations</a> <a href="/luke/17-9.htm">Thankful</a> <a href="/acts/27-35.htm">Thanks</a> <a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/acts/28-27.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/luke/14-35.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/acts/27-39.htm">Vain</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/8-8.htm">Absorbed</a> <a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Although</a> <a href="/romans/2-19.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/romans/11-10.htm">Darkened</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Discussions</a> <a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Full</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">Futile</a> <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Glorified</a> <a href="/romans/8-30.htm">Glorify</a> <a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/romans/2-7.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Imaginations</a> <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Reasonings</a> <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Render</a> <a href="/romans/1-30.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/romans/1-31.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Speculations</a> <a href="/romans/16-4.htm">Thankful</a> <a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Thanks</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/romans/1-31.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/romans/3-3.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/romans/4-14.htm">Vain</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 1</div>1. <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Paul commends his calling to the Romans;</a> 9. <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">and his desire to come to them.</a> 16. <a href="/romans/1-16.htm">What his gospel is.</a> 18. <a href="/romans/1-18.htm">God is angry with sin.</a> 21. <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">What were the sins of mankind.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/romans/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>For although they knew God This phrase indicates an awareness or acknowledgment of God's existence and attributes. The Greek word for "knew" is "ginōskō," which implies a form of knowledge that is more than just intellectual; it is relational and experiential. Historically, this suggests that humanity, through creation and conscience, has an inherent understanding of God. This knowledge is not salvific but is enough to hold people accountable for their response to God.they neither glorified Him as God The term "glorified" comes from the Greek "doxazō," meaning to honor or magnify. In a biblical context, glorifying God involves recognizing His supreme worth and responding in worship and obedience. The failure to glorify God reflects a fundamental rejection of His rightful place in the universe. This phrase underscores the sin of idolatry, where people fail to give God the honor due to Him, choosing instead to elevate other things or themselves.nor gave thanks to Him Thanksgiving is a natural response to recognizing God's goodness and provision. The Greek word "eucharisteō" is used here, which is the root of the word "Eucharist," reflecting gratitude and acknowledgment of God's grace. Historically, ingratitude is seen as a root of many sins, as it reflects a heart that is self-centered and blind to God's blessings. This lack of thankfulness is a rejection of God's sovereignty and benevolence.but they became futile in their thinking The word "futile" is translated from the Greek "mataioō," meaning vain or worthless. This futility in thinking indicates a departure from truth and wisdom, leading to a distorted worldview. Biblically, this reflects the consequences of sin, where the mind is darkened and unable to perceive spiritual realities. Historically, this futility is evident in the philosophies and ideologies that reject God and His truth.and darkened in their foolish hearts The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. The Greek word for "darkened" is "skotizō," suggesting a loss of light or understanding. A "foolish heart" is one that is devoid of wisdom, as the Greek "asynetos" implies a lack of understanding or discernment. This darkness is a spiritual blindness that results from turning away from God, leading to moral and spiritual decay. Historically, this reflects the condition of humanity apart from God's revelation and grace.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) They knew enough of God to know that thanks and praise were due to Him; but neither of these did they offer. They put aside the natural instinct of adoration, and fell to speculations, which only led them farther and farther from the truth. The new knowledge of which they went in quest proved to be fiction; the old knowledge that they had was obscured and lost by their folly. Starting with two things--a portion of enlightenment on the one hand, and the natural tendency of the human mind to error on the other, the latter prevailed, and the former became eclipsed.But became vain in their imaginations.--They were frustrated--reached no good and sound result with their speculations.Their foolish heart.--Not the same word as "fools," in the next verse. Their unintelligent heart; their heart which, by itself, was endowed with no special faculty of discernment such as to enable them to dispense with the enlightenment from above.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful (rather, gave thanks); but became vain in their imaginations (διαλογισμοῖς, elsewhere more correctly rendered "thoughts" or "reasonings;" cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20</a>, "The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain" - μάταιοι, as here, ἐματαιώθησαν), and their foolish heart was darkened. <a href="/commentaries/romans/1-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For Διότι (Dioti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1360.htm">Strong's 1360: </a> On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as. although they knew γνόντες (gnontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. God, Θεὸν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. they neither glorified [Him] ἐδόξασαν (edoxasan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1392.htm">Strong's 1392: </a> To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. God Θεὸν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. [nor] ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. gave thanks [to Him], ηὐχαρίστησαν (ēucharistēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2168.htm">Strong's 2168: </a> From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude; specially, to say grace at a meal. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. they became futile ἐματαιώθησαν (emataiōthēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3154.htm">Strong's 3154: </a> To become vain or foolish, be perverted. From mataios; to render foolish, i.e. wicked or, idolatrous. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. thinking διαλογισμοῖς (dialogismois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1261.htm">Strong's 1261: </a> From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. darkened ἐσκοτίσθη (eskotisthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4654.htm">Strong's 4654: </a> To darken. From skotos; to obscure. in their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. foolish ἀσύνετος (asynetos) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_801.htm">Strong's 801: </a> Unintelligent, without wisdom, unwise, undiscerning (implying probably moral defect). By implication, wicked. hearts. καρδία (kardia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">NT Letters: Romans 1:21 Because knowing God they didn't glorify him (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/1-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 1:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 1:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 1:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 1:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>