King James Version

What Does Romans 1:19 Mean?

Romans 1:19 in the King James Version says “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. in them: or, to them” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. in them: or, to them”

Romans 1:19 · KJV

Context

17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. in them: or, to them

20

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: so: or, that they may be

21

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Paul explains why suppression of truth is culpable: dioti to gnōston tou theou phaneron estin en autois (διότι τὸ γνωστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ φανερόν ἐστιν ἐν αὐτοῖς, 'because what may be known of God is manifest in them'). To gnōston (τὸ γνωστόν, what is knowable) indicates accessible, understandable knowledge. This is not exhaustive knowledge of God's character or salvific plan but sufficient revelation to render humanity accountable. Phaneron estin (φανερόν ἐστιν, is manifest/evident) means it is clear, visible, unmistakable.

En autois (ἐν αὐτοῖς, in them) could mean 'among them' or 'within them'—likely both. Humanity has internal moral awareness (conscience, Romans 2:14-15) and external natural revelation (v. 20). The reason: ho gar theos autois ephanerōsen (ὁ γὰρ θεὸς αὐτοῖς ἐφανέρωσεν, 'for God has shown it to them'). God is the active revealer; humans are passive recipients. This is general revelation—knowledge of God available to all through creation and conscience, distinct from special revelation (Scripture, Christ). General revelation makes humans culpable but does not save; only the gospel saves (v. 16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient paganism was not mere ignorance but idolatry—the exchange of truth for lies (v. 25). Philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Stoics acknowledged a supreme being or logos (reason) governing the cosmos, yet worship devolved into polytheism and immorality. Paul's argument in Romans 1 echoes Wisdom of Solomon 13-14 (a Second Temple Jewish text), which condemned Gentile idolatry as culpable suppression of natural knowledge of God. Paul universalizes this indictment, including Jews in chapter 2.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'what may be known of God' (τὸ γνωστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ) through nature and conscience include and exclude?
  2. How should natural revelation inform evangelism, apologetics, and cultural engagement with non-Christians?
  3. If all people have some knowledge of God, why do they still need the gospel, and why is missions urgent?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
διότι1 of 14

“Because”

G1360

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

τὸ2 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γνωστὸν3 of 14

“that which may be known”

G1110

well-known

τοῦ4 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς5 of 14

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

φανερόν6 of 14

“manifest”

G5318

shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally

ἐστιν7 of 14

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν8 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτοῖς9 of 14

“it unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ10 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ11 of 14

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

θεὸς12 of 14

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

αὐτοῖς13 of 14

“it unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐφανέρωσεν14 of 14

“hath shewed”

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 1:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 1:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 14:16-17Psalms 19:1-6Romans 1:20Acts 17:23-30Isaiah 40:26John 1:9

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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