Romans 1:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Though people knew God, they refused to honor or thank Him, and their thinking grew empty and dark.
What Does Romans 1:21 Mean?
Paul traces how the human heart turns away. Though people genuinely knew God, they did not honor Him as God, nor give Him thanks. The result was a slide into futile thinking, and their undiscerning hearts grew dark.
The root of the trouble is not ignorance but ingratitude and refusal to give God His due. When honor and thanksgiving toward God dry up, the mind loses its bearings and the heart dims. It is a sobering picture of how a life drifts away from its Maker, not by one great rebellion but by failing to glorify and thank Him. The remedy points the other way: a life that honors God and overflows with thanks is a life kept clear and bright.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 1:21
What does Romans 1:21 mean?
Though people knew God, they refused to honor or thank Him, and their thinking grew empty and dark.