New Testament
Romans 1:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies among themselves.
Compare translations
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
What Romans 1:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul explains that God allowed people to follow their sinful desires because they rejected Him. The phrase 'gave them up' indicates that God, in His justice, permits individuals to pursue their own lusts, leading to moral corruption. This uncleanness refers to both physical and spiritual impurity, resulting in dishonor among themselves. The focus is on how their choices lead to a degradation of their bodies and relationships. This reflects a broader theme in Romans about the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting chaos in human behavior. The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring divine truth and the natural consequences of sin, emphasizing the importance of seeking purity and honoring God in our lives.
How to apply Romans 1:24 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our desires and choices. It reminds us to seek purity and honor in our lives, avoiding the temptations that lead to moral decay. By aligning our hearts with God's truth, we can resist the pull of sinful desires and live in a way that honors ourselves and others.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 1:24
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 1:24
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 1:24 mean?
Romans 1:24 means that God allows people to follow their sinful desires when they reject Him. This leads to moral corruption and dishonor among themselves, highlighting the consequences of turning away from divine truth.
What is the meaning of 'gave them up' in Romans 1:24?
The phrase 'gave them up' in Romans 1:24 indicates that God permits individuals to pursue their own lusts as a form of judgment. It shows that when people choose to ignore God, they may face the consequences of their actions.
What themes are present in Romans 1:24?
Key themes in Romans 1:24 include God's judgment, human sinfulness, and the consequences of rejecting God. It emphasizes moral corruption and the dishonor that arises from pursuing lustful desires.
How can I apply Romans 1:24 to my life?
You can apply Romans 1:24 by reflecting on your desires and choices, seeking purity and honor in your actions. Aligning your heart with God's truth can help you resist temptations that lead to moral decay.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.