“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse doesn't just describe bad words; it paints a picture of the mouth as a deadly weapon. The imagery of an "open grave" suggests a constant, insatiable hunger for destruction, while the "venom of asps" highlights the subtle, hidden, and fatal nature of deceptive speech. It reveals how words can be a source of spiritual death, both for the speaker and the listener.
“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is demonstrating that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the dominion of sin. He quotes a series of Old Testament passages to paint a stark picture of humanity's fallen condition, showing that no one is righteous. This verse, filled with vivid imagery of decay and deadly deception, emphasizes the corrupting and destructive nature of ungodly speech that stems from this universal sinfulness.
The Bible uses stark imagery to describe the unrighteous. What makes their speech so dangerous that it's compared to an open grave?
Paul quotes Psalm 5:9 to describe the unrighteous: "Their throat is an open grave." This isn't just a metaphor for being loud; it's about the destructive nature of their words.
Ever Ready to Devour
An open grave is a place of death and decay, always waiting to consume. This imagery suggests that the unrighteous are constantly spewing out words that lead to spiritual death and destruction for others. Their speech is not life-giving but a perpetual hazard.
A Source of Corruption
Just as an open tomb can emit foul odors, the words from the unrighteous are corrupting. They spread sin and falsehood, tainting the hearer's mind and heart. Their communication isn't neutral; it actively pollutes.
The verse speaks of deceit and the "venom of asps." How do these two elements combine to make the unrighteous so perilous?
Paul continues by stating, "with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips." This highlights a double danger: deception and deadly intent.
The Smoothness of Deceit
The phrase "used deceit" points to habitual lying and trickery. Their words are not straightforward but designed to mislead. This isn't just about telling lies; it's about a consistent pattern of manipulation and falsehood that destroys trust.
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Hidden, Deadly Venom
Comparing this to the "poison of asps" emphasizes the hidden and lethal nature of their speech. The asp is a small serpent, its venom potent and fast-acting. Similarly, their words, though perhaps seemingly small or delivered with a smile, carry a deadly spiritual venom that can quickly corrupt and destroy a person's faith, reputation, or well-being. It's a subtle but lethal attack.
Understand the original words
larynx · Greek Noun
The organ of speech used metaphorically to represent the source of corrupt communication. In Scripture, it is a primary vehicle through which human depravity is expressed.
taphos aneōgmenos · Greek Noun phrase
A metaphor for corruption and death emanating from within. It suggests that what proceeds from the human heart is spiritually decaying and destructive to others.
edoliousan · Greek Verb
To lead astray or induce error through falsehood. It is a fundamental activity of the sinful nature to pervert the truth for selfish gain.
ios aspidōn · Greek Noun phrase
A reference to malicious and destructive speech. It conveys the idea that words can be as lethal and poisonous as a serpent’s venom.
Paul quotes Old Testament passages (Psalms, Isaiah) that describe universal human sinfulness. These texts, originally directed at various historical contexts of disobedience and corruption within Israel and surrounding nations, are powerfully repurposed by Paul to demonstrate that *all* humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, stands condemned before God. The imagery of a deceitful, venomous tongue underscores the pervasive corruption of human speech and intent, highlighting a deep-seated spiritual sickness that transcends any single historical moment.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many Judeans. This marks a profound crisis of faith and national identity, with many questioning God's faithfulness and the people's status as chosen.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict
Cyrus the Persian allows exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This ushers in the Second Temple period, but the community faces internal divisions and external opposition.
c. 458-430 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah's Reforms
Ezra and Nehemiah lead efforts to re-establish religious and civic life in Jerusalem, emphasizing strict adherence to Mosaic Law and separation from foreign influences. This period highlights ongoing struggles with covenant faithfulness and identity.
c. 2nd Century BC
Maccabean Revolt
The Maccabean Revolt breaks out against Hellenistic Seleucid rule, aiming to restore religious freedom and Jewish sovereignty. This period of struggle and martyrdom further shapes Jewish identity and their understanding of sin and righteousness.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome conquers Judea, establishing a period of Roman occupation and rule. This political subjugation intensifies existing tensions and influences the socio-religious landscape.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem. This event is central to Christian theology, understood as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, offering a new way of righteousness through faith.
c. AD 57-59— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
Paul writes his letter to the believers in Rome, likely from Corinth or Ephesus. He addresses fundamental questions of sin, righteousness, and salvation for both Jews and Gentiles within the nascent Christian movement.
This passage is one of the primary sources Paul draws from, directly quoting "their throat is an open grave" and "they use their tongues to deceive" to illustrate the deep-seated corruption of speech.
Psalm 140:3Here, Paul echoes the imagery of venom and deceit ('The poison of asps is under their lips') from this Psalm, highlighting the hidden, deadly nature of wicked words and intentions.
Jeremiah 9:3-5This prophecy speaks to the pervasive deceit and slander within the people, using similar themes of a 'bent bow' for lies and speaking 'smooth words' while harboring malice, mirroring the description in Romans.
James 3:8James directly addresses the untamable nature of the tongue, calling it a 'restless evil, full of deadly poison,' which powerfully reinforces Paul's depiction of poisonous speech in Romans 3.
barnesRomans 3:13: "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:"
Their throat ... - This expression is taken from Psalm 5:9 , literally from the Septuagint. The design of the psalm is to reprove those who were false, traitorous, slanderous, etc. Psalm 5:6 . The psalmist has the sin of deceit, and falsehood, and slander particularly in his eye. The expressions here are to be interpreted in accordance with that. The sentiment here…
ellicottRomans 3:13: "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:"
(13) Their throat is an open sepulchre — i.e., their speech is at once corrupt and corrupting. It is compared to a “yawning grave”—not merely to a pit into which a man may fall, but to a sort of pestiferous chasm yawning and ravening, as it were, after its prey. They have used deceit.—Strictly, they were deceiving; a continued action brought up to the present time.…
This verse doesn't just describe bad words; it paints a picture of the mouth as a deadly weapon. The imagery of an "open grave" suggests a constant, insatiable hunger for destruction, while the "venom of asps" highlights the subtle, hidden, and fatal nature of deceptive speech. It reveals how words can be a source of spiritual death, both for the speaker and the listener.
Paul is demonstrating that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the dominion of sin. He quotes a series of Old Testament passages to paint a stark picture of humanity's fallen condition, showing that no one is righteous. This verse, filled with vivid imagery of decay and deadly deception, emphasizes the corrupting and destructive nature of ungodly speech that stems from this universal sinfulness.
Paul is demonstrating that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the dominion of sin. He quotes a series of Old Testament passages to paint a stark picture of humanity's fallen condition, showing that no one is righteous. This verse, filled with vivid imagery of decay and deadly deception, emphasizes the corrupting and destructive nature of ungodly speech that stems from this universal sinfulness.
"“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”" — This verse doesn't just describe bad words; it paints a picture of the mouth as a deadly weapon. The imagery of an "open grave" suggests a constant, insatiable hunger for destruction, while the "veno…
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Last reviewed October 2026