Romans 1:23

Romans 1:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

King James Version KJV

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

American Standard Version ASV

and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And by them the glory of the eternal God was changed and made into the image of man who is not eternal, and of birds and beasts and things which go on the earth.

Free Bible Version FBV

They exchanged the glory of the immortal God for idols, images of mortal human beings, birds, animals, and reptiles.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For they turned the glorie of the incorruptible God to the similitude of the image of a corruptible man, and of birdes, and foure footed beastes, and of creeping things.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of fowls, and of quadrupeds, and of reptiles.

World English Bible WEB

and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping animals.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of the image of a corruptible man, and of birds, and of fourfooted beasts, and of creeping things.

Translation for Translators T4T

and they refused to admit that God is glorious and will never die. Instead, they made and worshipped idols that resembled people who will some day die, and then they made other idols that resembled birds and four-footed animals, and finally they made idols that resembled reptiles.

Plain English Version PEV

They didn’t respect the wonderful God that never dies, but instead they made models of things that do die. They made things that look like people, or birds, or animals, or snakes, or those sorts of things, and they respected those things. They didn’t respect God.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 1:23

BAB

Word Study

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Romans 1:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και ηλλαξαν την δοξαν του αφθαρτου θεου εν ομοιωματι εικονος φθαρτου ανθρωπου και πετεινων και τετραποδων και ερπετων

και kai G2532 and Conj

ηλλαξαν allassō G236 to change Verb-AAI-3P

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

δοξαν doxa G1391 glory Noun-ASF

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

αφθαρτου aphthartos G862 incorruptible Adj-GSM

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

ομοιωματι homoiōma G3667 likeness Noun-DSN

εικονος eikōn G1504 image Noun-GSF

φθαρτου phthartos G5349 perishable Adj-GSM

ανθρωπου anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-GSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

πετεινων peteinos G4071 bird Noun-GPN

και kai G2532 and Conj

τετραποδων tetrapous G5074 four-footed Adj-GPN

και kai G2532 and Conj

ερπετων herpeton G2062 reptile Noun-GPN

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 1:23

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ηλλαξαν allassō G236 "to change" Verb-AAI-3P

To change means to make something different, like in Acts 6:14 where it talks about changing customs. It can also mean to transform, like in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 where it talks about our bodies being changed.

Definition: ἀλλάσσω (ἄλλος), [in LXX chiefly for חָלַף, מוּר hi., etc. ;] __1. to change: Act.6:14, Gal.4:20. __2. to transform: 1Co.15:51-52, Heb.1:12. __3. to exchange: with accusative, before ἐν (= בְּ, Psa.106:20) instead of simple genitive (Bl., § 36, 8), Rom.1:23 (cf. ἀπ-, δι-, κατ-, ἀπο-κατ-, μετ-, συν-αλλάσσω; see MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: change See also: 1 Corinthians 15:51; Galatians 4:20; Hebrews 1:12.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δοξαν doxa G1391 "glory" Noun-ASF

This word means glory, honor, or praise, referring to the admiration and respect given to someone or something, like God's glory in Luke 14:10 and John 12:43. It's the opposite of shame or dishonor, as seen in Philippians 3:19 and 2 Corinthians 6:8. Glory is also associated with dignity and worship in Romans 2:7 and 1 Peter.

