New Testament
Romans 1:26
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 because people turned away from God, He allowed them to pursue their sinful desires.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul explains that because people turned away from God, He allowed them to pursue their sinful desires. The term "vile passions" refers to inappropriate and immoral behaviors. Specifically, it mentions women who abandoned their natural relationships for unnatural ones, indicating a departure from God's design for sexuality. This reflects a broader theme of humanity's rebellion against divine order, leading to consequences that affect both individuals and society. The passage highlights the seriousness of rejecting God's truth and the resulting moral decline. It serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring God's standards and the impact of such choices on personal and communal well-being.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Romans 1:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our values and choices. It challenges us to align our lives with God's design and resist societal pressures that promote behaviors contrary to His teachings. Seeking guidance through prayer and scripture can help us maintain a righteous path.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 1:26 mean?
Romans 1:26 explains that God allowed people to pursue their sinful desires after they turned away from Him. It highlights the consequences of rejecting God's truth and the moral decline that follows.
What is the meaning of vile passions in Romans 1:26?
'Vile passions' in Romans 1:26 refers to inappropriate and immoral desires that go against God's design for human relationships and sexuality.
How does Romans 1:26 relate to God's judgment?
Romans 1:26 illustrates God's judgment by showing that when people reject Him, He allows them to follow their sinful inclinations, leading to destructive behaviors.
What are the consequences mentioned in Romans 1:26?
The consequences in Romans 1:26 include a departure from God's intended design for relationships, resulting in moral decline and the pursuit of unnatural desires.

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.
Unlock the full Romans summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Romans — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Romans summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.