Romans 3:15

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 3:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Their feet are swift to shed blood;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Their feet are swift to shed blood;
Romans 3:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15Their feet are swift to shed blood;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Their feet are swift to shed blood.] The sins of the heart and mouth are before described, and now the sins of action are taken notice of; for “the feet” are the instruments of motion and action: and when these are said to be “swift to shed blood”, it denotes the readiness and eagerness of men, to murder innocent creatures; which shows the dreadful malice and hatred that is in them. The words are cited from (<235907>Isaiah 59:7), and seem to point at the times of Manasseh, who shed so much innocent blood, as to fill Jerusalem with it from one end to the other.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Their feet are swift to shed blood-- (Pro 1:16; Isa 59:7): that is, "Those feet, which should 'run the way of God's commandments' (Psa 119:32), are employed to conduct men to deeds of darkest crime."”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Their feet ... - The quotation in this and the two following verses, is abridged or condensed from Isaiah 59:7-8. The expressions occur in the midst of a description of the character of the nation in the time of the prophet. The apostle has selected a few expressions out of many, rather making a reference to the entire passage, than a formal quotation. The expression, “their feet are swift,” etc., denotes the eagerness of the nation to commit crime, particularly deeds of injustice and cruelty. They thirsted for the blood of innocence, and hasted to shed it, to gratify their malice, or to satisfy their vengeance. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Isa 59:7-8 Romans 3:17”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:15-17 In this quotation from Isa 59:7-8, Paul addresses sins against others.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pro 1:16, Pro 6:18; Isa 59:7, Isa 59:8 Romans 3:17”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification