King James Version

What Does Romans 3:14 Mean?

Romans 3:14 in the King James Version says “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:”

Romans 3:14 · KJV

Context

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:

16

Destruction and misery are in their ways:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. From Psalm 10:7, Paul continues the indictment of speech. Hōn to stoma aras kai pikrias gemei (ὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει, "whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness"). Ara (ἀρά) is cursing—invoking harm on others. Pikria (πικρία) is bitterness—the rancid, poisonous disposition that underlies cursing.

The verb gemei (γέμει, "is full") depicts the mouth as a vessel overflowing with venom. Jesus taught that the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart (Matthew 12:34). Paul's point: human speech reveals the corruption within. Where God's image-bearers should speak blessing, truth, and wisdom, we spew cursing, deception, and bitterness. This is total depravity—not that humans are as evil as they could be, but that sin has corrupted every faculty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish thought, the power of the spoken word was enormous (see James 3:1-12). Words could bless or curse, create or destroy. Paul's indictment strikes at the heart of human pretension: even our most distinctive faculty—speech—is corrupted by sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "cursing and bitterness" characterize your speech patterns—complaint, cynicism, criticism?
  2. How can you cultivate speech that gives grace to hearers (Ephesians 4:29) rather than spreads poison?
  3. Why is taming the tongue impossible apart from heart transformation by the Spirit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ὧν1 of 7

“Whose”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὸ2 of 7
G3588

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

στόμα3 of 7

“mouth”

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

ἀρᾶς4 of 7

“of cursing”

G685

properly, prayer (as lifted to heaven), i.e., (by implication) imprecation

καὶ5 of 7

“and”

G2532

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

πικρίας6 of 7

“bitterness”

G4088

acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively

γέμει7 of 7

“is full”

G1073

to swell out, i.e., be full

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 10:7Psalms 109:17-18Psalms 59:12James 3:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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