New Testament
Romans 3:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
'Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.'
Compare translations
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
What Romans 3:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 3:14, the Apostle Paul highlights the negative speech of those who are unrepentant and sinful. The phrase 'mouth is full of cursing and bitterness' suggests that their words are not only harmful but also reflect a deep-seated anger and resentment. This verse is part of a larger argument where Paul is demonstrating the universal sinfulness of humanity, showing that everyone, regardless of their background, has fallen short of God's glory. Cursing refers to speaking ill of others or invoking harm, while bitterness indicates a heart filled with resentment. Together, these words paint a picture of a person whose speech is tainted by their inner turmoil and moral failure. This serves as a reminder of the importance of our words and the condition of our hearts, as they often reveal our true character and relationship with God.
How to apply Romans 3:14 to your life
We should be mindful of our words and the impact they have on others. Instead of cursing or expressing bitterness, we can choose to speak words of encouragement and kindness. This not only reflects a transformed heart but also fosters healthier relationships and a more positive environment.
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 Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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 3:14
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 3:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 3:14 mean?
Romans 3:14 highlights the negative speech of unrepentant individuals, indicating that their words are filled with cursing and bitterness, reflecting their inner turmoil and moral failure.
What is the meaning of 'cursing' in Romans 3:14?
In Romans 3:14, 'cursing' refers to speaking ill of others or wishing harm upon them, indicating a harmful and negative attitude that stems from a sinful heart.
What is the significance of 'bitterness' in Romans 3:14?
'Bitterness' in Romans 3:14 signifies a deep-seated resentment and anger, suggesting that the person's speech is a reflection of their troubled inner state.
How can we apply Romans 3:14 in our lives?
We can apply Romans 3:14 by being mindful of our words, choosing to speak with kindness and encouragement instead of cursing or expressing bitterness, which promotes healthier relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.