slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "haters of God" might seem to imply an active, conscious rejection, but the original language suggests something more like "hateful to God." This points to a profound, inherent character that is fundamentally abhorrent to God, not just a personal decision to dislike Him. It highlights how the entire list of sins describes a person whose very being is at odds with the divine nature.
slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is detailing the moral decay that results from humanity's deliberate rejection of God's truth. This list of vices, building on the previous verses, describes not just individual sins but a whole pattern of ungodliness that characterized many in the Gentile world. The passage concludes by emphasizing that this state is a consequence of God "giving them up" to their sinful desires, highlighting a chilling cycle of divine judgment and human depravity.
Paul doesn't just list bad behavior; he diagnoses the root cause. What does it truly mean to be a 'hater of God,' and how does this attitude manifest in our lives?
The phrase 'haters of God' (theostygeis) is a powerful indictment. While some scholars suggest it might mean 'hated by God,' the context strongly points to an active, internal hatred directed towards God. This isn't just about atheism; it's a deep-seated rebellion, a heart that is fundamentally opposed to God's justice, holiness, and authority.
Think about it:
This internal disposition fuels the outward rebellion described throughout the passage.
Pride often parades itself in different forms—insolence, haughtiness, boasting. Paul links these directly to disobedience and a rejection of divine authority.
Paul stacks several related terms together: 'insolent' (hybristas), 'haughty' (hyperephanous), and 'boastful' (alazonas). These aren't just minor character flaws; they are expressions of a profound disrespect for God and others.
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These vices are directly linked to 'disobedient to parents.' Why? Because if you're arrogant and believe you know best, you won't submit to any authority, especially the foundational authority of parents. This cascade effect shows how a proud heart easily leads to a rejection of all rightful order, starting from the family unit and extending to God Himself.
Understand the original words
theostygeis · Greek Adjective
Those who harbor a settled animosity, active hatred, or defiant opposition toward the Creator.
hybristas · Greek Noun
Arrogant, insulting, or contemptuous behavior toward others, characterized by a lack of proper respect or humility.
hyperēphanous · Greek Adjective
An inflated sense of self-importance or pride; one who considers themselves superior to others.
alazonas · Greek Noun
The disposition of self-glorification, often involving empty boasting about one’s own accomplishments or abilities.
This passage describes those who are quick to speak evil and spread lies about others, mirroring the 'slanderers' and 'inventors of evil' in Romans. It highlights the ungodly character that defies God's law.
Proverbs 6:16-19This proverb lists 'haughty eyes,' 'a lying tongue,' and 'hands that shed innocent blood,' which resonates with the arrogant and harmful behaviors described in Romans 1:30, painting a picture of a heart estranged from God.
Colossians 3:8Paul here directly tells believers to 'put away' behaviors like 'anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth,' which directly corresponds to the list of sins in Romans 1:30, showing the contrast between the ungodly and those who follow Christ.
2 Timothy 3:2-4This passage offers a strikingly similar list of negative character traits in the 'last days,' including 'lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, slanderers,' underscoring that this deep-seated rebellion against God and others is a persistent problem throughout history.
barnesRomans 1:30: "Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,"
Backbiters - Those Who calumniate, slander, or speak ill of those who are absent. Whisperers declare secretly, and with great reserve, the supposed faults of others. Backbiters proclaim them publicly and avowedly. Haters of God - There is no charge which can be brought against people more severe than this. It is the highest possible crime; yet it is a charge which the conduct…
henryRomans 1:26-32: "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:"
1:26-32 In the horrid depravity of the heathen, the truth of our Lord's words was shown: Light was come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil; for he that doeth evil hateth the light. The truth was not to their taste. And we all know how soon a man will contrive, against the strongest evidence…
The phrase "haters of God" might seem to imply an active, conscious rejection, but the original language suggests something more like "hateful to God." This points to a profound, inherent character that is fundamentally abhorrent to God, not just a personal decision to dislike Him. It highlights how the entire list of sins describes a person whose very being is at odds with the divine nature.
Paul is detailing the moral decay that results from humanity's deliberate rejection of God's truth. This list of vices, building on the previous verses, describes not just individual sins but a whole pattern of ungodliness that characterized many in the Gentile world. The passage concludes by emphasizing that this state is a consequence of God "giving them up" to their sinful desires, highlighting a chilling cycle of divine judgment and human depravity.
Paul is detailing the moral decay that results from humanity's deliberate rejection of God's truth. This list of vices, building on the previous verses, describes not just individual sins but a whole pattern of ungodliness that characterized many in the Gentile world. The passage concludes by emphasizing that this state is a consequence of God "giving them up" to their sinful desires, highlighting a chilling cycle of divine judgment and human depravity.
"slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents," — The phrase "haters of God" might seem to imply an active, conscious rejection, but the original language suggests something more like "hateful to God." This points to a profound, inherent character t…
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Last reviewed October 2026