The Meaning of Romans 1:28 Explained

Romans 1:28

KJV: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

YLT: And, according as they did not approve of having God in knowledge, God gave them up to a disapproved mind, to do the things not seemly;

Darby: And according as they did not think good to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind to practise unseemly things;

ASV: And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  even as  they did  not  like  to retain  God  in  [their] knowledge,  God  gave  them  over  to  a reprobate  mind,  to do  those things which are  not  convenient; 

What does Romans 1:28 Mean?

Study Notes

did not like
refused to have. Lit. did not approve God.

Context Summary

Romans 1:24-32 - From Gross Sins Of The Flesh
Few men knew as much as did Paul of the unutterableness of human need. In terrible words he enumerates its various aspects. Truth would enter human hearts from God's work in nature and from conscience, yet men pull down the blind and close the curtain. It is not that they do not know, but that they refuse to have God in their knowledge. They shun the thought of God, Psalms 10:4. They will not lift their happy faces toward Him with filial confidence. Thus a heavy darkness steals over them and veils His presence.
The next downward step is uncleanness; and when once men have deliberately chosen the downward path, there is nothing to stop them. They go headlong from one point to another in their descent into darkness. When our hearts turn from the purifying presence of God, they become the haunt of every foul bird and noisome reptile. What a marvel it is that out of such material God can even create saints! [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 1:28

And even as they refused [και κατως ουκ εδοκιμασαν]
“And even as they rejected” after trial just as δοκιμαζω — dokimazō is used of testing coins. They tested God at first and turned aside from him. [source]
Knowledge [επιγνωσει]
Full knowledge They had a dim memory that was a caricature. Unto a reprobate mind (εις αδοκιμον νουν — eis adokimon noun). Play on ουκ εδοκιμασαν — ouk edokimasan They rejected God and God rejected their mental attitude and gave them over (Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28). See this adjective already in 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7. Like an old abandoned building, the home of bats and snakes, left “to do those things which are not fitting” (ποιειν τα μη κατηκοντα — poiein ta mē kathēkonta), like the night clubs of modern cities, the dives and dens of the underworld, without God and in the darkness of unrestrained animal impulses. This was a technical term with Stoics (2 Maccabees 6:4). [source]
Unto a reprobate mind [εις αδοκιμον νουν]
Play on ουκ εδοκιμασαν — ouk edokimasan They rejected God and God rejected their mental attitude and gave them over (Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28). See this adjective already in 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7. Like an old abandoned building, the home of bats and snakes, left “to do those things which are not fitting” (ποιειν τα μη κατηκοντα — poiein ta mē kathēkonta), like the night clubs of modern cities, the dives and dens of the underworld, without God and in the darkness of unrestrained animal impulses. This was a technical term with Stoics (2 Maccabees 6:4). [source]
Even as []
Expressing the correlation between the sin and the punishment. [source]
They did not like to have God in their knowledge [οὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν]
Lit., did not approve. Rev., refused. They did not think God worth the knowing. Compare 1 Thessalonians 2:4. Knowledge ( ἐπιγνώσει ) is, literally, full knowledge. They did not suffer the rudimentary revelation of nature to develop into full knowledge - “a penetrating and living knowledge of God” (Meyer). In Dante's division of Hell, the section assigned to Incontinence, or want of self-control, is succeeded by that of Bestiality, or besotted folly, which comprises infidelity and heresy in all their forms - sin which Dante declares to be the most stupid, vile, and hurtful of follies. Thus the want of self-restraint is linked with the failure to have God in knowledge. Self is truly possessed only in God. The tendency of this is ever downward toward that demoniac animalism which is incarnated in Lucifer at the apex of the infernal cone, and which is so powerfully depicted in this chapter. See “Inferno,” ix. [source]
Reprobate mind [ἀδόκιμον νοῦν]
Lit., not standing the test. See on is tried, James 1:12; and see on trial, 1 Peter 1:7. There is a play upon the words. As they did not approve, God gave them up unto a mind disapproved. This form of play upon words of similar sound is perhaps the most frequent of Paul's rhetorical figures, often consisting in the change of preposition in a compound, or in the addition of a preposition to the simple verb. Thus περιτομή circumcision κατατομή concision Philemon 3:2, Philemon 3:3. “Our epistle known ( γινωσκομένη ) and read ( ἀναγινωσκομένη ).” Compare Romans 2:1; 1 Corinthians 11:29-31; Romans 12:3. The word reprobate is from re-probare, to reject on a second trial, hence, to condemn. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 1:28

Acts 14:16 Suffered [ειασεν]
Constative aorist active indicative of εαω — eaō (note syllabic augment). Paul here touches God in history as he did just before in creation. God‘s hand is on the history of all the nations (Gentile and Jew), only with the Gentiles he withdrew the restraints of his grace in large measure (Acts 17:30; Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28), judgment enough for their sins. To walk in their ways (πορευεσται ταις οδοις αυτων — poreuesthai tais hodois autōn). Present middle infinitive, to go on walking, with locative case without εν — en This philosophy of history does not mean that God was ignorant or unconcerned. He was biding his time in patience. [source]
Acts 22:22 For it is not fit [ου γαρ κατηκεν]
Imperfect active of κατηκω — kathēkō old verb to come down to, to become, to fit. In the N.T. only here and Romans 1:28. The imperfect is a neat Greek idiom for impatience about an obligation: It was not fitting, he ought to have been put to death long ago. The obligation is conceived as not lived up to like our “ought” (past of owe). See Robertson, Grammar, p. 886. [source]
Acts 7:42 Gave them up [παρεδωκεν]
First aorist active indicative of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi This same form occurs three times like clods on a coffin in a grave in Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28 where Paul speaks of God giving the heathen up to their lusts. [source]
Acts 22:22 Unto this word [αχρι τουτου του λογου]
But “this word” was like a spark in a powder magazine or a torch to an oil tank. The explosion of pent-up indignation broke out instantly worse than at first (Acts 21:30). Away with such a fellow from the earth (Αιρε απο της γης τον τοιουτον — Aire apo tēs gēs ton toiouton). They renew the cry with the very words in Acts 21:36, but with “from the earth” for vehemence. For it is not fit Imperfect active of κατηκω — kathēkō old verb to come down to, to become, to fit. In the N.T. only here and Romans 1:28. The imperfect is a neat Greek idiom for impatience about an obligation: It was not fitting, he ought to have been put to death long ago. The obligation is conceived as not lived up to like our “ought” (past of owe). See Robertson, Grammar, p. 886. [source]
Romans 7:23 The law of my mind [τῷ νόμῳ τοῦ νοός μου]
Νοῦς mindis a term distinctively characteristic of Paul, though not confined to him. See Luke 24:45; Revelation 13:18; Revelation 17:9. Paul's usage of this term is not based, like that of spirit and flesh, on the Septuagint, though the word occurs six times as the rendering of lebh heart, and once of ruach spirit. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
He uses it to throw into sharper relief the function of reflective intelligence and moral judgment which is expressed generally by καρδία heartkey to its Pauline usage is furnished by the contrast in 1 Corinthians 14:14-19, between speaking with a tongue and with the understanding ( τῷ νοΐ́ ), and between the spirit and the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:14). There it is the faculty of reflective intelligence which receives and is wrought upon by the Spirit. It is associated with γνωμή opinionresulting from its exercise, in 1 Corinthians 1:10; and with κρίνει judgethin Romans 14:5. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Paul uses it mainly with an ethical reference - moral judgment as related to action. See Romans 12:2, where the renewing of the νοῦς mindis urged as a necessary preliminary to a right moral judgment (“that ye may prove,” etc.,). The νοῦς which does not exercise this judgment is ἀδόκιμος notapproved, reprobate. See note on reprobate, Romans 1:28, and compare note on 2 Timothy 3:8; note on Titus 1:15, where the νοῦς is associated with the conscience. See also on Ephesians 4:23. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
It stands related to πνεῦμα spiritas the faculty to the efficient power. It is “the faculty of moral judgment which perceives and approves what is good, but has not the power of practically controlling the life in conformity with its theoretical requirements.” In the portrayal of the struggle in this chapter there is no reference to the πνεῦμα spiritwhich, on the other hand, distinctively characterizes the christian state in ch. 8. In this chapter Paul employs only terms pertaining to the natural faculties of the human mind, and of these νοῦς mindis in the foreground. [source]

Romans 4:25 Was delivered [παρεδόθη]
See on Matthew 4:12; see on 1 Peter 2:23. Used of casting into prison or delivering to justice, Matthew 4:12; Matthew 10:17, Matthew 19:21. Frequently of the betrayal of Christ, Matthew 10:4; Matthew 17:22; John 6:64, John 6:71. Of committing a trust, Matthew 25:14, Matthew 25:20, Matthew 25:22. Of committing tradition, doctrine, or precept, Mark 7:13; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Romans 6:17; 2 Peter 2:21. Of Christ's yielding up His spirit, John 19:30. Of the surrender of Christ and His followers to death, Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 4:11; Galatians 2:20. Of giving over to evil, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 4:19. [source]
Romans 3:20 Knowledge [ἐπίγνωσις]
Clear and exact knowledge. Always of a knowledge which powerfully influences the form of the religions life, and hence containing more of the element of personal sympathy than the simple γνῶσις knowledgewhich may be concerned with the intellect alone without affecting the character. See Romans 1:28; Romans 10:2; Ephesians 4:13. Also Philemon 1:9, where it is associated with the abounding of love; Colossians 3:10; Philemon 1:6, etc. Hence the knowledge of sin here is not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character. [source]
Romans 10:2 Knowledge [ἐπίγνωσιν]
Full or correct and vital knowledge. See on Romans 1:28; see on Romans 3:20. [source]
Romans 3:20 Be justified [δικαιωθήσεται]
For the kindred adjective δίκαιος righteoussee on Romans 1:17. 1. Classical usage. The primitive meaning is to make right. This may take place absolutely or relatively. The person or thing may be made right in itself, or with reference to circumstances or to the minds of those who have to do with them. Applied to things or acts, as distinguished from persons, it signifies to make right in one's judgment. Thus Thucydides, ii. 6,7. “The Athenians judged it right to retaliate on the Lacedaemonians.” Herodotus, i., 89, Croesus says to Cyrus: “I think it right to shew thee whatever I may see to thy advantage.”-DIVIDER-
A different shade of meaning is to judge to be the case. So Thucydides, iv., 122: “The truth concerning the revolt was rather as the Athenians, judged the case to be.” Again, it occurs simply in the sense to judge. Thucydides, v., 26: “If anyone agree that the interval of the truce should be excluded, he will not judge correctly “In both these latter cases the etymological idea of right is merged, and the judicial element predominates. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In ecclesiastical usage, to judge to be right or to decide upon in ecclesiastical councils. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Applied to persons, the meaning is predominantly judicial, though Aristotle (“Nichomachaean Ethics,” v., 9) uses it in the sense of to treat one rightly. There is no reliable instance of the sense to make right intrinsically; but it means to make one right in some extrinsic or relative manner. Thus Aeschylus, “Agamemnon,” 390-393: Paris, subjected to the judgment of men, tested ( δικαιωθεὶς ) is compared to bad brass which turns black when subjected to friction. Thus tested or judged he stands in right relation to men's judgments. He is shown in the true baseness of his character. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Thus the verb acquires the meaning of condemn; adjudge to be bad. Thucydides, iii., 40: Cleon says to the Athenians, “If you do not deal with the Mitylenaeans as I advise, you will condemn yourselves.” From this readily arises the sense of punish; since the punishment of a guilty man is a setting him in right relation to the political or moral system which his conduct has infringed. Thus Herodotus, i., 100: “Deioces the Mede, if he heard of any act of oppression, sent for the guilty party and punished him according to his offense.” Compare Plato, “Laws,” ii., 934. Plato uses δικαιωτήρια to denote places of punishment or houses of correction (“Phaedrus,” 249). According to Cicero, δικαιόω was used by the Sicilians of capital punishment: “ Ἑδικαιώθησαν , that is, as the Sicilians say, they were visited with punishment and executed” (“Against Verres,” v., 57). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
To sum up the classical usage, the word has two main references: 1, to persons; 2, to things or acts. In both the judicial element is dominant. The primary sense, to make right, takes on the conventional meanings to judge a thing to be right, to judge, to right a person, to treat rightly, to condemn, punish, put to death. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. New Testament usage. This is not identical with the classical usage. In the New Testament the word is used of persons only. In Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:35, of a quality, Wisdom, but the quality is personified. It occurs thirty-nine times in the New Testament; twenty-seven in Paul; eight in the Synoptists and Acts; three in James; one in the Revelation. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
A study of the Pauline passages shows that it is used by Paul according to the sense which attaches to the adjective δίκαιος , representing a state of the subject relatively to God. The verb therefore indicates the act or process by which a man is brought into a right state as related to God. In the A.V. confusion is likely to arise from the variations in translation, righteousness, just, justifier, justify. See Romans 3:24, Romans 3:26, Romans 3:28, Romans 3:30; Romans 4:2; Romans 5:1, Romans 5:9; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:8, Galatians 3:11, Galatians 3:24; Titus 3:7. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The word is not, however, to be construed as indicating a mere legal transaction or adjustment between God and man, though it preserves the idea of relativity, in that God is the absolute standard by which the new condition is estimated, whether we regard God's view of the justified man, or the man's moral condition when justified. The element of character must not only not be eliminated from it; it must be foremost in it. Justification is more than pardon. Pardon is an act which frees the offender from the penalty of the law, adjusts his outward relation to the law, but does not necessarily effect any change in him personally. It is necessary to justification, but not identical with it. Justification aims directly at character. It contemplates making the man himself right; that the new and right relation to God in which faith places him shall have its natural and legitimate issue in personal rightness. The phrase faith is counted for righteousness, does not mean that faith is a substitute for righteousness, but that faith is righteousness; righteousness in the germ indeed, but still bona fide righteousness. The act of faith inaugurates a righteous life and a righteous character. The man is not made inherently holy in himself, because his righteousness is derived from God; neither is he merely declared righteous by a legal fiction without reference to his personal character; but the justifying decree, the declaration of God which pronounces him righteous, is literally true to the fact in that he is in real, sympathetic relation with the eternal source and norm of holiness, and with the divine personal inspiration of character. Faith contains all the possibilities of personal holiness. It unites man to the holy God, and through this union he becomes a partaker of the divine nature, and escapes the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:4). The intent of justification is expressly declared by Paul to be conformity to Christ's image (Romans 8:29, Romans 8:30). Justification which does not actually remove the wrong condition in man which is at the root of his enmity to God, is no justification. In the absence of this, a legal declaration that the man is right is a fiction. The declaration of righteousness must have its real and substantial basis in the man's actual moral condition. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Hence justification is called justification of life (Romans 5:18); it is linked with the saving operation of the life of the risen Christ (Romans 4:25; Romans 5:10); those who are in Christ Jesus “walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1); they exhibit patience, approval, hope, love (Romans 5:4, Romans 5:5). Justification means the presentation of the self to God as a living sacrifice; non-conformity to the world; spiritual renewal; right self-estimate - all that range of right practice and feeling which is portrayed in the twelfth chapter of this Epistle. See, further, on Romans 4:5.Knowledge ( ἐπίγνωσις )Clear and exact knowledge. Always of a knowledge which powerfully influences the form of the religions life, and hence containing more of the element of personal sympathy than the simple γνῶσις knowledgewhich may be concerned with the intellect alone without affecting the character. See Romans 1:28; Romans 10:2; Ephesians 4:13. Also Philemon 1:9, where it is associated with the abounding of love; Colossians 3:10; Philemon 1:6, etc. Hence the knowledge of sin here is not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character. [source]

Romans 1:24 Wherefore [διο]
Paul‘s inexorable logic. See it also in Romans 1:26 with the same verb and in Romans 1:28 και — kai like “and so.” [source]
Romans 1:28 Unto a reprobate mind [εις αδοκιμον νουν]
Play on ουκ εδοκιμασαν — ouk edokimasan They rejected God and God rejected their mental attitude and gave them over (Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28). See this adjective already in 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7. Like an old abandoned building, the home of bats and snakes, left “to do those things which are not fitting” (ποιειν τα μη κατηκοντα — poiein ta mē kathēkonta), like the night clubs of modern cities, the dives and dens of the underworld, without God and in the darkness of unrestrained animal impulses. This was a technical term with Stoics (2 Maccabees 6:4). [source]
Romans 1:24 God gave them up [παρεδωκεν αυτους ο τεος]
First aorist active indicative of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi old and common verb to hand over (beside, παρα — para) to one‘s power as in Matthew 4:12. These people had already wilfully deserted God who merely left them to their own self-determination and self-destruction, part of the price of man‘s moral freedom. Paul refers to this stage and state of man in Acts 17:30 by “overlooked” The withdrawal of God‘s restraint sent men deeper down. Three times Paul uses παρεδωκεν — paredōken here (Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28), not three stages in the giving over, but a repetition of the same withdrawal. The words sound to us like clods on the coffin as God leaves men to work their own wicked will. That their bodies should be dishonoured (του ατιμαζεσται τα σωματα αυτων — tou atimazesthai ta sōmata autōn). Contemplated result expressed by του — tou (genitive article) and the passive infinitive ατιμαζεσται — atimazesthai (from ατιμος — atimos α — a privative and τιμος — timos dishonoured) with the accusative of general reference. Christians had a new sense of dignity for the body (1 Thessalonians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 6:13). Heathenism left its stamp on the bodies of men and women. [source]
Romans 1:28 Knowledge [επιγνωσει]
Full knowledge They had a dim memory that was a caricature. Unto a reprobate mind (εις αδοκιμον νουν — eis adokimon noun). Play on ουκ εδοκιμασαν — ouk edokimasan They rejected God and God rejected their mental attitude and gave them over (Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28). See this adjective already in 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7. Like an old abandoned building, the home of bats and snakes, left “to do those things which are not fitting” (ποιειν τα μη κατηκοντα — poiein ta mē kathēkonta), like the night clubs of modern cities, the dives and dens of the underworld, without God and in the darkness of unrestrained animal impulses. This was a technical term with Stoics (2 Maccabees 6:4). [source]
Romans 14:22 In that which he approveth [εν οι δοκιμαζει]
This beatitude cuts both ways. After testing and then approving (Romans 1:28; Romans 2:18) one takes his stand which very act may condemn himself by what he says or does. “It is a rare felicity to have a conscience untroubled by scruples” (Denney). [source]
Romans 9:18 He hardeneth [σκληρυνει]
Pharaoh hardened his own heart also (Exodus 8:15, Exodus 8:32; Exodus 9:34), but God gives men up also (Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28). This late word is used by the Greek physicians Galen and Hippocrates. See note on Acts 19:9. Only here in Paul. [source]
1 Corinthians 9:27 Castaway [ἀδόκιμος]
See on Romans 1:28. Better, as Rev., rejected, as unworthy of the prize. [source]
1 Corinthians 9:27 And bring it into bondage [και δουλαγωγω]
Late compound verb from δουλαγωγος — doulagōgos in Diodorus Siculus, Epictetus and substantive in papyri. It is the metaphor of the victor leading the vanquished as captive and slave. Lest by any means (μη πως — mē pōs). Common conjunction for negative purpose with subjunctive as here (γενωμαι — genōmai second aorist middle). After that I have preached to others First aorist active participle of κηρυσσω — kērussō (see note on 1 Corinthians 1:23), common verb to preach, from word κηρυχ — kērux (herald) and that is probably the idea here. A κηρυχ — kērux at the games announced the rules of the game and called out the competitors. So Paul is not merely a herald, but a competitor also. I myself should be rejected (αυτος αδοκιμος γενωμαι — autos adokimos genōmai). Literally, “I myself should become rejected.” Αδοκιμος — Adokimos is an old adjective used of metals, coin, soil (Hebrews 6:8) and in a moral sense only by Paul in N.T. (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7; Romans 1:28; Titus 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:8). It means not standing the test (δοκιμος — dokimos from δοκιμαζω — dokimazō). Paul means rejected for the prize, not for the entrance to the race. He will fail to win if he breaks the rules of the game (Matthew 7:22.). What is the prize before Paul? Is it that reward (μιστος — misthos) of which he spoke in 1 Corinthians 9:18, his glorying of preaching a free gospel? So Edwards argues. Most writers take Paul to refer to the possibility of his rejection in his personal salvation at the end of the race. He does not claim absolute perfection (Philemon 3:12) and so he presses on. At the end he has serene confidence (2 Timothy 4:7) with the race run and won. It is a humbling thought for us all to see this wholesome fear instead of smug complacency in this greatest of all heralds of Christ. [source]
1 Corinthians 9:27 After that I have preached to others [αλλοις κηρχας]
First aorist active participle of κηρυσσω — kērussō (see note on 1 Corinthians 1:23), common verb to preach, from word κηρυχ — kērux (herald) and that is probably the idea here. A κηρυχ — kērux at the games announced the rules of the game and called out the competitors. So Paul is not merely a herald, but a competitor also. I myself should be rejected (αυτος αδοκιμος γενωμαι — autos adokimos genōmai). Literally, “I myself should become rejected.” Αδοκιμος — Adokimos is an old adjective used of metals, coin, soil (Hebrews 6:8) and in a moral sense only by Paul in N.T. (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7; Romans 1:28; Titus 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:8). It means not standing the test (δοκιμος — dokimos from δοκιμαζω — dokimazō). Paul means rejected for the prize, not for the entrance to the race. He will fail to win if he breaks the rules of the game (Matthew 7:22.). What is the prize before Paul? Is it that reward (μιστος — misthos) of which he spoke in 1 Corinthians 9:18, his glorying of preaching a free gospel? So Edwards argues. Most writers take Paul to refer to the possibility of his rejection in his personal salvation at the end of the race. He does not claim absolute perfection (Philemon 3:12) and so he presses on. At the end he has serene confidence (2 Timothy 4:7) with the race run and won. It is a humbling thought for us all to see this wholesome fear instead of smug complacency in this greatest of all heralds of Christ. [source]
1 Corinthians 9:27 I myself should be rejected [αυτος αδοκιμος γενωμαι]
Literally, “I myself should become rejected.” Αδοκιμος — Adokimos is an old adjective used of metals, coin, soil (Hebrews 6:8) and in a moral sense only by Paul in N.T. (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7; Romans 1:28; Titus 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:8). It means not standing the test Paul means rejected for the prize, not for the entrance to the race. He will fail to win if he breaks the rules of the game (Matthew 7:22.). What is the prize before Paul? Is it that reward (μιστος — misthos) of which he spoke in 1 Corinthians 9:18, his glorying of preaching a free gospel? So Edwards argues. Most writers take Paul to refer to the possibility of his rejection in his personal salvation at the end of the race. He does not claim absolute perfection (Philemon 3:12) and so he presses on. At the end he has serene confidence (2 Timothy 4:7) with the race run and won. It is a humbling thought for us all to see this wholesome fear instead of smug complacency in this greatest of all heralds of Christ. [source]
2 Corinthians 13:5 Reprobates [ἀδόκιμοι]
An unfortunate translation. A reprobate is one abandoned to perdition. The word is kindred to the verb prove ( δοκιμάζετε ), and means disapproved on trial. See on Romans 1:28. [source]
Ephesians 5:4 Foolish talking [μωρολογια]
Late word from μωρολογος — mōrologos Old word from ευ τρεπω — eutrapelos (απαχ λεγομενα — euα ουκ ανηκεν — trepō to turn) nimbleness of wit, quickness in making repartee (so in Plato and Plutarch), but in low sense as here ribaldry, scurrility, only here in N.T. All of these disapproved vices are τα ουκ ανηκοντα — hapax legomena in the N.T. Which are not befitting Same idiom (imperfect with word of propriety about the present) in Colossians 3:18. Late MSS. read ta ouk anēkonta like ta mē kathēkonta in Romans 1:28. [source]
Ephesians 5:4 Which are not befitting [τα μη κατηκοντα]
Same idiom (imperfect with word of propriety about the present) in Colossians 3:18. Late MSS. read ta ouk anēkonta like ta mē kathēkonta in Romans 1:28. [source]
Colossians 1:9 Knowledge [ἐπίγνωσιν]
See on Romans 3:20; see on Philemon 1:6. Full knowledge. See Romans 1:21, Romans 1:28; 1 Corinthians 13:12, where Paul contrasts γινώσκειν toknow γνῶσις knowledgewith ἐπιγινώσκειν toknow fully, ἐπίγνωσις fullknowledge. Here appropriate to the knowledge of God in Christ as the perfection of knowledge. [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:11 Working not at all - busybodies [μηδὲν ἐργαζομένους - περιεργαζομένους]
One of Paul's frequent wordplays. See on reprobate mind, Romans 1:28. Not busy, but busybodies. Περιεργάζεσθαι (N.T.ois to bustle about a thing: here, to be officious in others' affairs. See on τὰ περίεργα curiousarts, Acts 19:19, and see on 1 Timothy 5:13. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:8 Vengeance [εκδικησιν]
Late word from εκδικεω — ekdikeō to vindicate, in Polybius and lxx. To them that know not God (τοις μη ειδοσιν τεον — tois mē eidosin theon). Dative plural of perfect active participle ειδως — eidōs Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Galatians 4:8; Romans 1:28; Ephesians 2:12), though Jews are also guilty of wilful ignorance of God (Romans 2:14). And to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Repetition of the article looks like another class and so Jews (Romans 10:16). Both Jews as instigators and Gentiles as officials Note the use of “gospel” here as in Mark 1:15 “believe in the gospel.” [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:8 To them that know not God [τοις μη ειδοσιν τεον]
Dative plural of perfect active participle ειδως — eidōs Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Galatians 4:8; Romans 1:28; Ephesians 2:12), though Jews are also guilty of wilful ignorance of God (Romans 2:14). [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this reason God sendeth them [και δια τουτο πεμπει αυτοις ο τεος]
Futuristic (prophetic) present of the time when the lawless one is revealed. Here is the definite judicial act of God (Milligan) who gives the wicked over to the evil which they have deliberately chosen (Romans 1:24, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28). [source]
1 Timothy 1:10 False swearers [επιορκοις]
Old word Perjurers. Only here in N.T. For similar lists, see note on 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9.; Galatians 5:19.; Romans 1:28.; Romans 13:13; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5; 2 Timothy 3:2. The sound doctrine (αντικειται — tēi hugiainousēi didaskaliāi). Dative case after υγιαινω — antikeitai for which verb see Galatians 5:17 for the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh. “The healthful (hugiainō old word for being well, as Luke 5:31; 3 John 1:2, in figurative sense in N.T. only in the Pastorals) teaching.” See Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 4:3. [source]
1 Timothy 2:4 Come to the knowledge of the truth [εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας ἐλθεῖν]
The phrase only here and 2 Timothy 3:7. Ἑπίγνωσις is a favorite Pauline word. See on Romans 3:20; see on Colossians 1:9; see on 1 Timothy 2:4; see on 1 Timothy 4:3. It signifies advanced or full knowledge. The difference between the simple γνῶσις and the compound word is illustrated in Romans 1:21, Romans 1:28, and 1 Corinthians 13:12. In N.T. always of the knowledge of things ethical or divine, and never ascribed to God. For ἀλήθεια truthsee on sound doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:10. It appears 14 times in the Pastorals, and always without a defining genitive. So, often in Paul, but several times with a defining genitive, as truth of God, of Christ, of the gospel. The logical relation in the writer's mind between salvation and the knowledge of the truth is not quite clear. Knowledge of the truth may be regarded as the means of salvation, or it may be the ideal goal of the whole saving work. See 1 Corinthians 13:12; Philemon 3:8; John 17:3. The latter is more in accord with the general drift of teaching in these Epistles. [source]
1 Timothy 1:10 Men-stealers [ανδραποδισταις]
Old word from ανδραποδιζω — andrapodizō (from ανηρ — anēr man, πους — pous foot, to catch by the foot), to enslave. So enslavers, whether kidnappers (men-stealers) of free men or stealers of the slaves of other men. So slave-dealers. By the use of this word Paul deals a blow at the slave-trade (cf. Philemon). Liars (πσευσταις — pseustais). Old word, see Romans 3:4. False swearers Old word Perjurers. Only here in N.T. For similar lists, see note on 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9.; Galatians 5:19.; Romans 1:28.; Romans 13:13; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5; 2 Timothy 3:2. The sound doctrine (αντικειται — tēi hugiainousēi didaskaliāi). Dative case after υγιαινω — antikeitai for which verb see Galatians 5:17 for the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh. “The healthful (hugiainō old word for being well, as Luke 5:31; 3 John 1:2, in figurative sense in N.T. only in the Pastorals) teaching.” See Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 4:3. [source]
2 Timothy 3:8 Reprobate [ἀδόκιμοι]
In Pastorals only here and Titus 1:16. A Pauline word. See on Romans 1:28, and see on castaway, 1 Corinthians 9:27. [source]
Titus 1:16 By their works [αρνουνται]
Instrumental case. They deny (αρνεομαι — arnountai). Present middle of βδελυκτοι — arneomai old verb, common in the Gospels and the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:12). Abominable Verbal adjective from απειτεις — bdelussomai Only in lxx and here. Disobedient (αδοκιμοι — apeitheis). See note on Romans 1:30. Reprobate See note on 1 Corinthians 9:27; Romans 1:28. [source]
Titus 1:16 Abominable [βδελυσσομαι]
Verbal adjective from απειτεις — bdelussomai Only in lxx and here. Disobedient (αδοκιμοι — apeitheis). See note on Romans 1:30. Reprobate See note on 1 Corinthians 9:27; Romans 1:28. [source]
Titus 1:16 Reprobate [adokimoi)]
See note on 1 Corinthians 9:27; Romans 1:28. [source]
Titus 1:16 Reprobate [ἀδόκιμοι]
See on Romans 1:28; see on 1 Corinthians 9:27, and comp. 2 Timothy 3:8. The phrase reprobate unto every good work, N.T.onosupersub. [source]
Hebrews 6:8 Is rejected [ἀδόκιμος]
Lit. unapproved. See on reprobate, Romans 1:28. [source]
Hebrews 6:8 If it beareth [εκπερουσα]
Present active participle of εκπερω — ekpherō conditional participle. For “thorns and thistles” see Matthew 7:16 for both words Roman soldiers scattered balls with sharp iron spikes, one of which was called tribulus, to hinder the enemy‘s cavalry. Rejected See 1 Corinthians 9:27; Romans 1:28. For καταρας εγγυς — kataras eggus (nigh unto a curse) see Galatians 3:10. To be burned “For burning.” Common sight in clearing up ground. [source]
2 Peter 2:4 Angels when they sinned [αγγελων αμαρτησαντων]
Genitive case after επεισατο — epheisato (first aorist middle indicative of πειδομαι — pheidomai) and anarthrous (so more emphatic, even angels), first aorist active participle of αμαρτανω — hamartanō “having sinned.”Cast them down to hell (ταρταρωσας — tartarōsas). First aorist active participle of ταρταροω — tartaroō late word (from ταρταρος — tartaros old word in Homer, Pindar, lxx Job 40:15; 41:23, Philo, inscriptions, the dark and doleful abode of the wicked dead like the Gehenna of the Jews), found here alone save in a scholion on Homer. Ταρταρος — Tartaros occurs in Enoch 20:2 as the place of punishment of the fallen angels, while Gehenna is for apostate Jews.Committed First aorist active indicative of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi the very form solemnly used by Paul in Romans 1:21, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28.To pits of darkness (σειροις ζοπου — seirois zophou). οπος — Zophos (kin to γνοποσ νεπος — gnophosσειραις — nephos) is an old word, blackness, gloom of the nether world in Homer, in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 2:17; Judges 1:13; Hebrews 12:18. The MSS. vary between σειρα — seirais (σειροις — seira chain or rope) and σειρος — seirois (Σειροις — seiros old word for pit, underground granary). εις κρισιν τηρουμενους — Seirois is right (Aleph A B C), dative case of destination.To be reserved unto judgment Present (linear action) passive participle of κολαζομενους τηρειν — tēreō “Kept for judgment.” Cf. 1 Peter 1:4. Aleph A have κρισις — kolazomenous tērein as in 2 Peter 2:9. Note krisis (act of judgment). [source]
2 Peter 2:4 Committed [παρεδωκεν]
First aorist active indicative of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi the very form solemnly used by Paul in Romans 1:21, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28.To pits of darkness (σειροις ζοπου — seirois zophou). οπος — Zophos (kin to γνοποσ νεπος — gnophosσειραις — nephos) is an old word, blackness, gloom of the nether world in Homer, in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 2:17; Judges 1:13; Hebrews 12:18. The MSS. vary between σειρα — seirais (σειροις — seira chain or rope) and σειρος — seirois (Σειροις — seiros old word for pit, underground granary). εις κρισιν τηρουμενους — Seirois is right (Aleph A B C), dative case of destination.To be reserved unto judgment Present (linear action) passive participle of κολαζομενους τηρειν — tēreō “Kept for judgment.” Cf. 1 Peter 1:4. Aleph A have κρισις — kolazomenous tērein as in 2 Peter 2:9. Note krisis (act of judgment). [source]
1 John 2:3 That we know [ὅτι ἐγνώκαμεν]
Or, more literally, have come to know. John does not use the compound forms ἐπιγινώσκειν and ἐπίγνωσις (see on Matthew 7:16. See Luke 1:4; Acts 4:13; Romans 1:28; Ephesians 1:17, etc.), nor the kindred word γνῶσις knowledge(Luke 1:77; Romans 2:20, etc.). [source]
Revelation 17:9 The mind [ὁ νοῦς]
I. Νοῦς is the organ of mental perception and apprehension - of conscious life, the mind, comprising the faculties of perceiving and understanding, of feeling, judging, determining. (a) The intellectual faculty or understanding (Luke 24:45). So here, according to some. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(b) The reason, regarded as the faculty of perceiving divine things: of recognizing goodness and hating evil (Romans 1:28; Romans 7:23; Ephesians 4:17). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(c) The power of calm and impartial judgment (2 Thessalonians 2:2). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
II. Νοῦς isa particular mode of thinking and judging: moral consciousness as a habit of mind or opinion. Hence thoughts, feelings, purposes (Romans 14:5; 1 Corinthians 1:10). Some render here meaning. [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 1:28 mean?

And as not they did see fit - God to have in [their] knowledge gave up them - God to a depraved mind to do things not being proper
Καὶ καθὼς οὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν τὸν Θεὸν ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς Θεὸς εἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν ποιεῖν τὰ μὴ καθήκοντα

ἐδοκίμασαν  they  did  see  fit 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: δοκιμάζω 
Sense: to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals.
τὸν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεὸν  God 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἔχειν  to  have 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: ἔχω  
Sense: to have, i.e. to hold.
ἐν  in  [their] 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐν 
Sense: in, by, with etc.
ἐπιγνώσει  knowledge 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐπίγνωσις  
Sense: precise and correct knowledge.
παρέδωκεν  gave  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: παραδίδωμι  
Sense: to give into the hands (of another).
  - 
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.
ἀδόκιμον  a  depraved 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀδόκιμος  
Sense: not standing the test, not approved.
νοῦν  mind 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: νοῦς  
Sense: the mind, comprising alike the faculties of perceiving and understanding and those of feeling, judging, determining.
ποιεῖν  to  do 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: ποιέω  
Sense: to make.
τὰ  things 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
καθήκοντα  being  proper 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: καθήκω  
Sense: to come down.