Romans 3:15
What does Romans 3:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 3:15 means
Sin quickens human feet toward bloodshed. The image evokes eagerness for violence, whether in literal harm or in the many ways we injure others’ lives and reputations. The verse lays bare a dark truth: apart from God, we are not slow to destroy. The problem is not only occasional outbursts but a bent that gravitates toward self-advantage even at another’s cost. This calls us to see sin as active, not passive. Evil is not only what we avoid doing; it’s a path we are swift to take without God’s restraining grace. Such swiftness reveals deep inward corruption needing God’s intervention.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Their feet are swift to shed blood;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Their feet are swift to shed blood:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Their feet are swift to shed blood;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Their feet are quick in running after blood;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Swift <FI>are<Fi> their feet to shed blood.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Their feet swift to shed blood:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890swift their feet to shed blood;
Context
Having exposed corrupt speech (verses 13–14), Paul now turns to violent action (verses 15–16), illustrating the outward fruits of inner depravity. The language shows not mere stumbling into harm but a speed toward it. Verse 17 will add the absence of peace as a defining feature of these paths, and verse 18 will name the lack of God-fearing reverence as the root. This cumulative charge prepares the reader for verses 19–20, where the law’s role is stated: not to acquit, but to silence and convict. Only then will Paul unveil the righteousness God provides, apart from the law, through faith in Jesus Christ (verses 21–26).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 6:18
A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief,
- Isaiah 59:7
Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their paths.
- Proverbs 1:16
For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.
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