Definition: δόξα, -ης, ἡ (δοκέω), [in LXX very frequently for כָּבוֹד, also for הוֹד ,פִּפְאֶרֶת, etc., 25 words in all ;] in cl., __1. expectation, judgment, opinion (4Ma.5:18). __2. opinion, estimation in which one is held, repute; in NT, always good opinion, hence reputation, praise, honour, glory: Luk.14:10, Jhn.12:43, Heb.3:3; opposite to αἰσχύνη, Php.3:19; to ἀτιμία, 2Co.6:8; δ. κ. τιμή, Rom.2:7, 10 1Pe.1:7, 2Pe.1:17; ζητεῖν, Jhn.5:44 7:18 8:50, 1Th.2:6; λαμβάνειν, Jhn.5:41, 2Pe.1:17, Rev.5:12; διδόναι δ. τ. θεῷ (cf. נָתַן כָּבוֹד לַיהוָֹה, Jer.13:16, al.), Luk.17:18, Jhn.9:24, Act.12:23, Rom.4:20, Rev.4:9; εἰς (τ.) δ. θεοῦ, Rom.3:7 15:7, Php.1:11, al.; in doxologies, τ. θεῷ (ᾧ) ἡ δ., Luk.2:14, Rom.11:36 16:27, Gal.1:5, Eph.3:21, al. __3. Later also (not cl.) as in LXX (= הוֹד, Job.39:20, 1Ch.29:25; כָּבוֹד, Job.19:9, Est.5:11, al.), visible brightness, splendour, glory: of light, Act.22:11; of heavenly bodies, 1Co.15:40ff.; esp. that wh. radiates from God's presence, as manifested in the pillar of cloud and in the Holy of Holies (= כָּבוֹד, Exo.16:10 25:22 40:34, al.; and new Heb. שְׁכִינָה, 2Ma.2:8; see DB, iv, 489b), Rom.9:4, Jas.2:1 (see Hort, Mayor, in l.); hence of the manifested glory of God, Rom.1:23, Col.1:11 Eph.1:6, 12 17 3:16; of the same as communicated to man through Christ, 2Co.3:18 4:6; and of the glorious condition into which Christians shall enter hereafter, Rom.8:18, 21 9:23, 2Ti.2:10, al. SYN.: ἔπαινος τιμή (see Hort on 1Pe.1:7). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 151 NT verses. KJV: dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship See also: 1 Corinthians 2:7; John 7:18; 1 Peter 1:7.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αφθαρτου aphthartos G862 "incorruptible" Adj-GSM

Incorruptible describes something or someone that will not decay or perish, like God in Romans 1:23 and 1 Timothy 1:17. It can also describe people and things that are immortal.

Definition: ἄ-φθαρτος, -ον (φθείρω), [in LXX: Wis.12:1 18:4 * ;] imperishable, immortal; __(a) of things: 1Co.9:25, 1Pe.1:4 1:23 3:4; __(b) of persons: of men, 1Co.15:52; of God, Rom.1:23, 1Ti.1:17 (MM, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: not (in-, un-)corruptible, immortal See also: 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Peter 1:4.

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: 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) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

ομοιωματι homoiōma G3667 "likeness" Noun-DSN

This word refers to a likeness or resemblance, either a physical image or an abstract similarity. It is used in Romans 5:14 and Revelation 9:7 to describe something that is made like something else. It can also describe a similarity in nature or character.

Definition: ὁμοίωμα, -τος, τό (ὁμοιόω), [in LXX for דְּמוּת, תַּבְנִית, תְּמוּנָה, etc. ;] that which is made like something; __(a) concrete, an image, likeness (Psa.106:20, Eze.1:5, 1Ma.3:48, al.) : Rev.9:7; __(b) abstract, likeness, resemblance: Rom.5:14 6:5 8:3, Php.2:7; ἐν ὁ. εἰκόνος, Rom.1:23.† SYN.: εἰκών (which see), ὁμοίωσις (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: made like to, likeness, shape, similitude See also: Philippians 2:7; Romans 5:14; Revelation 9:7.

εικονος eikōn G1504 "image" Noun-GSF

An image is a likeness or representation of something, like a statue or picture. In the Bible, it can refer to people being made in God's image, as in 1 Corinthians 15:49.

