For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that God has already made what can be known of Him evident within people, not just out in the world. This means the knowledge isn't just passively available, but actively imprinted on their inner being, making their suppression of it a conscious act.
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining why God’s wrath is justly revealed against humanity, particularly the Gentiles who don't have the Law. He argues that they are inexcusable because they possess an innate knowledge of God that they actively suppress. This verse sets up the following discussion about how creation itself testifies to God, making his existence and attributes clear to everyone.
Paul says what can be known about God is plain. But does that mean we can figure out everything about God on our own?
The text here focuses on what is known of God, not just what is knowable. It's a crucial distinction. While God's existence, power, and wisdom are evident through creation, deeper truths (like the Trinity or salvation through Christ) require special revelation. Think of it like looking at a stunning mountain range. You know immense power and beauty are at work. But you don't know the geological processes, the specific minerals, or the historical events that shaped it without further study and information.
This verse affirms that a foundational knowledge of God is readily available to everyone, not because we are inherently brilliant, but because God actively makes Himself known.
If God's truth is so evident, why do so many people deny Him or live as if He doesn't exist?
The verse emphasizes that God has "shown it to them." This isn't just an external display in nature; it's an internal reality. The scholarly context highlights that this knowledge is "manifest in them," imprinted on their consciousness or conscience.
This means we have an innate awareness of God, a moral compass that points towards Him, even if we try to ignore it. It’s like a built-in alarm system. When we violate this inner sense of right and wrong, we feel a prick of guilt or unease. This internal witness, coupled with the external evidence in creation, makes us accountable. God hasn't left us guessing; He's placed the evidence right within us and around us.
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Paul's argument in Romans hinges on the idea that humanity, both Jew and Gentile, possesses an innate awareness of God, accessible through creation and conscience, which makes them accountable for their actions, even without explicit divine revelation.
c. 3000 BC - c. 300 BC
Development of Ancient Civilizations
Across the ancient Mediterranean and Near East, diverse cultures developed complex societies, religions, and philosophies, offering various understandings of the divine and humanity's place in the cosmos.
c. 6th - 4th century BC
Greek Philosophical Inquiry
Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle engaged in profound debates about the nature of God, morality, and human knowledge, laying intellectual groundwork that would influence later thought.
c. 175 BC - 164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
This period of conflict and resistance against the Seleucid Empire significantly shaped Jewish identity and religious fervor, underscoring themes of faithfulness and divine justice.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
The Roman annexation of Judea brought a new imperial power and cultural influence to the region, creating a complex political and social environment for Jewish communities.
c. AD 14 - AD 37
Reign of Tiberius Caesar
The Roman Empire under Tiberius maintained relative stability across its vast territories, including Judea, which was governed by Roman prefects or procurators.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
The central event of Christianity occurred during Pontius Pilate's governorship of Judea, leading to the formation of the early Christian movement.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Apostle Paul's Ministry and Writing
Paul, a key figure in early Christianity, traveled extensively, establishing churches and writing letters, including Romans, to guide and instruct these communities.
This passage beautifully echoes Romans 1:19 by describing how the heavens declare God's glory, showing that God's creation itself serves as a revelation of Him. It highlights the pervasive and clear communication of God's existence and power through the natural world.
Acts 14:15-17Paul's message here directly supports Romans 1:19, emphasizing that God has not left Himself without witness, providing evidence of His goodness through rain and fruitful seasons. This shows how God makes Himself known through His provision and the natural order, making people accountable.
Romans 2:14-15This passage further elaborates on the internal manifestation of God's law, stating that Gentiles who do not have the law show by their actions that its requirements are written on their hearts. This speaks to the innate knowledge of God's moral standards that Romans 1:19 suggests is evident within people.
Job 12:7-10This ancient text also points to the created world as a source of knowledge about God, asking if those who are wise can learn from the beasts, birds, plants, and fish. It reinforces the idea found in Romans 1:19 that God's works are a clear testament to His power and wisdom.
ellicottRomans 1:19: "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them."
(19) The Apostle goes on to show how the Gentiles came to have such a knowledge of right, and how they repressed and contravened it. They had it, because all the knowledge that mankind generally possessed of God they also possessed. So much as could be known without special revelation they knew. That which may be known.—Rather, that which is (generally and universally) known—the truths o…
meyerRomans 1:19: "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them."
Romans 1:19 . Διότι ] propterea quod —only to be separated by a comma from the foregoing—specifies more precisely the causal relation, on account of which the wrath of God comes upon such men, etc. ( Romans 1:18 ). They keep down the truth through immorality; if they did so out of ignorance, they would be excusable: but they do not do so out of ignorance, and therefore God’s wrath is man…
The verse emphasizes that God has already made what can be known of Him evident within people, not just out in the world. This means the knowledge isn't just passively available, but actively imprinted on their inner being, making their suppression of it a conscious act.
Paul is explaining why God’s wrath is justly revealed against humanity, particularly the Gentiles who don't have the Law. He argues that they are inexcusable because they possess an innate knowledge of God that they actively suppress. This verse sets up the following discussion about how creation itself testifies to God, making his existence and attributes clear to everyone.
Paul is explaining why God’s wrath is justly revealed against humanity, particularly the Gentiles who don't have the Law. He argues that they are inexcusable because they possess an innate knowledge of God that they actively suppress. This verse sets up the following discussion about how creation itself testifies to God, making his existence and attributes clear to everyone.
"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them." — The verse emphasizes that God has already made what can be known of Him evident within people, not just out in the world. This means the knowledge isn't just passively available, but actively imp…
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Last reviewed October 2026