King James Version

What Does Romans 3:15 Mean?

Romans 3:15 in the King James Version says “Their feet are swift to shed blood:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Their feet are swift to shed blood:”

Romans 3:15 · KJV

Context

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:

17

And the way of peace have they not known:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Their feet are swift to shed blood. Paul shifts from sins of speech to sins of violence (vv. 15-17), quoting Isaiah 59:7-8. Oxeis hoi podes autōn ekchsai haima (ὀξεῖς οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐκχέαι αἷμα, "swift are their feet to shed blood"). Oxys (ὀξύς) means "sharp/swift"—depicting eager readiness to violence, not mere capacity.

Humanity doesn't reluctantly resort to violence when necessary; we rush toward it. From Cain murdering Abel to the 20th century's genocides, human history is written in blood. The image of "swift feet" suggests that violence is not an aberration but a default human response. We are, by nature, homo homini lupus—"man is wolf to man." Only God's common grace restrains the bloodshed that fallen human nature would otherwise unleash.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 59 indicted Israel's injustice and violence despite possessing God's law. First-century Judaism prided itself on not being like violent pagans, yet Paul includes Jews in this universal indictment. Jesus made the same point: murder begins with anger in the heart (Matthew 5:21-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse expose the violence latent in human hearts, even when not physically acted upon?
  2. What forms of bloodshed exist beyond literal murder—reputation assassination, economic exploitation, abortion?
  3. How should recognizing your own capacity for violence drive you to the Prince of Peace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
ὀξεῖς1 of 6

“are swift”

G3691

keen; by analogy, rapid

οἱ2 of 6
G3588

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

πόδες3 of 6

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτῶν4 of 6

“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

ἐκχέαι5 of 6

“to shed”

G1632

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

αἷμα6 of 6

“blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 59:7-8Proverbs 1:16Proverbs 6:18

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