Romans 3:15-16
“Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Romans 3:15-16
“Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights not just a propensity for violence, but an eagerness and speed in carrying it out. The "swiftness" emphasizes how readily people turn to destructive actions, almost as if they can't help but rush towards shedding blood.
Paul is proving that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the power of sin. To underscore this, he quotes Old Testament passages that describe humanity's fallen state, painting a picture of widespread corruption and violence stemming from a lack of God's fear. These verses reveal the eagerness and readiness with which people pursue wicked actions, showing their bent towards cruelty and destruction.
Paul doesn't just state facts; he draws from the deep well of Scripture. Discover how ancient prophets painted a picture of humanity that still rings true today.
Paul powerfully uses Old Testament passages to reveal a universal truth about humanity: we are all fallen. In Romans 3:15, he quotes Isaiah 59:7-8, which vividly describes a people eager for violence.
Swift to Do Evil
This isn't just an ancient observation; it's a theological diagnosis of the human condition.
Paul's message is stark: no one is exempt. Explore how the concept of being "under sin" paints a picture of total enslavement.
The verses Paul quotes aren't just examples of bad behavior; they illustrate a profound theological reality: humanity is "under sin." This phrase suggests not just occasional sin, but a state of subjugation and dominion by sin.
Enslaved by Sin
Understand the original words
haima ekcheai · Greek Verb phrase
The act of killing or murder. It is used in Scripture to demonstrate the extreme extent of human malice and the complete disregard for the image of God in others.
syntrimma · Greek Noun
Destruction, devastation, or crushing; frequently used in the Bible to describe the ultimate outcome of a life lived in rebellion against God.
talaipōria · Greek Noun
Distress, unhappiness, or affliction; refers to the wretched state of existence resulting from sin and separation from the Creator.
Paul quotes Isaiah to show that the very people who should know God's law (the Jews) are no different from the Gentiles; both are deeply entangled in sin, evidenced by their willingness to commit terrible acts.
c. 750-700 BC
Prophet Isaiah's Ministry
Isaiah delivers prophecies detailing the sins and coming judgment of Israel and Judah. This includes vivid descriptions of societal injustice and violence.
c. 700 BC
Isaiah 59:7-8 Recorded
The specific passage describing swiftness to shed blood, along with other descriptions of wickedness, is written down as part of Isaiah's prophetic book. This passage highlights severe moral and social corruption.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
The Babylonian Empire deports King Jehoiachin and many Judahites to Babylon. This marks a significant step toward the eventual destruction of Jerusalem.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population. This catastrophic event underscores the consequences of the nation's unrighteousness.
This passage is the direct source for Paul's statement, vividly describing the destructive and violent paths of sinful humanity. It shows that this isn't a new problem but a deep-seated issue described by the prophets.
Proverbs 1:16This verse echoes the sentiment that human feet are quick to pursue wickedness and violence. It highlights how readily people turn to destructive actions when they reject wisdom.
Psalm 14:1-3These verses paint a picture of universal human corruption, stating that 'no one does good, not even one.' This reinforces Paul's point that the tendency toward 'shedding blood' is part of a broader human inclination away from righteousness.
Jeremiah 7:9This prophetic passage condemns Israel for their 'thefts, murder, adultery, false swearing, and so on,' showing a pattern of violent sin that God judges. It demonstrates that 'swift feet to shed blood' is a manifestation of rebellion against God's law.
barnesRomans 3:15: "Their feet are swift to shed blood:"
Their feet ... - The quotation in this and the two following verses, is abridged or condensed from Isaiah 59:7-8 . The expressions occur in the midst of a description of the character of the nation in the time of the prophet. The apostle has selected a few expressions out of many, rather making a reference to the entire passage, than a formal quotation. The expression, "their feet are swift," etc., denotes the eagerness of the nation to commit…
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 not just a propensity for violence, but an eagerness and speed in carrying it out. The "swiftness" emphasizes how readily people turn to destructive actions, almost as if they can't help but rush towards shedding blood.
Paul is proving that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the power of sin. To underscore this, he quotes Old Testament passages that describe humanity's fallen state, painting a picture of widespread corruption and violence stemming from a lack of God's fear. These verses reveal the eagerness and readiness with which people pursue wicked actions, showing their bent towards cruelty and destruction.
Paul is proving that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the power of sin. To underscore this, he quotes Old Testament passages that describe humanity's fallen state, painting a picture of widespread corruption and violence stemming from a lack of God's fear. These verses reveal the eagerness and readiness with which people pursue wicked actions, showing their bent towards cruelty and destruction.
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This pervasive influence means that our natural state is one of bondage, where our desires and actions are easily bent towards what is destructive.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
The pivotal events of Christian faith occur, offering a new path to righteousness through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
Paul writes his letter to the Romans, likely from Corinth or Ephesus. He meticulously argues that all humanity, both Jew and Gentile, is under the power of sin.
"“Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery," — This verse highlights not just a propensity for violence, but an eagerness and speed in carrying it out. The "swiftness" emphasizes how readily people turn to destructive actions, almost as if they c…