King James Version

What Does Romans 1:32 Mean?

Romans 1:32 in the King James Version says “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 1:32 · KJV

Context

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
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.

Paul concludes the indictment with shocking escalation: hoitines to dikaiōma tou theou epignontes (οἵτινες τὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ θεοῦ ἐπιγνόντες, 'who, knowing the righteous decree of God'). Dikaiōma (δικαίωμα, righteous requirement/decree) is God's moral law. Epignontes (ἐπιγνόντες, knowing fully) indicates clear awareness—conscience testifies to right and wrong (Romans 2:14-15). They know hoti hoi ta toiauta prassontes axioi thanatou eisin (ὅτι οἱ τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντες ἄξιοι θανάτου εἰσίν, 'that those who practice such things are worthy of death').

Axioi thanatou (ἄξιοι θανάτου, worthy of death) is divine judgment—not just physical death but eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). Despite knowing this, ou monon auta poiousin alla kai syneudokousin tois prassousin (οὐ μόνον αὐτὰ ποιοῦσιν ἀλλὰ καὶ συνευδοκοῦσιν τοῖς πράσσουσιν, 'not only do them but also approve of those who practice them'). Syneudokousin (συνευδοκέω, approve/take pleasure in) escalates guilt—celebrating sin in others is worse than committing it oneself. This describes modern culture: not only sinning but championing sin as virtue, silencing dissent, and persecuting righteousness. This is the end of the line—total moral inversion. Yet Romans 2:1 will declare: you are without excuse. All humanity stands condemned, desperately needing the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel (1:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's audience—both Jews and Gentiles in Rome—would have recognized this description of pagan society. But Paul's rhetorical strategy leads to Romans 2:1: 'Therefore you have no excuse... for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself.' The self-righteous Jew who condemns Gentile sin is equally guilty. Paul's gospel levels all humanity as sinners needing grace. Romans 1 sets up the glorious doctrines of justification (3-5), sanctification (6-8), and Israel's future (9-11) that follow.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'approving those who practice' (συνευδοκέω τοῖς πράσσουσιν) sin demonstrate greater guilt than committing sin oneself?
  2. What sins does contemporary culture celebrate and demand approval of, punishing those who dissent?
  3. Having read Romans 1:18-32, how does your own sinfulness and need for the gospel become clearer?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
οἵτινες1 of 23

“Who”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

τὸ2 of 23
G3588

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

δικαίωμα3 of 23

“the judgment”

G1345

an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision

τοῦ4 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ5 of 23

“of God”

G2316

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

ἐπιγνόντες6 of 23

“knowing”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

ὅτι7 of 23

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οἱ8 of 23
G3588

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

τὰ9 of 23
G3588

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

τοιαῦτα10 of 23

“such things”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

πράσσουσιν11 of 23

“in them that do”

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

ἄξιοι12 of 23

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

θανάτου13 of 23

“of death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

εἰσίν14 of 23

“are”

G1526

they are

οὐ15 of 23

“not”

G3756

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

μόνον16 of 23

“only”

G3440

merely

αὐτὰ17 of 23

“the same”

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

ποιοῦσιν18 of 23

“do”

G4160

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

ἀλλὰ19 of 23

“but”

G235

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

καὶ20 of 23
G2532

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

συνευδοκοῦσιν21 of 23

“have pleasure”

G4909

to think well of in common, i.e., assent to, feel gratified with

τοῖς22 of 23
G3588

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

πράσσουσιν23 of 23

“in them that do”

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

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 1:32 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 1:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:1-5Romans 1:21Romans 6:21Psalms 50:18Romans 1:18Romans 2:21-23

Test Your Knowledge

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

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