Romans 3:13-14
“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's so striking here is how the ancient text uses imagery of decay and hidden danger to describe human speech. It's not just that people lie; their very words are like a constantly open, foul-smelling grave that swallows others up, or like a serpent's deadly, secret venom waiting to strike. This shows that the Bible isn't just talking about occasional falsehoods, but a deep-seated corruption in how we communicate.
Paul is demonstrating that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the power of sin. He's been quoting Old Testament passages to prove this universal corruption, and now he cites verses that vividly describe the deceitful and destructive nature of people's speech. These words about open graves and venomous lips highlight the pervasive sinfulness that Paul intends to prove leads to condemnation for all.
The Bible doesn't shy away from stark imagery. When Paul calls someone's throat an 'open grave,' what is he really saying about their words?
Paul uses vivid, shocking language here, drawing from Old Testament Psalms.
A Yawning Danger
Think of a grave – it's a place of death, decay, and something that swallows things whole. When Paul says the throat is an 'open grave,' he’s not just talking about unpleasant words. He’s describing speech that is actively destructive, like a pit ready to devour.
Corrupting and Corrupt
This isn't just about the content of the words, but their effect. Like the foul air from an open tomb, these words spread corruption and bring ruin. They don't just fail to bring life; they actively destroy reputation, peace, and spiritual well-being.
Words can be sharp, but the Bible compares them to something far more lethal. What's the difference between just being wrong and having 'the venom of asps' on your lips?
This verse paints a picture of speech that is not only false but actively poisonous.
The Art of Deceit
Paul highlights 'deceit' – words crafted to mislead, flatter falsely, or betray. This isn't accidental; it's a deliberate, practiced skill. The tongue is used not for truth, but for guile.
Hidden, Fatal Poison
The 'venom of asps' is particularly chilling. The asp is a small, often hidden snake whose bite is deadly and swift. This imagery suggests that the words spoken are like a secret, potent poison. They can strike unexpectedly, causing fatal damage to character and relationships, much like a serpent's venom corrupts the body.
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 draws on powerful imagery from the Old Testament Psalms, particularly as found in the Septuagint translation, to illustrate the pervasive nature of sin in human speech and action, emphasizing that this corruption is a universal problem affecting everyone, not just outsiders.
c. 500 BC - 100 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Bible is translated into Koine Greek, creating the Septuagint. This version becomes widely used by Jews in the Diaspora and later by early Christians. Many New Testament quotes from the Old Testament are from this Greek translation.
c. 900 BC - 400 BC
Old Testament Psalms Written
Psalms containing phrases later quoted by Paul, such as 'Their throat is an open grave' (Psalm 5:9) and 'the poison of vipers is on their lips' (Psalm 140:3), are written and compiled. These psalms lament the deceit and wickedness of enemies.
c. AD 50-65— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his Epistle to the Romans, likely from Corinth or Ephesus. He uses these vivid Old Testament images to describe the universal sinfulness of both Jews and Gentiles, arguing that all fall short of God's glory.
This passage is directly quoted in Romans 3:13 and describes the treacherous speech of the wicked with similar imagery of an open grave and deceitful tongues.
Psalm 140:3This psalm provides the imagery of 'the venom of asps' under the lips, which is directly used in Romans 3:13 to illustrate the deadly nature of wicked words.
Jeremiah 9:3-5This passage echoes the theme of Romans 3:13 by describing how people 'bend their tongues like a bow to shoot lies,' using deceit and refusing to speak truth, highlighting the pervasive nature of falsehood.
James 3:8James directly addresses the untamable and deadly nature of the tongue, comparing it to 'a restless evil, full of deadly poison,' which strongly parallels the venomous descriptions found in Romans 3:13.
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.…
What's so striking here is how the ancient text uses imagery of decay and hidden danger to describe human speech. It's not just that people lie; their very words are like a constantly open, foul-smelling grave that swallows others up, or like a serpent's deadly, secret venom waiting to strike. This shows that the Bible isn't just talking about occasional falsehoods, but a deep-seated corruption in how we communicate.
Paul is demonstrating that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the power of sin. He's been quoting Old Testament passages to prove this universal corruption, and now he cites verses that vividly describe the deceitful and destructive nature of people's speech. These words about open graves and venomous lips highlight the pervasive sinfulness that Paul intends to prove leads to condemnation for all.
Paul is demonstrating that , both Jews and Gentiles, is under the power of sin. He's been quoting Old Testament passages to prove this universal corruption, and now he cites verses that vividly describe the deceitful and destructive nature of people's speech. These words about open graves and venomous lips highlight the pervasive sinfulness that Paul intends to prove leads to condemnation for all.
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pikrias · Greek Noun
Expressions of ill-will, resentment, or a harsh, malicious spirit. It reflects an internal corruption that manifests in hostile interactions with others.
"“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”" — What's so striking here is how the ancient text uses imagery of decay and hidden danger to describe human speech. It's not just that people lie; their very words are like a constantly open, foul-smel…
