The Meaning of Romans 1:19 Explained

Romans 1:19

KJV: Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

YLT: Because that which is known of God is manifest among them, for God did manifest it to them,

Darby: Because what is known of God is manifest among them, for God has manifested it to them,

ASV: because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Because  that which may be known  of God  is  manifest  in  them;  for  God  hath shewed  [it] unto them. 

What does Romans 1:19 Mean?

Context Summary

Romans 1:13-23 - The Only Power Of Salvation
We owe everything to our Lord, but since we can make Him no direct return, He has made men His residuary legatees. We are to think of others as having a claim upon us for His dear sake. In helping them, we repay Him. But note the Apostle's humility-as much as in me is, Romans 1:15. Paul was not indifferent to the claims of intellectual culture. He had been thoroughly trained in Hebrew and Greek literature. The high culture of the Roman world was appreciated by the student of Gamaliel for what it was worth; but he was not ashamed to preach the gospel in its capital because it carried with it the divine dynamic. It was power unto salvation. The Stoic, for instance, had a high ethical code, but it was ineffective for want of the driving power of Pentecost. The one condition is faith-to everyone that believeth, Romans 1:16.
Every man born into the world has an opportunity of knowing right and wrong from the inner witness of conscience, and of learning something of God from His works. Men will be judged by their attitude toward these two luminaries. Notice, however, that sad, strong word! Too many hold down the truth, Romans 1:18, r.v. They deliberately endeavor to throttle it. [source]

Chapter Summary: Romans 1

1  Paul commends his calling to the Romans;
9  and his desire to come to them
16  What his gospel is
18  God is angry with sin
21  What were the sins of mankind

Greek Commentary for Romans 1:19

Because [διοτι]
Gives the reason (δια οτι — diaτο γνωστον του τεου — hoti like our “for that”) for the revelation of God‘s wrath. [source]
That which may be known of God [γινωσκω]
Verbal adjective from η γνωσις — ginōskō either “the known” as elsewhere in N.T. (Acts 1:19; Acts 15:18, etc.) or “the knowable” as usual in ancient Greek, that is “the knowledge” In their hearts and consciences. God manifested First aorist active indicative of phaneroō Not mere tautology. See Romans 2:14-16. [source]
Manifest in them [ο τεος επανερωσεν]
In their hearts and consciences. [source]
God manifested [πανεροω]
First aorist active indicative of phaneroō Not mere tautology. See Romans 2:14-16. [source]
That which may be known [τὸ γνωστὸν]
So A.V. and Rev., as equivalent to that which is knowable. But that which is knowable was not revealed to the heathen. If it was, what need of a revelation? Better, that which is known, the universal sense in the New Testament, signifying the universal objective knowledge of God as the Creator, which is, more or less, in all men. [source]
In them []
In their heart and conscience. The emphasis should be on in. Thus the apparent tautology - what is known is manifest - disappears. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 1:19

John 21:1 Shewed [ἐφανέρωσεν]
This rendering might easily convey merely the sense of appearing; but its meaning is much deeper. Occurring frequently in the New Testament, it is used most frequently of God and Christ, or of men in their relation to these. Thus, of Christ in person while upon earth (Mark 16:12, Mark 16:14; John 1:31; John 2:11; 1 Peter 1:20; 1 John 1:2). Of the works of Christ (John 2:11; John 9:3; 1 John 3:5). Of Christ in redemption (1 John 3:5). Of Christ in His second coming (1 John 2:28). Of Christ in glory (1 John 3:2; Colossians 3:4). It is used of God. Of His revelation to men of the knowledge of Himself (Romans 1:19). Of His manifestation in Christ (1 Timothy 3:16). Of His righteousness (Romans 3:21). Of His love (1 John 4:9). It is used of men. As epistles manifesting the character and spirit of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:11). In the judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). In all these cases the appearing is not merely an appeal to sense, but is addressed to spiritual perception, and contemplates a moral and spiritual effect. It is the setting forth of the law or will or character of God; of the person or work of Christ; of the character or deeds of men, with a view to the disclosure of their quality and to the producing of a moral impression. Rev., manifested. [source]
Acts 14:17 Food []
Mercury, as the god of merchandise, was also the dispenser of food. “No one can read the speech without once more perceiving its subtle and inimitable coincidence with his (Paul's) thoughts and expressions. The rhythmic conclusion is not unaccordant with the style of his most elevated moods; and besides the appropriate appeal to God's natural gifts in a town not in itself unhappily situated, but surrounded by a waterless and treeless plain, we may naturally suppose that the 'filling our hearts with food and gladness' was suggested by the garlands and festive pomp which accompanied the bulls on which the people would afterward have made their common banquet” (Farrar, “Life and Work of Paul”). For the coincidences between this discourse and other utterances of Paul, compare Acts 14:15, and 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Acts 14:16, and Romans 3:25; Acts 17:30; Acts 14:17, and Romans 1:19, Romans 1:20. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

