Romans 1:32 describes people who know that certain behaviors deserve God’s judgment, yet not only keep doing them but also applaud others who do the same. Paul wrote this near the close of his opening argument in Romans, where he explains why the whole human race stands in need of God’s grace. He addressed the letter to the believers in Rome, and this verse describes the wider human condition he saw around him, not only the actions of one group.
Who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.
Romans 1:32 (WEB)
What Romans 1:32 Means
The verse begins with the word “knowing,” which matters a great deal. Paul is not describing people who are ignorant of right and wrong. He says they know the “ordinance of God,” meaning the clear moral standard that God has made known. Their problem is not missing information but refusing to live by what they already recognize as true.
The verse then moves to two steps of rebellion. First, people “practice such things,” which means they carry out the behaviors listed just before in the chapter. Second, they “approve of those who practice them.” That second step is the sharper one. Doing wrong is one thing, but cheering on others who do wrong turns private sin into a shared culture that defends itself.
Paul is describing a pattern, not promising a formula. The verse does not say that every wrongdoer will always approve of others, nor does it claim to measure anyone’s inner state. It names a serious human tendency that Scripture consistently exposes, and it warns the reader to examine both personal conduct and the company they keep.
The Context of Romans 1:32
The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul, traditionally dated to the mid-50s AD, probably from Corinth. Paul had not yet visited the church in Rome, and he wrote to explain the gospel in a full, systematic way. Chapter 1 opens by arguing that all people, both Gentile and Jew, stand under God’s righteous judgment, which sets the stage for everything that follows.
The verses immediately before Romans 1:32 list a long catalog of sins, from envy and deceit to disobedience to parents and a lack of natural affection. Verse 32 then serves as the climax of that list, showing that the problem goes beyond individual failures to a hardened attitude that normalizes and celebrates wrongdoing. Reading the verse inside this list helps you see that Paul is making a case about the depth of human sin, which he will then answer with the good news of God’s righteousness revealed in Christ.
Key Phrases in Romans 1:32
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…
(WEB)
This verse opens the section on God’s wrath against all unrighteousness. Reading it alongside Romans 1:32 shows that Paul sees human wickedness as a suppression of truth that God has already made plain, which explains why people are without excuse.
Romans 2:1
Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.
(WEB)
Paul turns directly from the catalog of sins to the reader who judges others. Romans 2:1 warns that anyone who condemns such practices while doing them is also guilty, which helps you apply the warning about approval to your own attitudes.
A Short Prayer From Romans 1:32
Lord, you have made your standard known, and I confess that I have sometimes known what is right and still chosen what is wrong. Forgive me for the times I have approved of things you call sin, whether by silence, laughter, or quiet agreement. Open my eyes to see where my heart has grown comfortable with what grieves you. Hold me close to your truth and let my words and choices honor you. Thank you for your mercy in Christ, who gives a new life to those who once walked in darkness. Amen.