Definition: εἰκών, -όνος (cf. ἔοικα), [in LXX chiefly for צֶלֶם ;] an image, likeness: Mat.22:20, Mrk.12:16, Luk.20:24, Rom.1:23, 1Co.15:49, Rev.13:14, 15 14:9, 11 15:2 16:2 19:20 20:4; opposite to σκιά, Heb.10:1; of man, εἰ. θεοῦ, 1 Co 11:7; of the regenerate, εἰ. τ. θεοῦ Col.3:10 (see Lft., in l.); εἰ. τ. υἱοῦ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:29, 2Co.3:18; of Christ, εἰ. τ. θεοῦ, 2Co.4:4, Col.1:15.† SYN.: ὁμοίωμα, denoting resemblance, which may however be merely accidental. εἰ. is a derived likeness and like the head on a coin or the parental likeness in a child, implies an archetype. Cf. also εἶδος, appearance, not necessarily based on reality; σκιά, a shadowed resemblance; χαρακτήρ, the impress of a stamp; μόρφη (which see), the form as indicative of the inner being. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: image See also: 1 Corinthians 11:7; Revelation 13:14; Hebrews 10:1.

φθαρτου phthartos G5349 "perishable" Adj-GSM

Perishable refers to something that can decay or be destroyed. This word is used in Romans 1:23 and 1 Corinthians 9:25 to describe things that are not lasting.

Definition: φθαρτός, -ή, -όν (φθείρω) [in LXX: Lev.22:25 (מִשְׁחָת), Isa.54:17 A א3, Wis.9:15 14:8, 2Ma.7:16 * ;] perishable, corruptible: ἄνθρωπος, Rom.1:23 (opposite to ἄφθαρτος θεός); στέφανος, 1Co.9:25 (opposite to αρτος); σπσρά, 1Pe.1:23 (opposite to ἄφθ.); neut., τὸ φ. τοῦτο, 1Co.15:53-54; pl., 1Pe.1:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: corruptible See also: 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Peter 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23.

ανθρωπου anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-GSM

This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.

Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

πετεινων peteinos G4071 "bird" Noun-GPN

A bird is a flying animal, as seen in Matthew 6:26 and 8:20. Jesus taught about birds to illustrate God's care for his creation. The Bible often uses birds as examples in teachings.

Definition: πετεινός, -ή, -όν (πέτομαι), [in LXX chiefly for עוֹף ;] in trag., Ion. and late writers, winged, flying; as subst., τὸ π., a winged fowl, a bird: pl., Mat.6:26 8:20 13:4, 32, Mrk.4:4, 32, Luk.8:5 9:58 12:24 13:19, Act.10:12 11:6, Rom.1:23, Jas.3:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: bird, fowl See also: Acts 10:12; Mark 4:4; James 3:7.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

τετραποδων tetrapous G5074 "four-footed" Adj-GPN

This term describes animals with four feet, like beasts. In Acts 10:12 and Romans 1:23, it refers to four-footed creatures, highlighting their physical characteristic. The word is used to categorize animals.

Definition: τετρά-πους, -ουν [in LXX chiefly for בְּהֵמָה ;] four-footed: of beasts, neut. pl., Act.10:12 11:6, Rom.1:23.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: fourfooted beast See also: Acts 10:12; Acts 11:6; Romans 1:23.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ερπετων herpeton G2062 "reptile" Noun-GPN

A reptile or small animal is described by this word, used in Acts 10:12 and Romans 1:23. It is translated as creeping thing or serpent in the KJV.

Definition: ἑρπετόν, -οῦ, τό (ἕρπω, to crawl), [in LXX chiefly for רֶמֶשׂ, שֶׁרֶץ ;] a creeping thing, reptile: Act.10:12 11:6, Rom.1:23, Jas.3:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: creeping thing, serpent See also: Acts 10:12; James 3:7; Romans 1:23.

Study Notes — Romans 1:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Romans 1:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Romans 1:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 1:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 1:23
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 1:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 1:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 1:23
Cambridge Bible on Romans 1:23
Barnes' Notes on Romans 1:23
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 1:23
Sermons on Romans 1:23

Context — God’s Wrath against Sin

21For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

24Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 106:20	They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox.
2	Jeremiah 2:11	Has a nation ever changed its gods, though they are no gods at all? Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols.
3	Acts 17:29	Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination.
4	Romans 1:25	They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.
5	1 Peter 4:3	For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
6	Ezekiel 8:10	So I went in and looked, and engraved all around the wall was every kind of crawling creature and detestable beast, along with all the idols of the house of Israel.
7	Psalms 115:5–8	They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.
8	Deuteronomy 4:15–18	So since you saw no form of any kind on the day the LORD spoke to you out of the fire at Horeb, be careful that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female, of any beast that is on the earth or bird that flies in the air, or of any creature that crawls on the ground or fish that is in the waters below.
9	Psalms 135:15–18	The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.
10	Deuteronomy 5:8	You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.

