Romans 3:15-17
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The verse highlights an active, almost eager movement towards violence: it's not just that they do shed blood, but their very feet are swift to do it. This imagery suggests a readiness and a eagerness to commit evil, a lack of hesitation that points to a deeply ingrained corruption.
“Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is quoting from Isaiah to show that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the dominion of sin and falls short of God's glory. This specific verse highlights how deeply ingrained sin is, describing humanity's eagerness and readiness to commit acts of violence and injustice, rather than walking in righteousness. It paints a picture of human nature, left to its own devices, rushing headlong into destruction.
Ever notice how quickly things can go wrong? The Bible paints a stark picture of humanity's readiness to cause destruction, not just in grand acts, but in the very way we move through life.
The Apostle Paul quotes Isaiah here, describing humanity's relentless drive towards violence. It's not a passive state; it's an active, eager pursuit.
The Urgency of Violence
"Their feet are swift to shed blood." This imagery speaks to an immediate, almost enthusiastic willingness to inflict harm. It's as if people can't wait to cause destruction, whether it's physical violence, reputational ruin, or the tearing down of others.
Not Just Extreme Acts
This isn't only about murderers or soldiers. Think about how quickly gossip can spread, how readily we jump to conclusions, or how easily we can lash out in anger. These are all 'swift feet' leading down paths of destruction, impacting lives and relationships.
Why does the Bible seem so negative about human nature? Paul doesn't pull punches, but he's not just being critical; he's revealing a profound truth about our condition.
Paul's use of Old Testament passages isn't arbitrary. He's building a case, using God's own Word to show that the problem of sin is pervasive and deeply rooted.
A Universal Problem
Paul quotes extensively from the Old Testament (Psalms, Isaiah, Proverbs) to prove a single, powerful point: "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). He shows that both Jews and Gentiles are equally condemned under sin's dominion. This isn't about comparing who is sinful, but recognizing that fall short.
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God's Word as Witness
These ancient texts aren't just describing people in the past. They serve as timeless witnesses to the unchanging reality of human nature apart from God's grace. Paul uses them authoritatively, reminding us that Scripture is the ultimate judge and revealer of our true state.
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.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
Hebrew concept of 'shalom', signifying not just absence of conflict, but wholeness, harmony, welfare, and right relationship with God and others.
Paul's powerful declaration that 'their feet are swift to shed blood' isn't just a standalone accusation; it's a vivid quote from Isaiah, originally aimed at a sinful Israel. By using it here, Paul underscores that both Jews and Gentiles, regardless of their heritage or perceived advantages, share a fundamental human flaw: a readiness for violence and injustice when they turn away from God.
c. 750 BC
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry
The prophet Isaiah delivers his message, including a condemnation of the people's sins and violence, which Paul later quotes.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiachin and many of Jerusalem's elite are exiled to Babylon, marking a period of judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, leading to further exile and a profound crisis of identity for the Jewish people.
c. 142 BC
Hasmonean Kingdom Established
After rebellion against the Seleucids, the Hasmonean dynasty establishes an independent Jewish kingdom, often marked by internal strife and political maneuvering.
c. 63 BC
Roman Intervention in Judea
Rome intervenes in a Hasmonean civil war, leading to Roman dominance over Judea and a period of foreign rule.
c. AD 25-35
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins his ministry, calling people to repentance and highlighting the gap between outward observance and inner righteousness.
c. AD 57-59— this verse
Paul Writes to the Romans
Paul, likely while in Corinth or Ephesus, writes his letter to the church in Rome, summarizing the universal sinfulness of humanity before God.
This passage is the direct source for Paul's description, painting a vivid picture of injustice and violence stemming from a corrupt heart.
Proverbs 1:16This proverb echoes the sentiment that wickedness often guides people's actions, showing that a swiftness to do evil is a long-standing human tendency.
Jeremiah 22:17This verse directly condemns those who pursue gain through unjust means and violence, highlighting the sin of greed leading to bloodshed, a theme echoed in Romans 3.
Romans 1:31This verse lists 'bloodshedders' among other vices, showing that a lack of righteousness (as detailed in Romans 3) manifests in violent and destructive actions.
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…
The verse highlights an active, almost eager movement towards violence: it's not just that they do shed blood, but their very feet are swift to do it. This imagery suggests a readiness and a eagerness to commit evil, a lack of hesitation that points to a deeply ingrained corruption.
Paul is quoting from Isaiah to show that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the dominion of sin and falls short of God's glory. This specific verse highlights how deeply ingrained sin is, describing humanity's eagerness and readiness to commit acts of violence and injustice, rather than walking in righteousness. It paints a picture of human nature, left to its own devices, rushing headlong into destruction.
Paul is quoting from Isaiah to show that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the dominion of sin and falls short of God's glory. This specific verse highlights how deeply ingrained sin is, describing humanity's eagerness and readiness to commit acts of violence and injustice, rather than walking in righteousness. It paints a picture of human nature, left to its own devices, rushing headlong into destruction.
"“Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.”" — The verse highlights an active, almost eager movement towards violence: it's not just that they do shed blood, but their very feet are swift to do it. This imagery suggests a readiness and a eage…
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Last reviewed October 2026
