Romans 1:19-20
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's often missed is that Paul isn't just saying that something about God can be known, but that it is known. The original language emphasizes that this knowledge of God (his existence, power, and divine nature) isn't merely a potential, but a reality that has been made clear and is imprinted within people, even those without Scripture. This is why their suppression of this truth leaves them without excuse.
Paul is explaining why God’s wrath is justly poured out on humanity. He argues that people suppress the truth about God, not because they lack knowledge, but because they actively choose to ignore what God has clearly revealed through creation and their own consciences. This means no one can claim ignorance as an excuse for their sin and rebellion.
How can people be held accountable for not knowing God if they've never heard of Him? Paul tackles this head-on, and it starts with what God has made obvious.
Paul isn't saying that everything about God can be figured out through just looking around. Rather, he's focusing on what's already known about God, the fundamental truths that are evident to everyone.
What's 'Known' About God?
This isn't about intricate theological doctrines or the details of salvation. It’s about the basic, undeniable reality of God’s existence and some of His core attributes, like His power and divine nature. Think of it as the foundational imprint God left on creation and on our very being.
Manifest 'In Them'
Paul emphasizes that this knowledge isn't just out there to be found; it's 'manifest in them.' This points to an inner awareness, a conviction imprinted on our conscience and understanding, that stems directly from God Himself. It's not something we invent, but something God reveals inwardly.
It’s easy to think of God as distant, but Paul insists He’s actively made Himself known. What does that active revealing look like?
The verse clearly states, 'God has shown it to them.' This isn't passive; God is the active agent in making Himself known.
Revelation in Creation:
Paul, as seen in the context of Romans 1, points to the created world as a primary way God reveals Himself. The order, complexity, and beauty of the universe all speak of an intelligent, powerful Creator.
Revelation in Conscience:
Beyond the external world, God also reveals Himself internally. Our innate sense of morality, our conscience, and our capacity for reason are all part of this divine self-disclosure. Even without the Scriptures, humans have an inherent awareness of God's existence and authority.
Understand the original words
aoratos · Greek Adjective
Qualities that are not perceptible by physical sight. These represent the non-physical, transcendent reality of God’s being.
theiotēs · Greek Noun
The essence of what it means to be God. It encompasses His deity, sovereignty, and supreme authority as the Creator who exists above and beyond His creation.
anapologētos · Greek Adjective
Having no valid argument or justification. In a legal or moral sense, it means one stands condemned with no defense against God’s judgment because of the clear revelation provided.
This passage beautifully echoes Romans 1:19 by highlighting how the heavens themselves declare God's glory and the skies proclaim his handiwork, serving as a universal testament to his existence and power, even without spoken words.
Acts 17:24-27Paul directly addresses this in Athens, explaining that God, the Creator of all, does not live in temples made by human hands and is not far from anyone, because He gives life and sustenance to all, demonstrating His presence and seeking. This shows the divine initiative in making Himself known.
Jeremiah 10:12This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and power through His creation, stating that God made the earth by His power and established the world by His wisdom. It mirrors Romans 1:19 by pointing to creation as the means through which God makes Himself known.
Romans 2:14-15This passage elaborates on the concept of God's law being 'in them,' stating that Gentiles who do not have the law show by their actions that its requirements are written on their hearts, their consciences bearing witness. This further explains the internal manifestation of God's truth mentioned in Romans 1:19.
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…
What's often missed is that Paul isn't just saying that something about God can be known, but that it is known. The original language emphasizes that this knowledge of God (his existence, power, and divine nature) isn't merely a potential, but a reality that has been made clear and is imprinted within people, even those without Scripture. This is why their suppression of this truth leaves them without excuse.
Paul is explaining why God’s wrath is justly poured out on humanity. He argues that people suppress the truth about God, not because they lack knowledge, but because they actively choose to ignore what God has clearly revealed through creation and their own consciences. This means no one can claim ignorance as an excuse for their sin and rebellion.
Paul is explaining why God’s wrath is justly poured out on humanity. He argues that people suppress the truth about God, not because they lack knowledge, but because they actively choose to ignore what God has clearly revealed through creation and their own consciences. This means no one can claim ignorance as an excuse for their sin and rebellion.
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The Purpose: To Remove Excuse
This revelation isn't just for our intellectual curiosity; it serves a critical purpose. By making Himself known, God ensures that no one has an excuse when they turn away from Him. This knowledge is enough to hold humanity accountable.
"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things…" — What's often missed is that Paul isn't just saying that something about God can be known, but that it is known. The original language emphasizes that this knowledge of God (his existence, power,…