Romans 1:23 Summary

[This verse is saying that people have chosen to worship and give glory to things that are not God, such as idols or images, rather than the one true God. This is a problem because it leads to a darkening of the heart and a futile mind, as seen in Romans 1:21. We can avoid this by keeping our focus on God and His glory, as seen in Psalm 105:4, and by being mindful of the things that can distract us from Him. By giving glory to God, we can have a heart and mind that are filled with light and truth, as seen in Psalm 119:130 and 1 Corinthians 2:16.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to exchange the glory of God for images of mortal man and animals?

This means that people have chosen to worship and give glory to created things, such as idols and images, rather than the one true God, as seen in Romans 1:23, and also warned against in Exodus 20:4-5 and Deuteronomy 5:8-9.

Is this verse only talking about ancient idol worship?

No, this verse is also relevant today, as people can still exchange the glory of God for other things, such as wealth, power, or fame, which can become idols in our lives, as warned in Colossians 3:5 and 1 John 5:21.

What is the result of exchanging the glory of God for images?

The result is a darkening of the heart and a futile mind, as seen in Romans 1:21, and can lead to further sinful desires and actions, as seen in Romans 1:24-25 and Ephesians 4:17-19.

How can we avoid exchanging the glory of God for other things?

We can avoid this by keeping our focus on God and His glory, as seen in Psalm 105:4 and Isaiah 26:8, and by being mindful of the things that can distract us from Him, as warned in Matthew 6:24 and 1 Corinthians 10:14.

Reflection Questions

What are some things in my life that I may be giving more glory to than God?
How can I keep my heart and mind focused on the glory of God, rather than being distracted by other things?
What are some ways that I can worship and give thanks to God, rather than taking Him for granted?
What are some idols or images that people in my culture or community may be exchanging the glory of God for, and how can I share the truth of God's glory with them?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 1:23

And changed the glory of the incorruptible God,.... God is incorruptible and immortal in his nature, and so is opposed to all corruptible creatures and things: he has a glory which is essential to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 1:23

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 1:23

Changed the glory of the uncorruptible God; you have the same phrase, ; and from thence it is borrowed. Into an image made like to corruptible man, &c.: the apostle proeeedeth from the more worthy to the less worthy creatures, that the grossness of their idolatry might the better appear; and these four are put for all other kinds. This gross idolatry of the heathen in worshipping such images as are here spoken of, was practised by the Israelites; see ,11: and so it is by the Romanists to this day; nor doth it avail them to say, they do not worship images, but the true God in or before those images; for the same plea was made by the idolaters of old. Symmachus, in a learned oration, wherein he craved of the emperors Valentinian and Theodosius the restitution of the Roman gods, affirms, that they had respect only to one God; but they had divers ways to bring them to that God: they did not hold such things as they worshipped to be God, but in them they said they worshipped the true God. That worship which is intended to God by an image, is not the worship of God, but of the image. Compare ,20, with ,5.

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 1:23

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Ver. 23. Made like to corruptible man] God made man in his own image; and man (to be even with him, as it were) will needs make God after his image. And four-footed beasts] God therefore justly gave them up to sodomy, which did abase them below the beasts; that there might be an analogy between the sin and the punishment. This is called a "meet recompence," Romans 1:27. They dishonoured God, they dishonoured therefore themselves. They would not know nor honour him, they shall not therefore know nor spare one another, &c.; so severely will God punish the contempt of and rebellion against the light. And creeping things] In Lapland the people worship that all day for a god, whatsoever they see first in the morning, be it a bird or worm.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 1:23

