King James Version
What Does Romans 3:13 Mean?
“Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:”
Context
11
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one .
13
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15
Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Their throat is an open sepulchre**—*i.e.,* their speech is at once corrupt and corrupting. It is compared to a “yawning grave”—not merely to a pit into which a man may fall, but to a sort of pestiferous chasm yawning and ravening, as it were, after its prey.
**They have used deceit.**—Strictly, *they were deceiving;* a continued action brought up to the present time.
**Under their lips.**—As the poison-bag of the serpent is directly under the kind of tooth by which its venom is discharged.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 3:13 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 3:13
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge