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Romans 1

Rom. 1:21 KJV (With Strong’s)

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21
Because that
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
dioti (Greek #1360)
on the very account that, or inasmuch as
KJV usage: because (that), for, therefore.
Pronounce: dee-ot'-ee
Origin: from 1223 and 3754
, when they knew
ginosko (Greek #1097)
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
KJV usage: allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.
Pronounce: ghin-oce'-ko
Origin: a prolonged form of a primary verb
God
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
, they glorified
doxazo (Greek #1392)
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
KJV usage: (make) glorify(-ious), full of (have) glory, honour, magnify.
Pronounce: dox-ad'-zo
Origin: from 1391
him not
ou (Greek #3756)
the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not
KJV usage: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also 3364, 3372.
Pronounce: oo
Origin: οὐκ (ook), and (before an aspirate) οὐχ (ookh) a primary word
as
hos (Greek #5613)
which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
KJV usage: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
Pronounce: hoce
Origin: probably adverb of comparative from 3739
God
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
, neither
e (Greek #2228)
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
KJV usage: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially 2235, 2260, 2273.
Pronounce: ay
Origin: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms
were thankful
eucharisteo (Greek #2168)
to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
KJV usage: (give) thank(-ful, -s).
Pronounce: yoo-khar-is-teh'-o
Origin: from 2170
; but
alla (Greek #235)
properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
KJV usage: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
Pronounce: al-lah'
Origin: neuter plural of 243
became vain
mataioo (Greek #3154)
to render (passively, become) foolish, i.e. (morally) wicked or (specially), idolatrous
KJV usage: become vain.
Pronounce: mat-ah-yo'-o
Origin: from 3152
d in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
their
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
imaginations
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
dialogismos (Greek #1261)
discussion, i.e. (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate
KJV usage: dispute, doubtful(-ing), imagination, reasoning, thought.
Pronounce: dee-al-og-is-mos'
Origin: from 1260
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
their
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
foolish
asunetos (Greek #801)
unintelligent; by implication, wicked
KJV usage: foolish, without understanding.
Pronounce: as-oon'-ay-tos
Origin: from 1 (as a negative particle) and 4908
heart
kardia (Greek #2588)
the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
KJV usage: (+ broken-)heart(-ed).
Pronounce: kar-dee'-ah
Origin: prolonged from a primary κάρ (Latin cor, "heart")
was darkened
skotizo (Greek #4654)
to obscure (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: darken.
Pronounce: skot-id-zo
Origin: from 4655
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d
Jer. 2:5• 5{i}Thus saith Jehovah: What injustice have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and become vain?{/i} (Jer. 2:5)
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Eph. 4:17‑18• 17This then I say and testify in [the] Lord that ye should no longer walk even as also the rest of the nations walk in vanity of their mind,
 18being darkened in the understanding, estranged from the life of God on account of the ignorance that is in them, on account of the hardening of their heart, (Eph. 4:17‑18)

More on:

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God,
Heart

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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when.
Rom. 1:19,28• 19Because what may be known of God is manifest among them, for God made [it] manifest to them.
 28And even as they disapproved to have God in acknowledgment, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind to do improper things; (Rom. 1:19,28)
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John 3:19• 19And this is the judgment, that the light hath come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. (John 3:19)
they glorified.
Rom. 15:9• 9and that the Gentiles should glorify God for mercy, even as it is written, “On this account I will confess to thee among [the] Gentiles, and to thy name will I sing.” (Rom. 15:9)
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Psa. 50:23• 23He that sacrificeth praise glorifieth me,{HR}And to him that ordereth [his] way will I show the salvation of God. (Psa. 50:23)
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Psa. 86:9• 9All nations whom thou hast made shall come{HR}And worship before thee, O Lord,{HR}And shall glorify thy name. (Psa. 86:9)
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Hos. 2:8• 8For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they made into images of gold. (Hos. 2:8)
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Hab. 1:15‑16• 15They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad:
 16therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous. (Hab. 1:15‑16)
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Luke 17:15‑18• 15And one of them, seeing that he was cured, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice,
 16and fell on [his] face at his feet, giving him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
 17And Jesus answering said, Were not the ten cleansed? but the nine, where are they?
 18There have not been found to return and give glory to God, save this stranger. (Luke 17:15‑18)
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2 Tim. 3:2• 2For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (2 Tim. 3:2)
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Rev. 14:7• 7saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and [the] sea and fountains of waters. (Rev. 14:7)
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Rev. 15:4• 4Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for {i}thou{/i} only {i}art{/i} holy: for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy righteousnesses were manifested. (Rev. 15:4)
but became.
Gen. 6:5• 5And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man [was] great on the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart only evil continually . (Gen. 6:5)
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Gen. 8:21• 21And Jehovah smelled the odour of rest. And Jehovah said in his heart, I will not any more again curse the ground on account of man, for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will not any more again smite every living thing as I have done. (Gen. 8:21)
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2 Kings 17:15• 15{i}And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant which he had made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he had testified unto them; and they followed vanity and became vain, and went after the nations that were round about them, concerning whom Jehovah had charged them that they should not do like them.{/i} (2 Kings 17:15)
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Psa. 81:12• 12And I gave them up to the revolting of their heart,{HR}That they might walk in their own counsels. (Psa. 81:12)
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Eccl. 7:29• 29Behold, this only have I found,{HR}That God made man upright;{HR}But they have sought out many inventions. (Eccl. 7:29)
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Isa. 44:9‑20• 9They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses: they see not, nor know, that they may be ashamed.
 10Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image [that] is profitable for nothing?
 11Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed; and the workmen [are] but men. Let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; they shall fear, they shall be ashamed together.
 12The smith [hath] tongs, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm; but he is hungry and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint.
 13The carpenter stretcheth out a line; he marketh it out with chalk; he fitteth it with adzes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of man, to remain in the house.
 14When he heweth him down cedars, he also taketh a holm-oak and a terebinth, and he maketh one strong for himself among the trees of the forest; he planteth a mountain-ash, and the rain nourisheth [it].
 15And it shall be for a man to burn; and he taketh thereof, and warmeth himself; he kindleth [it] also, and baketh bread; he maketh also a god, and worshippeth [it]; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
 16He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh, he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth [himself], and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the light.
 17And with the residue thereof he maketh a god, his graven image; he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth [it], and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou [art] my god.
 18They have no knowledge and understand not: for he hath plastered their eyes, that they see not; [and] their hearts that they understand not.
 19And none taketh it to his heart, neither [is there] knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire, and also have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten [it]: and with the residue thereof shall I make an abomination? shall I bow down to a block of wood?
 20He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand? (Isa. 44:9‑20)
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Jer. 2:5• 5{i}Thus saith Jehovah: What injustice have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and become vain?{/i} (Jer. 2:5)
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Jer. 10:3‑8,14‑15• 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
 4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
 5They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
 6Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Jehovah; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.
 7Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? {i}For to thee doth it appertain; for among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.{/i}
 8{i}But they are one and all senseless and foolish; the teaching of vanities is a stock.{/i}
 14{i}Every man is become brutish, bereft of knowledge; every founder is put to shame by the graven image, for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.{/i}
 15They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. (Jer. 10:3‑8,14‑15)
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Jer. 16:19• 19Jehovah, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. (Jer. 16:19)
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Eph. 4:17‑18• 17This then I say and testify in [the] Lord that ye should no longer walk even as also the rest of the nations walk in vanity of their mind,
 18being darkened in the understanding, estranged from the life of God on account of the ignorance that is in them, on account of the hardening of their heart, (Eph. 4:17‑18)
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1 Peter 1:18• 18knowing that not by corruptibles, silver or gold, ye were redeemed, from your vain course ancestrally handed down, (1 Peter 1:18)
their foolish.
Rom. 11:10• 10let their eyes be darkened so as not to see, and their back ever bend thou down.” (Rom. 11:10)
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Deut. 28:29• 29{i}and thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways; and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled continually, and there shall be none to save.{/i} (Deut. 28:29)
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Isa. 60:2• 2For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples: but Jehovah will arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. (Isa. 60:2)
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Acts 26:18• 18to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness unto light and the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and inheritance among those that are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18)
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1 Peter 2:9• 9But ye [are] a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for a possession, that ye might set out the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness unto his marvellous light; (1 Peter 2:9)
• Having the knowledge of God as Noah had it, they had not glorified Him as God. (“Romans 1:18-3:20” by J.N. Darby)
• {v.21-23} Since the human heart cannot exist in a state of vacuum (it must have an object), Paul shows that, historically, when men have turned their backs on the revelation of God in creation, they tum to idols (false gods) to fill the void. (“The Unrighteousness of Man: Romans 1:18-3:20” by B. Anstey)
• "Knew" (verse 21) is translated from "ginosko" in the Greek; it refers to outward, objective knowledge. (“The Unrighteousness of Man: Romans 1:18-3:20” by B. Anstey)

J. N. Darby Translation

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21
Becausea, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but fell into folly in their thoughtsb, and their heart without understanding was darkened:

JND Translation Notes

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a
This is the second reason. the first is ver. 19.
b
The "inward reasonings of the mind," as Luke 9.46. The word "thoughts" in English conveys this best.

W. Kelly Translation

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21
Because, having known God, they glorified him not as God nor were thankful, but became vain in their thoughts, and their heart void of understanding was darkened.