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Romans 1:28

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 1:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And even as they refused to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And even as they refused to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
Romans 1:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature:
27and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.
28And even as they refused to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful:
← Romans 1:27Romans 1:29 →
← Full Chapter 1 Romans Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And even as they did not like, etc..] This accounts for the justness of the divine procedure in leaving them to commit such scandalous iniquities; that since they had some knowledge of God by the light of nature, and yet did not care to retain God in [their] knowledge; or to own and acknowledge him as God, to worship and glorify him as such; but took every method to erase this knowledge out of their minds, and keep it from others: God gave them over to a reprobate mind; a vain empty mind, worthless, good for nothing devoid of all true knowledge and judgment; incapable of approving what is truly good, or of disapproving that which is evil; a mind that has lost all conscience of things, and is…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“gave them over--or "up" (see on Rom 1:24). to do those things which are not convenient--in the old sense of that word, that is, "not becoming," "indecorous," "shameful."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And even as they did not like ... - This was the true source of their crimes. They did not choose to acknowledge God. It was not because they could not, but because they were displeased with God, and chose to forsake him, and follow their own passions and lusts. To retain God ... - To think of him, or to serve and adore him. This was the first step in their sin. It was not that God compelled them; or that he did not give them knowledge; nor even is it said that he arbitrarily abandoned them as the first step; but they forsook him, and as a consequence he gave them up to a reprobate mind. To a reprobate mind - A mind destitute of judgment. In the Greek the same word is used here, which, in…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“God gave them up to an undiscerning mind - Treated of, Rom 1:32. To do things not expedient - Even the vilest abominations, treated of Rom 1:29-31. Romans 1:29”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:28 thought it foolish: Sin affects our actions and even our thoughts. One of the serious consequences of turning away from God is an unsound mind; people can no longer use their minds as God intended.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“as they did: Rom 1:18, Rom 1:21; Job 21:14, Job 21:15; Pro 1:7, Pro 1:22, Pro 1:29, Pro 5:12, Pro 5:13, Pro 17:16; Jer 4:22, Jer 9:6; Hos 4:6; Act 17:23, Act 17:32; Rom 8:7, Rom 8:8; Co1 15:34; Co2 4:4-6, Co2 10:5; Th2 1:8, Th2 2:10-12; Pe2 3:5 retain: or, acknowledge a reprobate mind: or, a mind void of judgment, Jer 6:30; Co2 13:5-7; Ti2 3:8; Tit 1:16 not convenient: Eph 5:4; Plm 1:8 Romans 1:29”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification