King James Version

What Does Romans 3:13 Mean?

Romans 3:13 in the King James Version says “Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:”

Romans 3:13 · KJV

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:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips. Paul shifts from general indictment to specific sins, beginning with speech (vv. 13-14). From Psalm 5:9 and 140:3, the imagery is grotesque. Taphos aneōgmenos ho larynx autōn (τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν, "their throat is an opened grave")—what emerges from human mouths is the stench of death and corruption.

Tais glōssais autōn edolioung (ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν, "with their tongues they kept deceiving")—continuous deception. Ios aspidōn (ἰὸς ἀσπίδων, "venom of asps") depicts words as lethal poison. James 3:8 echoes this: "the tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Human speech, which should glorify God, instead spreads corruption, falsehood, and spiritual death. The throat-tongue-lips sequence emphasizes that evil proceeds from humanity's core.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Judaism highly valued truthful speech as reflecting God's character. The Psalms Paul quotes were originally about Israel's enemies. By applying them to all humanity, Paul argues that Jews stand under the same condemnation. The asp (cobra) was particularly feared in the Mediterranean world for its deadly venom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this sobering imagery challenge your view of "small" sins like gossip, flattery, or white lies?
  2. In what ways does your speech spread corruption rather than life (Ephesians 4:29)?
  3. What does it mean that even your words, apart from grace, are instruments of death?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
τάφος1 of 15

“sepulchre”

G5028

a grave (the place of interment)

ἀνεῳγμένος2 of 15

“is an open”

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

ὁ3 of 15
G3588

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

λάρυγξ4 of 15

“throat”

G2995

the throat ("larynx")

αὐτῶν·5 of 15

“Their”

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

ταῖς6 of 15
G3588

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

γλώσσαις7 of 15

“tongues”

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

αὐτῶν·8 of 15

“Their”

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

ἐδολιοῦσαν9 of 15

“they have used deceit”

G1387

to be guileful

ἰὸς10 of 15

“the poison”

G2447

rust (as if emitted by metals); also venom (as emitted by serpents)

ἀσπίδων11 of 15

“of asps”

G785

a buckler (or round shield); used of a serpent (as coiling itself), probably the "asp"

ὑπὸ12 of 15

“is under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τὰ13 of 15
G3588

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

χείλη14 of 15

“lips”

G5491

a lip (as a pouring place); figuratively, a margin (of water)

αὐτῶν·15 of 15

“Their”

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

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 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 5:9Psalms 140:3Matthew 23:27-28Jeremiah 9:3-5Psalms 57:4James 3:5-8

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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