(23) Into an image made like to.—For the likeness of the image of mortal man. This anthropomorphism applies more especially to the religions of Greece and Rome. Representations of the Deity under the form of beasts were most common in Egypt. “Worship was universally paid to cattle, lions, cats, dogs, weasels, and otters; among the birds, to the sparrow-hawk, the hoopoe, the stork, and the sheldrake; and among fish, to the eel and lepidotus. Besides these, other creatures received local worship. The sheep was worshipped in Sais and the Thebais, but sacrificed and eaten in Lycopolis. The hippopotamus in the district of Papremis, and the crocodile in the greater part of the land, were considered specially sacred; but the latter was chased and eaten in Tentyra and Apollinopolis. The sacred serpent Thermapis which served as head-gear for Isis had holes in all the temples, where it was fed with veal fat.” “Among the sacred beasts,” says Döllinger, “the first place was given to the divine bulls, of which the Egyptians worshipped four.” No doubt the images in Greece and the beasts in Egypt were by some of the people regarded only as symbols of the Deity, but it was in all probability only a small minority who were capable of drawing this distinction.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 1:23

Verse 23. They changed the glory, c.] The finest representation of their deities was in the human figure and on such representative figures the sculptors spent all their skill; hence the HERCULES of Farnese, the VENUS of Medicis, and the APOLLO of Belvidere. And when they had formed their gods according to the human shape, they endowed them with human passions; and as they clothed them with attributes of extraordinary strength, beauty, wisdom, c., not having the true principles of morality, they represented them as slaves to the most disorderly and disgraceful passions excelling in irregularities the most profligate of men, as possessing unlimited powers of sensual gratification. And to birds] As the eagle of Jupiter among the Romans, and the ibis and hawk among the Egyptians; which were all sacred animals. Four-footed beasts] As the apis or white ox among the Egyptians; from which the idolatrous Israelites took their golden calf. The goat, the monkey, and the dog, were also sacred animals among the same people. Creeping things.] Such as the crocodile and scarabeus, or beetle, among the Egyptians.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 1:23

23. into an image made like to] Lit. in the resemblance of the likeness of; i.e. “so as to appear in a form like man, bird, beast, snake, and insect.” Deity, and its prerogatives, were so degraded as to be (in the idolater’s act) transferred to idols. The illustrations of the Apostle’s words from ancient and modern heathenism are too abundant to need special mention.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 1:23

And changed - This does not mean that they literally “transmuted” God himself; but that in their views they exchanged him; or they changed him “as an object of worship” for idols.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 1:23

23. Changed—What unspeakable fools these self-conceited wise ones were is here unfolded. The glory of the incorruptible God they transformed into the basest shapes of man, birds, quadrupeds, and reptiles.

Sermons on Romans 1:23

	Sermon	Description
	The Creation of the Firmament by Chuck Smith	The video is a promotion for The Awakening Conference, a resource available from The Word For Today. It features guest speakers who provide practical instruction on how to engage w
	To Hope Against All Hope by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans chapter 4 as a crucial chapter in the Bible. He begins by discussing Paul's description of humanity's lostness, including both the id
	Subcontinent Report Feb 1983 by George Verwer	In this video, the speaker shares about their recent travels to Oman, Dubai, and India to spread the word of God. They mention the challenges faced in reaching out to Muslims, who
	God Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel	In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the need for a revival of faith and a return to God's unchanging truth. He emphasizes that while God and the gospel remain constant, it is o
	The Person of Christ the Great Representative of God and His Will by John Owen	John Owen emphasizes that the person of Christ serves as the ultimate representation of God and His will, highlighting that while God's essence is incomprehensible to humanity, Chr
	The Supreme Importance of the Incorruptible by A.T. Robertson	A.T. Robertson preaches about the importance of living a life focused on intrinsic, eternal values rather than superficial or comparative ones. He emphasizes that the essence of th
	Wild Donkeys by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the need for deliverance from the spirit of a wild donkey, which represents lust and sinful desires. He emphasizes the importance of repentan