Romans 3 15

Romans 3:15 kjv

Their feet are swift to shed blood:

Romans 3:15 nkjv

"Their feet are swift to shed blood;

Romans 3:15 niv

"Their feet are swift to shed blood;

Romans 3:15 esv

"Their feet are swift to shed blood;

Romans 3:15 nlt

"They rush to commit murder.

Romans 3 verses

Romans 3 15 Meaning

Romans 3:15 describes a profound aspect of human fallenness: a ready eagerness, an unholy alacrity, to engage in destructive acts, particularly those leading to harm or death. It indicates not just the occasional commission of violence, but a disposition where "their feet," representing their actions and conduct, are impulsively directed toward spilling the life-blood of others. This is a characteristic of unredeemed humanity, highlighting an inner bent towards aggression and injustice that finds outward expression.

Romans 3 15 Context

Romans 3:15 is an integral part of Paul's profound theological argument in Romans 3:9-18, where he meticulously constructs a legal indictment against all humanity—Jew and Gentile alike—proving that "all are under sin" (Rom 3:9). This section, often referred to as Paul's "catena" or chain of Old Testament quotations, systematically demonstrates the pervasive and universal nature of human depravity.

Verses 10-12 established the lack of righteousness, understanding, and true God-seeking. Verses 13-14 moved to outward expressions of sin, particularly in speech. Romans 3:15, drawn from Isaiah 59:7 (and echoed in Proverbs 1:16), escalates the imagery to the physical act of violence and murder, showing that humanity's inherent corruption culminates in devastating actions. It underscores the culmination of an internal state of enmity towards God and fellow human beings, manifesting in lethal and destructive conduct. The historical context for the original audience, living in a world often marked by brutality and injustice, would have recognized the chilling truth of such a statement, applicable to the widespread violence of Roman society as much as it was to the human condition depicted in the Old Testament. It served as a powerful polemic against any notion of self-righteousness or inherent human goodness apart from God's intervention.

Romans 3 15 Word analysis

• Their (Greek: αὐτῶν, autōn): A possessive pronoun, referring to the "all" of humanity that Paul has established are "under sin" (Rom 3:9). This points to the universal scope of the problem. It is not about a select few, but humanity in its unredeemed state.
• feet (Greek: πόδες, podes): Literally "feet," but often used figuratively in biblical literature to represent one's walk, conduct, pathway, or the course of one's life. It signifies the very movement and direction of a person's life and actions. The speed of the "feet" indicates intent and readiness.
• are swift (Greek: ταχεῖς, tacheis): "Quick," "rapid," "eager," "hasty." This word conveys more than mere speed; it suggests a willing promptness or alacrity to perform the action. It implies an eager disposition, a readiness, even an eagerness, to engage in the stated activity, rather than hesitation or reluctance.
• to shed (Greek: ἐκχέω, ekcheo): "To pour out," "to spill." This term, in the context of blood, specifically denotes the act of causing blood to flow out of the body, signifying killing or violently taking a life. It's a forceful and intentional act of destruction.
• blood (Greek: αἷμα, haima): Literally "blood." In biblical understanding, blood is intrinsically linked to life itself (Lev 17:11). To "shed blood" is therefore to destroy life. It carries the weight of a violent, destructive act. While literally meaning murder, in the broader theological context of universal human depravity, it can encompass any destructive action born of malice, aggression, and hatred against one's neighbor, striking at their very essence or life.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Their feet are swift: This phrase encapsulates the innate propensity and eager disposition of unregenerate humanity towards destructive behavior. It signifies not just an occasional stumble into sin, but a fundamental direction and momentum of life. The "feet" as instruments of action are portrayed as eagerly moving towards malevolent deeds. It implies a readiness to act on wicked impulses.
• swift to shed blood: This climactic phrase describes the ultimate manifestation of that readiness. "Shedding blood" is the most extreme act of harm one can inflict on another, signifying murder and violent destruction. The "swiftness" intensifies the wickedness; it is not accidental or forced, but rather a zealous inclination. This is not merely physical murder, but symbolizes a broader aggressive inclination—slander, character assassination, or any form of severe injury inflicted through malicious intent, aiming to destroy.

Romans 3 15 Bonus section

The verses Romans 3:10-18 collectively paint a grim but accurate picture of fallen humanity. This "catena" is carefully constructed by Paul to present a cumulative case. Each verse, or set of verses, addresses a different aspect of human depravity: from general unrighteousness (10-12), to corrupt speech (13-14), to swift action in violence (15-17), culminating in the absence of the fear of God (18). Romans 3:15 is pivotal in escalating the indictment from verbal offense to active, often lethal, aggression. The phrase "shed blood" represents the extreme manifestation of human evil, demonstrating the destructive impact of sin not only on individuals but on society as a whole. This aggressive readiness to cause harm stands in direct contrast to the way of peace and highlights humanity's need for radical spiritual transformation rather than mere behavioral modification.

Romans 3 15 Commentary

Romans 3:15, drawn from the prophet Isaiah, is a powerful and stark depiction of humanity's profound moral sickness. It moves beyond passive sin to active, destructive malice. The "swiftness" isn't merely about physical speed but highlights an inward inclination and an eager readiness of the human will to inflict harm. It illustrates that sinful humanity is not neutral; rather, it possesses an intrinsic, eager disposition towards malevolence that culminates in the gravest acts against fellow human beings. "To shed blood" speaks primarily to murder, the taking of life, but biblically it extends to all forms of violence, oppression, and even hatred, as hatred itself is seen as a form of murder (1 Jn 3:15).

Paul employs this verse to dismantle any self-righteous claims and establish that humanity, left to its own devices, naturally inclines towards and participates in violence and injustice. This disposition to inflict harm on others underscores the pervasive corruption of the human heart, revealing that our feet naturally tend to walk paths of destruction rather than peace. It underscores the desperate need for divine intervention, as such a nature is utterly incapable of attaining righteousness or pleasing God on its own. It reveals a broken moral compass that points consistently toward destruction and antagonism, confirming that the universal problem of sin demands a universal divine solution in Christ.

• Practical usage: This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do our words and actions subtly (or overtly) "shed blood" through gossip, character assassination, unbridled anger, or acts of prejudice and injustice? It prompts us to confess our inherent sinfulness and rely completely on Christ's transformative power, whose Spirit alone makes our "feet swift" to spread peace and good news.