King James Version

What Does Romans 1:31 Mean?

Romans 1:31 in the King James Version says “Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: without natural: or unsociab...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: without natural: or unsociable”

Romans 1:31 · KJV

Context

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,

31

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: without natural: or unsociable

32

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. have: or, consent with

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Paul concludes the vice list: asynētous asynthetous astorgous anelēmonas (ἀσυνέτους ἀσυνθέτους ἀστόργους ἀνελεήμονας, 'without understanding, faithless, heartless, ruthless'). Asynētous (ἀσύνετος, without understanding) echoes verse 21—moral stupidity resulting from rejecting God. Asynthetous (ἀσύνθετος, faithless/covenant breakers) describes those who violate agreements, oaths, and commitments—social fabric depends on trustworthiness. Astorgous (ἄστοργος, heartless/without natural affection) refers to lack of family love—parents abandoning children, children neglecting parents. This is unnatural, violating innate bonds.

Anelēmonas (ἀνελεήμων, unmerciful/ruthless) describes cold-hearted cruelty, lacking compassion. These four terms, each beginning with the Greek alpha privative (a-/an- = without), emphasize absence of essential human qualities. This is de-humanization—when people reject God, they become less than human, losing understanding, faithfulness, affection, and mercy. The reprobate mind (v. 28) produces reprobate behavior. The catalog (vv. 29-31) demonstrates the comprehensive corruption of humanity apart from God's grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman society exhibited these traits despite professed values. Infanticide (exposing unwanted babies) showed lack of natural affection. Gladiatorial games demonstrated ruthlessness. Political betrayals revealed faithlessness. Slavery institutionalized cruelty. Paul's list would have resonated with readers aware of society's moral decay. Yet Jewish readers, self-righteous in condemning Gentile sin, would soon face indictment in chapter 2. The diagnosis is universal: all have sinned (Romans 3:23). The remedy is also universal: the gospel (Romans 1:16-17).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does rejecting God lead to losing essential human qualities—understanding, faithfulness, affection, mercy?
  2. What modern examples demonstrate 'without natural affection' (ἄστοργος)—abortion, euthanasia, neglect of elderly, family breakdown?
  3. In what ways do you need God's grace to cultivate understanding, faithfulness, affection, and mercy that sin has eroded?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
ἀσυνέτους1 of 5

“Without understanding”

G801

unintelligent; by implication, wicked

ἀσυνθέτους2 of 5

“covenantbreakers”

G802

properly, not agreed, i.e., treacherous to compacts

ἀστόργους3 of 5

“without natural affection”

G794

hard-hearted towards kindred

ἀσπόνδους,4 of 5

“implacable”

G786

literally, without libation (which usually accompanied a treaty), i.e., (by implication) truceless

ἀνελεήμονας·5 of 5

“unmerciful”

G415

merciless

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 1:31 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 1:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 3:3Proverbs 18:2Romans 3:11Isaiah 33:8Matthew 15:16Jeremiah 4:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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