Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a chilling progression: people know God’s judgment is due for certain actions, yet they not only do them but actively find joy in others who do them. It reveals that sin isn't just about personal wrongdoing, but also about a perverse solidarity that seeks validation and encouragement in shared corruption.
Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In the preceding verses, Paul has been describing humanity's descent into moral depravity, moving from suppressing the truth about God to being given over to sinful desires. He lists a series of vices that characterize this state, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God. This final verse of chapter 1 drives home the point that this widespread sin isn't ignorance, but a conscious rejection of God's known standards, even leading people to celebrate wrongdoing.
Imagine knowing the rules, understanding the consequences, but still choosing the forbidden path. This verse reveals a chilling reality about human nature when it turns away from God.
Paul highlights that the people described know God's righteous decree – that practicing these sins deserves death. The Greek word used for 'knowing' here ('epignontes') suggests a deep, thorough understanding, not just a passing awareness.
The Weight of Knowledge
What’s worse than doing wrong? Paul shows us that approving of wrongdoing takes the corruption to a whole new level.
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The verse climaxes with a disturbing truth: these individuals not only commit these forbidden acts but 'give approval to those who practice them' (Greek: suneudokousi).
From Private Vice to Public Endorsement
Understand the original words
dikaiōma · Greek Noun
Refers to the objective, moral standard of God's character and requirements; it is the manifestation of His holiness applied to human conduct.
thanatos · Greek Noun/Verb
To exist in a state of moral or spiritual separation from God, ultimately resulting in eternal judgment as the consequence of sin.
syneudokeō · Greek Verb
To offer endorsement, validation, or support to others, thereby participating in their sin by encouraging their sinful lifestyle.
Paul wrote to the Roman church from Corinth, a bustling port city infamous for its moral permissiveness. This context highlights how the Greco-Roman world's prevailing attitudes and practices served as a stark backdrop against which Paul argued for the radical transformation found in Christ.
c. 30 BC - c. AD 30
Roman Imperial Rule in Judea
Following the Roman Civil Wars, Rome established firm control over Judea. This period saw Roman governors imposing Roman law and customs, often clashing with Jewish religious practices.
c. AD 40s
Widespread Roman Roads and Trade
The Roman Empire's extensive road network facilitated rapid travel and communication across the Mediterranean, allowing ideas and news to spread quickly.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent significant time ministering in Corinth, a major Roman port city known for its cosmopolitan population and moral laxity.
c. AD 62
Destruction of a Synagogue in Caesarea
Tensions between Jews and Gentiles in Roman provinces sometimes erupted into violence, as exemplified by the destruction of a synagogue in Caesarea.
This passage describes God's judgment against the Canaanites for their detestable practices, mirroring Paul's condemnation of Gentile immorality in Romans 1 and highlighting the severe consequences of unfaithfulness.
Psalm 50:16-21The Psalmist denounces those who outwardly profess God but inwardly practice wickedness and even approve of wrongdoing, reflecting the spiritual hypocrisy Paul addresses in Romans 1:32.
Matthew 7:1-5Jesus' teaching on judging others, while seemingly different, touches on the hypocrisy of condemning others for faults we share or even encourage, echoing Paul's critique of those who practice evil and approve of it in others.
Ezekiel 16:49-52This prophetic passage describes Jerusalem's sin and judgment, noting that 'pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease' led to 'abominations,' paralleling the moral decay and lack of self-awareness in Romans 1.
1 Corinthians 5:1-2Paul directly addresses a church community for tolerating a sin that was rampant even among unbelievers, demonstrating the grave concern he and the early church had for approving or ignoring practices that deserved judgment.
meyerRomans 1:32: "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."
Romans 1:32 . Οἵτινες ] quippe qui, of such a character, that they , cannot be the specification of a reason, as in Romans 1:25 , and cannot consequently be intended to repeat once more the laying of the blame on themselves, since Romans 1:32 merely continues the description of the wickedness. It rather serves to introduce the awfu…
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…
This verse highlights a chilling progression: people know God’s judgment is due for certain actions, yet they not only do them but actively find joy in others who do them. It reveals that sin isn't just about personal wrongdoing, but also about a perverse solidarity that seeks validation and encouragement in shared corruption.
In the preceding verses, Paul has been describing humanity's descent into moral depravity, moving from suppressing the truth about God to being given over to sinful desires. He lists a series of vices that characterize this state, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God. This final verse of chapter 1 drives home the point that this widespread sin isn't ignorance, but a conscious rejection of God's known standards, even leading people to celebrate wrongdoing.
In the preceding verses, Paul has been describing humanity's descent into moral depravity, moving from suppressing the truth about God to being given over to sinful desires. He lists a series of vices that characterize this state, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God. This final verse of chapter 1 drives home the point that this widespread sin isn't ignorance, but a conscious rejection of God's known standards, even leading people to celebrate wrongdoing.
"Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." — This verse highlights a chilling progression: people know God’s judgment is due for certain actions, yet they not only do them but actively find joy in others who do them. It reveals that sin isn't j…
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Last reviewed October 2026