Romans 3:13 - There is No One Righteous
Their throats are open graves;
This phrase draws from the imagery of an open grave, which in biblical times symbolized corruption and death. An open grave would emit a foul odor, representing the moral and spiritual decay of those who speak evil. This metaphor highlights the destructive nature of sinful speech. In the context of Romans, Paul is emphasizing the universality of sin, drawing from Psalm 5:9 to illustrate how deeply ingrained sin is in humanity. The throat, as the passageway for speech, signifies how words can reveal the inner corruption of the heart, aligning with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 12:34, where He states that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
their tongues practice deceit.
Deceitful speech is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with the wicked. This phrase underscores the intentional nature of lying and manipulation, which are contrary to God's truth. The reference to deceit connects to Psalm 10:7, where the wicked are described as having mouths full of curses and lies. In the cultural context of the time, honesty and integrity were highly valued, and deceit was seen as a serious moral failing. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that calls for truthfulness, as seen in the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16) and the teachings of Jesus, who is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
The venom of vipers is on their lips.
This vivid imagery likens deceitful speech to the deadly poison of a viper, emphasizing the harm that words can inflict. The viper, a venomous snake, was a well-known symbol of danger and treachery in the ancient world. This phrase echoes Psalm 140:3, where the wicked are described as having tongues as sharp as a serpent's. The comparison to venom suggests that deceitful words can spread harm and destruction, much like poison spreads through the body. This imagery also connects to the broader biblical theme of the tongue's power, as seen in James 3:8, where the tongue is described as "a restless evil, full of deadly poison." The reference to vipers may also remind readers of Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees as a "brood of vipers" (Matthew 12:34), highlighting the hypocrisy and spiritual danger of their teachings.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the Roman church, emphasizing the universality of sin and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who are being taught about the righteousness that comes from faith.
3. Old Testament References
Paul draws from the Psalms and Isaiah to illustrate the sinful nature of humanity, showing continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
Teaching Points
The Universality of Sin
Paul uses vivid imagery to describe the sinful nature of humanity, emphasizing that all people, regardless of background, are guilty before God.
The Power of Words
Our speech can be destructive, like the venom of vipers. Believers are called to be mindful of their words, ensuring they reflect Christ's love and truth.
The Need for Redemption
The description of humanity's sinful nature underscores the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ. Without Him, we remain in our sin.
Self-Examination
Believers should regularly examine their speech and actions, seeking the Holy Spirit's help to align them with God's will.
The Role of Scripture
Paul’s use of Old Testament references shows the importance of Scripture in understanding human nature and God’s plan for redemption.
(13) Their throat is an open sepulchre--i.e., their speech is at once corrupt and corrupting. It is compared to a "yawning grave"--not merely to a pit into which a man may fall, but to a sort of pestiferous chasm yawning and ravening, as it were, after its prey.
They have used deceit.--Strictly, they were deceiving; a continued action brought up to the present time.
Under their lips.--As the poison-bag of the serpent is directly under the kind of tooth by which its venom is discharged.
Greek
Their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
throats [are]
λάρυγξ (larynx)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2995: The throat, gullet. Of uncertain derivation; the throat.
open
ἀνεῳγμένος (aneōgmenos)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.
graves;
τάφος (taphos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5028: A burial-place, sepulcher, tomb, grave. Masculine from thapto; a grave.
their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
tongues
γλώσσαις (glōssais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language.
practice deceit.
ἐδολιοῦσαν (edoliousan)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1387: To act deceitfully, deceive, use fraud. From dolios; to be guileful.
[The] venom
ἰὸς (ios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2447: Poison, rust; an arrow. Perhaps from eimi or hiemi; rust; also venom.
of vipers
ἀσπίδων (aspidōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 785: An asp (hooded-snake, cobra). Of uncertain derivation; a buckler; used of a serpent, probably the 'asp'.
[is] on
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).
their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
lips.
χείλη (cheilē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5491: From a form of the same as chasma; a lip; figuratively, a margin.
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Romans 3:13 Catholic BibleNT Letters: Romans 3:13 Their throat is an open tomb (Rom. Ro)