“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that "bitterness" isn't just a feeling, but a destructive force that manifests as malice and cruelty toward others, showing a deep corruption in the heart. It’s not simply about angry words, but a pervasive malignancy that poisons relationships and demonstrates a profound lack of regard for God.
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is cataloging the universal sinfulness of humanity, demonstrating from Old Testament Scripture that neither Jews nor Gentiles are righteous before God. He’s just described the deceitful nature of sinful speech, and now he moves to the outward expressions of this depravity, quoting from Psalms to show the consistent venom and malice that flows from unregenerate hearts. This verse, along with the one following, highlights the destructive and hateful words that characterize a life estranged from God.
Ever notice how angry words can feel like poison? This verse dives deep into the destructive power of speech, showing us just how bad it can get.
Paul isn't just talking about occasional bad language. He quotes from the Old Testament, describing mouths 'full of cursing and bitterness.'
What's the Big Deal?
When Paul says mouths are 'full' of these things, he means it's not just an occasional outburst, but a constant state. It reflects a heart that's fundamentally at odds with God and humanity.
Where does all this nasty talk come from? It's not just a bad habit; it's a symptom of something deeper going on inside.
The scholars point out that these verses in Romans 3 are part of Paul's argument that everyone is under sin. He's not just describing random bad people; he's showing the reality of human nature when left to itself.
The Heart's Overflow
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This isn't about someone having a bad day; it’s about a heart so corrupted by sin that its natural output is venomous speech.
Understand the original words
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.
Paul isn't just describing abstract sin; he's drawing from ancient Israelite Scripture to show that this deep-seated corruption, marked by bitter and hateful speech, has been a defining characteristic of humanity's fallen state across generations.
c. 1000 BC
David writes Psalm 10
The imagery of a mouth full of cursing and bitterness, used by Paul here, is drawn from this Psalm, which describes the wicked and their malicious intent.
c. 700 BC
Isaiah prophesies
The prophet Isaiah describes the corruption and violence prevalent in society, laying groundwork for the Old Testament understanding of human sinfulness.
c. 300 BC
Septuagint translation
The ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Septuagint) is produced, influencing the language and phrasing Paul uses.
c. AD 50-55— this verse
Paul writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, aiming to explain the gospel and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles.
This is a direct Old Testament source for Paul's statement, showing the ancient roots of this description of wicked speech and the corrupt human heart.
Jeremiah 2:19This passage speaks of Israel's 'bitter' turning away from God, highlighting how sin's nature is inherently painful and destructive, just as the 'bitterness' in speech reflects an inner decay.
Matthew 12:34Jesus' teaching that 'out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks' directly explains why Paul connects outward 'cursing and bitterness' to an internal, pervasive sinfulness.
Ephesians 4:29This verse offers a powerful contrast, urging believers to speak words that build others up, rather than the destructive 'cursing and bitterness' described here, showing the stark difference between the redeemed and the unredeemed life.
barnesRomans 3:14: "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:"
Whose mouth - Psalm 10:7 . The apostle has not quoted this literally, but has given the sense. David in the psalm is describing his bitter enemies. Cursing - Reproachful and opprobrious language, such as Shimei used in relation to David; 2 Samuel 16:5, 2 Samuel 16:7-8. Bitterness - In the psalm, deceits. The word "bitterness" is used to denote severity, harshness, cruelty; reproachful and malicious words.
henryRomans 3:9-18: "What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;"
3:9-18 Here again is shown that all mankind are under the guilt of sin, as a burden; and under the government and dominion of sin, as enslaved to it, to work wickedness. This is made plain by several passages of Scripture from the Old Testament, which describe the corrupt and depraved state of all men, till grace restrain or change them. Great as ou…
This verse highlights that "bitterness" isn't just a feeling, but a destructive force that manifests as malice and cruelty toward others, showing a deep corruption in the heart. It’s not simply about angry words, but a pervasive malignancy that poisons relationships and demonstrates a profound lack of regard for God.
Paul is cataloging the universal sinfulness of humanity, demonstrating from Old Testament Scripture that neither Jews nor Gentiles are righteous before God. He’s just described the deceitful nature of sinful speech, and now he moves to the outward expressions of this depravity, quoting from Psalms to show the consistent venom and malice that flows from unregenerate hearts. This verse, along with the one following, highlights the destructive and hateful words that characterize a life estranged from God.
Paul is cataloging the universal sinfulness of humanity, demonstrating from Old Testament Scripture that neither Jews nor Gentiles are righteous before God. He’s just described the deceitful nature of sinful speech, and now he moves to the outward expressions of this depravity, quoting from Psalms to show the consistent venom and malice that flows from unregenerate hearts. This verse, along with the one following, highlights the destructive and hateful words that characterize a life estranged from God.
"“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”" — This verse highlights that "bitterness" isn't just a feeling, but a destructive force that manifests as malice and cruelty toward others, showing a deep corruption in the heart. It’s not simply about…
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Last reviewed October 2026