New Testament

Romans 1:28

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Romans 1:28, the Apostle Paul discusses the consequences of rejecting God.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

And since they did not see fit to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting —

KJVKing James Version

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 1:28, the Apostle Paul discusses the consequences of rejecting God. When people choose not to acknowledge God in their lives, He allows them to follow their own misguided thoughts and desires. This leads to a corrupted mindset, where they engage in actions that are inappropriate or immoral. The phrase 'debased mind' indicates a state of moral decay, where individuals lose the ability to discern right from wrong. This passage serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring God and the natural consequences that follow when society turns away from divine truth. It highlights the importance of keeping God at the center of our understanding and decision-making, as neglecting Him can lead to a downward spiral of behavior that is harmful to oneself and others.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 1:28 to your life

To apply this verse, we should actively seek to include God in our daily thoughts and decisions. This means studying scripture, praying, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences that encourage a godly mindset. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of a debased mind and live in alignment with God's will.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 1:28 mean?

Romans 1:28 explains that when people choose not to acknowledge God, He allows them to follow their misguided thoughts. This results in a corrupted mindset, leading to actions that are morally inappropriate.

What is the meaning of 'debased mind' in Romans 1:28?

The term 'debased mind' in Romans 1:28 refers to a state of moral decay where individuals lose the ability to discern right from wrong. It highlights the consequences of rejecting God and the resulting flawed thinking.

How can I apply Romans 1:28 in my life?

To apply Romans 1:28, actively include God in your daily decisions through prayer and scripture study. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help maintain a godly mindset and avoid moral pitfalls.

What themes are present in Romans 1:28?

Key themes in Romans 1:28 include the rejection of God, consequences of sin, moral decay, divine judgment, and the importance of human responsibility in acknowledging God's presence.

Book Summary

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.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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