Romans 3:13-14 Exegesis on Human Speech
In Romans 3:13-14, Paul continues his argument regarding universal human sinfulness by focusing on the depravity of human speech. These verses are part of a larger catena of Old Testament quotations (Romans 3:10-18) assembled to demonstrate that "there is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10) [2, 6].
The passage reads: "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY HAVE USED DECEIT," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS"; "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS" [1].
Paul draws from various Psalms to illustrate how sin affects different members of the body, emphasizing that "from the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness" [5]. The "throat" (Greek: larynx) is presented as an "open grave," suggesting that what issues from it—speech and actions—is like the "pestilential breath of an open grave" [4, 5]. This imagery, drawn from Psalm 5:9, highlights the destructive and corrupting nature of unredeemed human communication [3, 5].
Following this, the passage states that "with their tongues they have used deceit," also echoing Psalm 5:9 [3, 5]. This points to the intentional falsehood and treachery that can be conveyed through speech. The phrase "the poison of asps is under their lips" (from Psalm 140:3) further intensifies this imagery, likening deceitful words to venom that harms and destroys [3].
Finally, Romans 3:14, quoting Psalm 10:7, declares that "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS" [1, 3]. This summarizes the overall condition of human speech as characterized by hostile, condemnatory, and resentful language. The cumulative effect of these Old Testament citations is to paint a comprehensive picture of human depravity as it manifests through the organs of speech, underscoring the pervasive nature of sin in every aspect of human existence [7].
Sources
- Romans “Romans 3:14 (NASB) — "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS";”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Romans 3:10 cross-references: Job 14:4, Job 15:14, Job 15:16, Job 25:4, Psalms 14:1, Psalms 53:1, Isaiah 8:20, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 15:19, Mark 7:21, Mark 10:18, Romans 3:4, Romans 3:23, Romans 11:8, Romans 15:3, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 5:3, Colossians 3:5, 1 Timothy 1:9, 2 Timothy 3:2, Titus 3:3, 1 Peter 1:16, 1 John 1:8, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 22:15”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Romans 3:13 cross-references: Deuteronomy 32:33, Job 20:14, Psalms 5:9, Psalms 12:3, Psalms 36:3, Psalms 52:2, Psalms 57:4, Psalms 140:3, Isaiah 59:3, Jeremiah 5:16, Jeremiah 9:3, Ezekiel 13:7, Matthew 12:34, Matthew 23:27, Romans 3:4, James 3:5”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 3:13: 3:13-14 Paul here refers to sins of speech, mentioning a different organ of speech in each of the four lines (talk in 3:13 is literally throat).”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 3:13: Their, &c.--From generals, the apostle here comes to particulars, culling from different parts of Scripture passages which speak of depravity as it affects the different members of the body; as if to show more affectingly how "from the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness" in us. throat is an open sepulchre-- (Psa 5:9); that is, "What proceeds out of their heart, and finds vent in speech and action through the throat, is like the pestilential breath of an open grave." with their tongues they have used deceit-- (Psa 5:9); that is,”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 3:10: As it is written, &c.-- (Psa 14:1-3; Psa 53:1-3). These statements of the Psalmist were indeed suggested by particular manifestations of human depravity occurring under his own eye; but as this only showed what man, when unrestrained, is in his present condition, they were quite pertinent to the apostle's purpose.”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 3 (introduction): The apostle, in this chapter, carries on his discourse concerning justification. He had already proved the guilt both of Gentiles and Jews. Now in this chapter, I. He answers some objections that might be made against what he had said about the Jews (Rom 3:1-8). II. He asserts the guilt and corruption of mankind in common, both Jews and Gentiles (Rom 3:9-18). III. He argues thence that justification must needs be by faith, and not by the law, which he gives several reasons for (Rom 3:19 to the end). The many digressions in his writings render his disco”