King James Version

What Does Romans 1:21 Mean?

Romans 1:21 in the King James Version says “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imagina...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 1:21 · KJV

Context

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.

22

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Paul traces the devolution from knowledge to idolatry. Dioti gnontes ton theon ouch hōs theon edoxasan (διότι γνόντες τὸν θεὸν οὐχ ὡς θεὸν ἐδόξασαν, 'because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God'). Gnontes (γνόντες, knowing) is an aorist participle—they possessed real knowledge of God. Yet ouch hōs theon edoxasan (they did not glorify Him as God)—they refused to honor, worship, or acknowledge Him. Ē ēucharistēsan (ἢ ηὐχαρίστησαν, nor were thankful) adds ingratitude to irreverence. Worship and gratitude are the proper human responses to the Creator; their absence is cosmic treason.

The consequence: alla emataiōthēsan en tois dialogismois autōn (ἀλλὰ ἐματαιώθησαν ἐν τοῖς διαλογισμοῖς αὐτῶν, 'but they became futile in their thoughts'). Emataiōthēsan (became futile/vain) echoes the Old Testament condemnation of idolatry as empty, worthless (Jeremiah 2:5). Dialogismois (διαλογισμός, reasonings/speculations) indicates intellectual pride and autonomy. The result: kai eskotisthē hē asynetos autōn kardia (καὶ ἐσκοτίσθη ἡ ἀσύνετος αὐτῶν καρδία, 'and their foolish heart was darkened'). Eskotisthē (was darkened) is passive—God gave them over to darkness as judicial consequence. Asynetos (ἀσύνετος, foolish/without understanding) heart signifies moral and spiritual blindness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This describes the trajectory from monotheism to polytheism seen in Genesis 3-11 and throughout human history. Ancient Near Eastern peoples likely began with knowledge of one God but descended into pantheons of deities. Greek philosophy sought truth but often led to skepticism or elaborate mythologies. Roman religion was state-sponsored idolatry. Paul shows that intellectual sophistication without God leads to profound folly. This pattern repeats in post-Christian Western culture's descent into relativism, nihilism, and neo-paganism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does refusing to glorify and thank God lead to 'futile thinking' (διαλογισμοί) and a 'darkened heart' (σκοτίζω καρδία)?
  2. What are modern equivalents of idolatry that involve intellectual pride and autonomy from God?
  3. Where in your life do you need to move from knowing about God to glorifying and thanking Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
διότι1 of 22

“Because”

G1360

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

γνόντες2 of 22

“that when they knew”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὸν3 of 22
G3588

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

θεὸν4 of 22

“God”

G2316

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

οὐχ5 of 22

“him not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὡς6 of 22

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

θεὸν7 of 22

“God”

G2316

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

ἐδόξασαν8 of 22

“they glorified”

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

ἢ9 of 22

“neither”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

εὐχαρίστησαν10 of 22

“were thankful”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

ἀλλ'11 of 22

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐματαιώθησαν12 of 22

“became vain”

G3154

to render (passively, become) foolish, i.e., (morally) wicked or (specially), idolatrous

ἐν13 of 22

“in”

G1722

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

τοῖς14 of 22
G3588

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

διαλογισμοῖς15 of 22

“imaginations”

G1261

discussion, i.e., (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate

αὐτῶν16 of 22

“their”

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

καὶ17 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐσκοτίσθη18 of 22

“was darkened”

G4654

to obscure (literally or figuratively)

ἡ19 of 22
G3588

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

ἀσύνετος20 of 22

“foolish”

G801

unintelligent; by implication, wicked

αὐτῶν21 of 22

“their”

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

καρδία22 of 22

“heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

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 1:21 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 1:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:17-182 Kings 17:15Jeremiah 2:52 Timothy 3:2Psalms 50:23John 3:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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