King James Version

What Does Romans 1:24 Mean?

Romans 1:24 in the King James Version says “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies betw...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:”

Romans 1:24 · KJV

Context

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.

24

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. more: or, rather

26

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Paul now details God's judicial response to idolatry: dio paredōken autous ho theos en tais epithumiais tōn kardiōn autōn eis akatharsia (διὸ παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς ἐν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν εἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν, 'therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness'). The threefold repetition of paredōken (παρέδωκεν, gave over—vv. 24, 26, 28) structures this section. Paredōken is judicial language—God handed them over to the consequences of their rebellion. This is not active causation but divine withdrawal, allowing sin to run its course.

En tais epithumiais tōn kardiōn autōn (ἐν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν, 'in the lusts of their hearts') indicates the internal source—desires, not external coercion. Eis akatharsia (εἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν, unto uncleanness) refers to sexual immorality and impurity, violating God's design for sexuality. The result: tou atimazesthai ta sōmata autōn en autois (τοῦ ἀτιμάζεσθαι τὰ σώματα αὐτῶν ἐν αὐτοῖς, 'to dishonor their bodies among themselves'). Atimazesthai (ἀτιμάζω, to dishonor/degrade) contrasts with the honor due to bodies made in God's image. Sexual sin dehumanizes and degrades, contrary to modern claims of liberation. The pattern: idolatry (v. 23) leads to immorality (v. 24)—rejecting God's authority over worship leads to rejecting His authority over sexuality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman sexual ethics were vastly different from biblical standards. Prostitution was legal and common. Pederasty (older men with boys) was accepted in Greek culture. Temple prostitution existed in various cults. Adultery was widespread. Roman sexual license was notorious—orgies, concubinage, sexual exploitation of slaves. Jewish Christians and Gentile converts were called to radical purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Paul's teaching on sexuality was countercultural and remains so today amid the sexual revolution's aftermath.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God 'gave them over' (παραδίδωμι) as judicial judgment (not arbitrary abandonment) inform your view of cultural moral decline?
  2. What is the connection between idolatry (worshiping self/pleasure) and sexual immorality in contemporary culture?
  3. How does biblical sexual ethics honor the body (σῶμα) contrary to both asceticism (despising the body) and hedonism (exploiting the body)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Διὸ1 of 21

“Wherefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

καὶ2 of 21

“also”

G2532

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

παρέδωκεν3 of 21

“gave”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτῶν4 of 21

“of their own”

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

ὁ5 of 21
G3588

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

θεὸς6 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

ἐν7 of 21

“between”

G1722

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

ταῖς8 of 21
G3588

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

ἐπιθυμίαις9 of 21

“the lusts”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

τῶν10 of 21
G3588

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

καρδιῶν11 of 21

“hearts”

G2588

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

αὐτῶν12 of 21

“of their own”

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

εἰς13 of 21

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀκαθαρσίαν14 of 21

“uncleanness”

G167

impurity (the quality), physically or morally

τοῦ15 of 21
G3588

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

ἀτιμάζεσθαι16 of 21

“to dishonour”

G818

to render infamous, i.e., (by implication) contemn or maltreat

τὰ17 of 21
G3588

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

σώματα18 of 21

“bodies”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

αὐτῶν19 of 21

“of their own”

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

ἐν20 of 21

“between”

G1722

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

ἑαυτοῖς21 of 21

“themselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

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 1:24 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 1:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 81:11-12Acts 7:42Matthew 15:14Acts 14:162 Thessalonians 2:10-12Ephesians 4:18-19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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