New Testament
Romans 1:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Paul explains that God's anger is shown from heaven against all forms of wickedness and injustice.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul explains that God's anger is shown from heaven against all forms of wickedness and injustice. This anger is directed at those who knowingly reject and hide the truth about God through their immoral actions. The phrase 'suppress the truth' indicates that people are aware of God's standards but choose to ignore them, leading to their unrighteous behavior. This sets the stage for understanding the consequences of sin and the need for salvation. The verse emphasizes that God's wrath is not arbitrary but is a response to human choices that go against His nature. It serves as a warning that ignoring God's truth has serious implications, both in this life and the next. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of recognizing and accepting God's truth to avoid His judgment.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Romans 1:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we respond to God's truth. Are there areas where we might be suppressing the truth through our actions? It challenges us to live in alignment with God's standards and to seek His guidance in our daily choices.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 1:18 mean?
Romans 1:18 explains that God's anger is revealed against all forms of wickedness and injustice. It highlights that this anger is directed at those who knowingly reject and hide the truth about God through their immoral actions.
What is the meaning of 'suppress the truth' in Romans 1:18?
The phrase 'suppress the truth' in Romans 1:18 means that people are aware of God's standards but choose to ignore them. This leads to unrighteous behavior and a rejection of God's moral guidance.
How does Romans 1:18 relate to moral accountability?
Romans 1:18 emphasizes moral accountability by showing that God's wrath is a response to human choices that go against His nature. It indicates that individuals are responsible for recognizing and accepting God's truth.
What themes are present in Romans 1:18?
Key themes in Romans 1:18 include God's wrath, ungodliness, unrighteousness, truth suppression, moral accountability, and divine judgment. These themes highlight the seriousness of rejecting God's standards.

The Book of Romans
Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.
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