King James Version

What Does Romans 1:28 Mean?

Romans 1:28 in the King James Version says “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those thin...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; to retain: or, to acknowledge a reprobate: or, a mind void of judgment or, an unapproving mind”

Romans 1:28 · KJV

Context

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:

27

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another ; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; to retain: or, to acknowledge a reprobate: or, a mind void of judgment or, an unapproving mind

29

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Read Romans 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

The third paredōken (παρέδωκεν, gave them over) brings the climax: kai kathōs ouk edokimasan ton theon echein en epignōsei, paredōken autous ho theos eis adokimon noun (καὶ καθὼς οὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν τὸν θεὸν ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει, παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς εἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν, 'and just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind'). Ouk edokimasan (οὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν, did not approve/see fit) indicates deliberate rejection after examination. Echein en epignōsei (ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει, to have in knowledge) is full, accurate knowledge—they refused to retain God in their thinking.

The judgment: eis adokimon noun (εἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν, to a depraved/disqualified mind). Adokimon (ἀδόκιμος) means failed the test, worthless, reprobate—the moral faculty is corrupted. Noun (νοῦς, mind) is the seat of reasoning and moral judgment. When people reject God, He gives them over to darkened thinking (v. 21), leading to immoral behavior. The result: poiein ta mē kathēkonta (ποιεῖν τὰ μὴ καθήκοντα, 'to do things not fitting/proper'). Kathēkonta (καθήκω, fitting/proper) refers to behavior befitting humanity made in God's image—they do the opposite. This introduces the vice list in verses 29-31.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's diagnosis is that intellectual rejection of God leads to moral collapse. History confirms this—societies that abandon God descend into moral chaos. The Roman Empire's decline paralleled its moral decadence. The Enlightenment's rejection of Christianity led to the horrors of 20th-century totalitarianism. Post-Christian Western culture's embrace of relativism has unleashed moral confusion. When God is expelled from public consciousness, objective morality vanishes, and 'anything goes.' The reprobate mind cannot discern right from wrong.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to have a 'depraved mind' (ἀδόκιμος νοῦς), and how does this manifest in cultural moral confusion today?
  2. How does refusing to 'retain God in knowledge' (ἔχω ἐν ἐπιγνώσει) corrupt intellectual, moral, and practical reasoning?
  3. What hope is there for those with 'reprobate minds'—can they be renewed, and how?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

καθὼς2 of 20

“even as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

οὐκ3 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

ἐδοκίμασαν4 of 20

“like”

G1381

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

τὸν5 of 20
G3588

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

θεὸς6 of 20

“God”

G2316

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

ἔχειν7 of 20

“to retain”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐν8 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

ἐπιγνώσει9 of 20

“their knowledge”

G1922

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

παρέδωκεν10 of 20

“gave”

G3860

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

αὐτοὺς11 of 20

“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

ὁ12 of 20
G3588

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

θεὸς13 of 20

“God”

G2316

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

εἰς14 of 20

“to”

G1519

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

ἀδόκιμον15 of 20

“a reprobate”

G96

unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)

νοῦν16 of 20

“mind”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

ποιεῖν17 of 20

“to do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὰ18 of 20
G3588

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

μὴ19 of 20

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

καθήκοντα20 of 20

“convenient”

G2520

to reach to, i.e., (neuter of present active participle, figuratively as adjective) becoming

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 1:28 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 1:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12Romans 1:21Titus 1:16Jeremiah 9:6Romans 1:24Romans 8:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 1 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes