Romans 3 14

Romans 3:14 kjv

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

Romans 3:14 nkjv

"Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."

Romans 3:14 niv

"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."

Romans 3:14 esv

"Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness."

Romans 3:14 nlt

"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."

Romans 3 verses

Romans 3 14 Meaning

Romans 3:14 describes the pervasive moral decay of humanity, asserting that the unregenerate individual's speech is characterized by destructive and malicious intent. The verse, part of Paul's broader argument demonstrating universal human sinfulness, highlights how the mouth, as an outflow of the heart, reveals a fallen nature saturated with harm-wishing and deep-seated animosity. It paints a picture of speech used not for edification or blessing, but for injury and bitterness, reflecting a rebellious and ungodly disposition.

Romans 3 14 Context

Romans 3:14 is part of a longer passage (Romans 3:9-18) where Paul, the apostle, quotes various Old Testament scriptures to build an irrefutable case for the universal sinfulness of all humanity, both Jews and Gentiles. His primary objective is to demolish any self-righteousness or claim of moral superiority. After asserting that "all are under sin" (v. 9) and quoting Psalm 14:1-3, Paul then compiles a "catena" or chain of scriptural passages (from Psalms 5, 140, 10, 36 and Isaiah 59) to paint a vivid picture of human depravity from head to toe. Romans 3:14, drawing from Psalm 10:7, specifically focuses on the speech of the unredeemed, demonstrating that their words are corrupted by a bitter and destructive nature, completing the overall portrait of comprehensive moral corruption that precedes the presentation of God's solution through justification by faith. This highlights that the issue of sin runs deep, impacting every facet of human existence, including communication.

Romans 3 14 Word analysis

• Whose: This refers back to the comprehensive "all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin" (Rom 3:9), signifying that the following descriptions of depravity apply universally to unregenerate humanity. It underlines the extent of sin's reach across all people groups.
• mouth: τὸ στόμα (to stoma). The physical organ of speech. Biblically, the mouth is more than a mere bodily part; it is symbolic of what truly lies within a person's heart and mind. As Jesus taught, what flows from the mouth reveals the true abundance or emptiness of the heart.
• is full: γέμει (gema). This word means "to be full to overflowing," or "to be saturated with." It signifies not merely an occasional outburst but a predominant characteristic, a pervasive state of being. The sinful inclination is deep-seated and consistently manifested in speech.
• of cursing: ἀρᾶς (aras). Refers to malediction, wishing ill, condemning, or calling down harm upon others. It signifies speech intended to wound, revile, or invoke divine disfavor, often in a spirit of condemnation. This is antithetical to the nature of God, who blesses.
• and: καί (kai). A simple conjunction, connecting two closely related destructive attributes of speech.
• bitterness: πικρίας (pikrias). This term extends beyond a mere taste to denote deep-seated resentment, acrimony, malice, animosity, or intense ill will. It represents the inner, poisonous disposition of the heart that finds its outward expression in words, making conversation corrosive.

• full of cursing and bitterness: This phrase combines an outward action (cursing) with its inner emotional/spiritual root (bitterness). It depicts speech that is thoroughly tainted by malevolence and hostility. This isn't just accidental or sporadic negativity, but speech that is habitually steeped in rancor, flowing from a heart that is not in harmony with God's goodness or loving towards others. The phrase emphasizes the profound spiritual sickness that affects human communication.

Romans 3 14 Bonus section

This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that speech is not neutral but an outward manifestation of an inner condition. The "fullness" described indicates a deep-rooted spiritual issue, suggesting that what pours out of a person's mouth reveals their true character and relationship with God. In theological terms, this points to total depravity, where every aspect of human nature, including their communicative faculties, is impacted by sin. The combination of "cursing" and "bitterness" suggests both aggressive verbal assault (cursing) and the underlying festering ill-will (bitterness) that motivates it, showing that sin affects both overt actions and covert attitudes. This depiction serves to convict humanity of their need for divine intervention, as such deeply entrenched habits of destructive speech cannot be overcome by mere willpower or human effort but require a new heart through redemption.

Romans 3 14 Commentary

Romans 3:14, quoting Psalm 10:7, functions as a powerful declaration of humanity's profound moral corruption as evidenced by their speech. The mouth, a conduit for thought and feeling, is revealed as being "full" – thoroughly saturated and habitually engaged – in activities of "cursing" and "bitterness." This is not an incidental flaw but a pervasive condition of the unredeemed heart, a core aspect of sin's grip. "Cursing" points to active harm-wishing and verbal abuse, reflecting a rejection of God's design for blessing, while "bitterness" speaks to the underlying malice, animosity, and resentment that fuels such destructive talk. Paul strategically uses this vivid description to highlight the universality of sin and humanity's inherent inability to please God through their own efforts, thereby laying the groundwork for the necessary and divine provision of righteousness through faith in Christ. This verse reminds believers of the stark contrast between their former state and the call to renewed, gracious speech, emphasizing that genuine spiritual transformation will always affect how we speak.