Romans 1:21 Because that [διοτι]
As in Romans 1:19. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:11 By them of Chloe [υπο των Χλοης]
Ablative case of the masculine plural article των — tōn by the (folks) of Chloe (genitive case). The words “which are of the household” are not in the Greek, though they correctly interpret the Greek, “those of Chloe.” Whether the children, the kinspeople, or the servants of Chloe we do not know. It is uncertain also whether Chloe lived in Corinth or Ephesus, probably Ephesus because to name her if in Corinth might get her into trouble (Heinrici). Already Christianity was working a social revolution in the position of women and slaves. The name Chloe means tender verdure and was one of the epithets of Demeter the goddess of agriculture and for that reason Lightfoot thinks that she was a member of the freedman class like Phoebe (Romans 16:1), Hermes (Romans 16:14), Nereus (Romans 16:15). It is even possible that Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus (1 Corinthians 16:17) may have been those who brought Chloe the news of the schisms in Corinth. Contentions Unseemly wranglings (as opposed to discussing, διαλεγομαι — dialegomai) that were leading to the schisms. Listed in works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19.) and the catalogues of vices (2 Corinthians 12:20; Romans 1:19.; 1 Timothy 6:4). [source]
1 Corinthians 1:11 Contentions [εριδες]
Unseemly wranglings (as opposed to discussing, διαλεγομαι — dialegomai) that were leading to the schisms. Listed in works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19.) and the catalogues of vices (2 Corinthians 12:20; Romans 1:19.; 1 Timothy 6:4). [source]
1 Corinthians 10:20 To demons, and not to God [δαιμονιοις και ου τεωι]
Referring to lxx text of Deuteronomy 32:17. It is probable that by ου τεωι — ou theōi Paul means “to a no-god” as also in Deuteronomy 32:21 επ ουκ ετνει — ep' ouk ethnei (by a no-people). This is Paul‘s reply to the heathen who claimed that they worshipped the gods represented by the images and not the mere wood or stone or metal idols. The word δαιμονια — daimonia is an adjective δαιμονιος — daimonios from δαιμων — daimōn an inferior deity, and with same idea originally, once in this sense in N.T. (Acts 17:18). Elsewhere in N.T. it has the notion of evil spirits as here, those spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12) that are under the control of Satan. The word δαιμονια — daimonia so common in the Gospels, occurs in Paul‘s writings only here and 1 Timothy 4:1. Demonology is a deep and dark subject here pictured by Paul as the explanation of heathenism which is a departure from God (Romans 1:19-23) and a substitute for the worship of God. It is a terrible indictment which is justified by the licentious worship associated with paganism then and now. [source]
Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me [ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ]
In N.T. ἀποκαλύπτειν toreveal is habitually used with the simple dative of the subject of the revelation, as Luke 10:21. Once with εἰς unto Romans 8:18: with ἐν inof the sphere in which the revelation takes place, only here, unless Romans 1:17be so explained; but there ἐν is probably instrumental. Render ἐν here by the simple in: in my spirit, according to the familiar N.T. idea of God revealing himself, living and working in man's inner personality. See, for instance, Romans 1:19; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:10, Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:25; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 2:5, 1 John 2:14, etc. Lightfoot explains, to reveal his Son by or through me to others. But apart from the doubtful use of ἐν , this introduces prematurely the thought of Paul's influence in his subsequent ministry. He is speaking of the initial stages of his experience. [source]
Hebrews 11:6 Impossible [αδυνατον]
Strong word as in Hebrews 6:4, Hebrews 6:18. See Romans 8:8 for same idea with αρεσαι — aresai Must believe Moral necessity to have faith (trust, πιστευω — pisteuō). This is true in business also (banks, for instance). That he is The very existence of God is a matter of intelligent faith (Romans 1:19.) So that men are left without excuse. He is a rewarder Rather, “becomes a rewarder” (present middle indicative of γινομαι — ginomai not of ειμι — eimi). Only N.T. example of μισταποδοτης — misthapodotēs late and rare double compound (one papyrus example, from μιστος — misthos (reward) and αποδιδωμι — apodidōmi (to pay back) like μισταποδοσια — misthapodosia (Hebrews 10:35; Hebrews 11:26). Seek after That seek out God. [source]
James 4:15 If the Lord will [εαν ο κυριος τεληι]
Condition of the third class with εαν — ean and the present active subjunctive (or first aorist active τελεσηι — thelesēi in some MSS). The proper attitude of mind (Acts 18:21; 1 Corinthians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 16:7; Romans 1:19; Philemon 2:19, Philemon 2:24; Hebrews 6:3), not to be uttered always in words like a charm. This Hellenistic formula was common among the ancient heathen, as today among modern Arabs like the Latin deo volente.This or that (τουτο η εκεινο — touto ē ekeino). Applicable to every act. [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 1:19 mean?

because the known - of God manifest is among them - God for to them has revealed [it]
διότι τὸ γνωστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ φανερόν ἐστιν ἐν αὐτοῖς θεὸς γὰρ αὐτοῖς ἐφανέρωσεν

διότι  because 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: διότι  
Sense: on this account that, because.
γνωστὸν  known 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: γνώριμος 
Sense: known, notable.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
φανερόν  manifest 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: φανερός  
Sense: apparent, manifest, evident, known.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
αὐτοῖς  to  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἐφανέρωσεν  has  revealed  [it] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: φανερόω  
Sense: to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way.