Romans 3:14
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Romans 3:14
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul doesn't just say people are angry; he emphasizes the constant outflow of that anger. The "mouth full" imagery shows that curses and bitterness aren't occasional slips but the dominant expression of their inner state, revealing a heart so corrupted that profane language and malicious intent spill out uncontrollably.
Paul is building a case that everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, is under the power of sin. He's quoting from the Old Testament Psalms and Isaiah to paint a stark picture of humanity's fallen condition, showing that their words are corrupt, their actions are wicked, and they lack any true understanding of God. This verse describes the bitter, malicious, and often blasphemous speech that flows from hearts dominated by sin.
Ever notice how certain words just spill out of people's mouths, almost uncontrollably? The Bible talks about mouths 'full' of something, and it's not pretty.
When Paul writes that mouths are "full of cursing and bitterness," he's quoting from the Old Testament (Psalm 10:7) to paint a stark picture of humanity's fallen state.
What's Being Said?
The Source of the Overflow
Jesus himself said, 'Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks' (Matthew 12:34). So, when someone's mouth is full of curses and bitterness, it reveals what's truly filling their heart: a deep corruption and rebellion against God.
This verse feels harsh, doesn't it? But Paul uses these strong words to connect us all under the umbrella of sin, no matter who we are.
Paul isn't just describing random bad people; he's using these Old Testament descriptions to show that everyone falls short. He quotes Psalm 10:7 and other passages (like Psalm 5:9, 140:3, 59:7-8) to demonstrate that the problem of sin is universal.
Jews and Gentiles Alike
In the immediate context (Romans 3:9-18), Paul argues that both Jews, who had the law, and Gentiles, who didn't, are all under the power of sin. The specific descriptions of sinful speech and action apply to all humanity when left to themselves.
The Root of the Problem
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 draws directly from Old Testament passages (Psalms, Isaiah) to describe the universal problem of sin. This verse uses powerful imagery from these ancient texts to show how sin corrupts human speech, revealing the deep bitterness and malice present in the human heart, a reality Paul sees in both Jewish and Gentile societies of his day.
c. 1000 BC
David's Enemies Curse Him
During King David's reign, he faced intense opposition and betrayal. The Old Testament describes his enemies speaking with malice and bitterness against him and God.
c. 700s BC
Isaiah Describes Societal Corruption
The prophet Isaiah laments the deep-seated sin and injustice in Israel, highlighting how the words and actions of people reflect a corrupt inner state.
c. 500s BC
Prophets Speak of Exile and Judgment
During the Babylonian exile, prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel spoke of the consequences of persistent sin, including the nation's inability to speak truth and righteousness.
c. 50 BC - AD 50
Roman Influence in Judea
The Roman Empire exerted increasing political and cultural control over Judea, creating social tension and influencing the language and attitudes of the populace.
This passage is directly referenced by Paul, describing how the wicked's mouths are filled with curses and deceit, highlighting the deep-seated malice that corrupts their speech.
Jeremiah 2:19This verse speaks of sin as an 'evil and bitter thing,' providing a theological backdrop for understanding the 'bitterness' Paul mentions as a symptom of a heart far from God.
Matthew 12:34Jesus' teaching that 'out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks' powerfully explains why Paul focuses on the mouth's corruption as evidence of the heart's sinful condition.
James 3:8James describes the tongue as a restless evil, full of deadly poison, which underscores the destructive and uncontrollable nature of corrupt speech that Paul is illustrating.
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…
Paul doesn't just say people are angry; he emphasizes the constant outflow of that anger. The "mouth full" imagery shows that curses and bitterness aren't occasional slips but the dominant expression of their inner state, revealing a heart so corrupted that profane language and malicious intent spill out uncontrollably.
Paul is building a case that everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, is under the power of sin. He's quoting from the Old Testament Psalms and Isaiah to paint a stark picture of humanity's fallen condition, showing that their words are corrupt, their actions are wicked, and they lack any true understanding of God. This verse describes the bitter, malicious, and often blasphemous speech that flows from hearts dominated by sin.
Paul is building a case that everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, is under the power of sin. He's quoting from the Old Testament Psalms and Isaiah to paint a stark picture of humanity's fallen condition, showing that their words are corrupt, their actions are wicked, and they lack any true understanding of God. This verse describes the bitter, malicious, and often blasphemous speech that flows from hearts dominated by sin.
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These verses reveal that the corruption isn't just skin deep. It points to a fundamental brokenness in human nature, a deep-seated tendency towards evil that manifests in our words and actions. This is why Paul emphasizes that no one is righteous on their own.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul, writing from Corinth or Ephesus, addresses the church in Rome, aiming to articulate a comprehensive gospel that addresses the sinfulness of both Jews and Gentiles.
"“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”" — Paul doesn't just say people are angry; he emphasizes the constant outflow of that anger. The "mouth full" imagery shows that curses and bitterness aren't occasional slips but the dominant expressi…