Breakdown of Romans 1:19-23

"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…" — The key insight here is that Paul isn't saying people could know God if they tried, but that God has already made Himself known through nature, and this knowledge is "manifest in them"—imprinted…

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Romans 1:19-23

What does Romans 1:19-23 mean?

The key insight here is that Paul isn't saying people could know God if they tried, but that God has already made Himself known through nature, and this knowledge is "manifest in them"—imprinted on their very being. This means their suppression of this truth isn't due to ignorance, but a deliberate act of pushing down something they inherently possess.

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. 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. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Romans 1:19-23 means

Paul is explaining why God's wrath is just, beginning with the idea that humanity, even without the Old Testament Law, has an inner sense of God and morality. He argues that what can be known about God is evident through creation and human conscience, demonstrating that everyone has been exposed to truth, even if they suppress it. This knowledge, he will go on to show, makes people inexcusable for their sinful actions and idolatry.

Known Truths, Not Just Knowable Ones

Did you know the Bible is incredibly precise about what we can know about God? It’s not just about potential knowledge, but what’s already clear.

Paul isn't saying we can figure out everything about God through our own reasoning or by looking at nature. Instead, he’s focusing on what God has made clear.

What's 'Known of God'

Existence and Attributes: The primary truth revealed is that God exists. Beyond that, His eternal power and divine nature (His might, wisdom, goodness, justice) are evident. Think of it like a powerful artist whose signature is all over their masterpiece.
Not the Gospel: This general knowledge doesn't include the specifics of salvation through Jesus Christ, which requires special revelation (the Gospel).
Theological Precision: Scholars note that the original Greek word used here emphasizes what is known, not just what could be known. It’s about the knowledge God has actively made clear.

Manifest Inside and Out

Where is this knowledge of God found? Is it just in the stars, or is there something deeper within us?

Paul highlights two key places where this divine knowledge is evident:

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What Romans 1:19-23 means

What does Romans 1:19-23 mean?

What Romans 1:19-23 means

Known Truths, Not Just Knowable Ones

Manifest Inside and Out

Ask Sola about this verse

What Romans 1:19-23 means

Known Truths, Not Just Knowable Ones

Manifest Inside and Out

Ask Sola about this verse

The original words in Romans 1:19-23

The situation behind Romans 1:19-23

Key themes in Romans 1:19-23

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Scholarly commentary on Romans 1:19-23

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