Their mouthsThis phrase highlights the importance of speech as a reflection of the heart's condition. In biblical context, the mouth often symbolizes the expression of one's inner thoughts and character. Jesus taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (
Matthew 12:34), indicating that what comes out of the mouth reveals the true nature of a person. The mouth, therefore, serves as a window into the soul, and its use for cursing and bitterness indicates a heart far from God.
are full of
The phrase "are full of" suggests a state of being overwhelmed or dominated by something. In this context, it implies that cursing and bitterness are not occasional lapses but rather habitual and pervasive. This reflects the fallen nature of humanity, as described inRomans 3, where Paul emphasizes the universality of sin. The imagery of being "full" suggests a saturation point, where there is no room for anything else, indicating the depth of sin's hold on human nature.
cursing
Cursing in the biblical sense involves invoking harm or expressing deep-seated anger and malice towards others. It is a direct violation of the command to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) and stands in stark contrast to the blessings God desires for His people. In the cultural context of the time, cursing was often associated with invoking the power of deities to bring about misfortune. The prevalence of cursing among people highlights the moral decay and spiritual rebellion against God's law.
and bitterness
Bitterness refers to a state of deep-seated resentment and hostility. InHebrews 12:15, believers are warned to "see to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Bitterness is corrosive, affecting not only the individual but also those around them. It is often the result of unresolved anger and unforgiveness, which are contrary to the teachings of Christ, who calls for forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 6:14-15). The presence of bitterness in speech indicates a heart that has not been transformed by the grace and love of God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.
2.
The Church in RomeThe recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the capital of the Roman Empire.
3.
Old Testament ReferencesPaul often quotes or alludes to the Old Testament, and in this verse, he draws from Psalms to illustrate the sinful nature of humanity.
Teaching Points
The Universality of SinRomans 3:14 is part of a larger argument about the universal nature of sin. Paul uses this verse to demonstrate that all people, regardless of background, are under the power of sin.
The Power of WordsOur words reflect the condition of our hearts. As believers, we are called to speak life and truth, avoiding cursing and bitterness.
Transformation Through ChristWhile our natural inclination may be towards sinful speech, through Christ, we can be transformed and empowered to speak words that honor God.
Guarding Our SpeechBelievers are encouraged to be mindful of their words, seeking to align their speech with the teachings of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Repentance and RenewalRecognizing our sinful speech should lead us to repentance and a desire for God’s renewal in our lives, allowing Him to cleanse our hearts and mouths.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 3:14?
2.How does Romans 3:14 reflect the sinful nature of humanity's speech?
3.What other scriptures address the impact of words on our spiritual life?
4.How can we guard our tongues to align with biblical teachings?
5.In what ways can believers replace "cursing and bitterness" with godly speech?
6.How does understanding Romans 3:14 influence our daily interactions with others?
7.How does Romans 3:14 reflect human nature according to Christian theology?
8.What is the significance of "cursing and bitterness" in Romans 3:14?
9.How does Romans 3:14 relate to the concept of original sin?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 3?
11.What did Jesus mean by 'pray for your enemies'?
12.Which historical context supports the harsh curses in Psalm 58 when other biblical texts advocate forgiveness?
13.If the Bible is divinely inspired, why does Paul misquote the Old Testament (Romans 3:10-18 vs. Psalms)?
14.What does the Bible say about handling negativity?What Does Romans 3:14 Mean
Their mouths- Scripture often links the mouth to the heart: “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). What proceeds from the lips exposes what rules the inner person.
- Paul, quotingPsalm 10:7, highlights humanity’s universal problem—speech is a window revealing sin’s deep roots (James 3:6–8).
- The verse does not describe only a few exceptionally wicked people; it is part of Paul’s sweeping indictment that “there is no one righteous” (Romans 3:10). Every unredeemed mouth testifies against its owner.
are full- “Full” signals saturation, not the occasional slip. Like a cup brimming over, the unregenerate heart cannot help but spill poisonous words (Luke 6:45).
- This fullness shows sin’s dominance. Until Christ cleanses a person, corruption permeates every faculty—including speech (Ephesians 4:17–19).
- God’s law demands purity even in conversation (Exodus 20:7;Colossians 4:6), so a mouth packed with venom stands condemned.
of cursing- Cursing in Scripture is more than profanity; it is speech that calls down harm, demeans, or rebels against God and neighbor (Psalm 59:12).
- Such language opposes the created purpose of the tongue—to bless the Lord and build up others (Proverbs 18:21;1 Peter 3:10).
- Paul’s citation exposes hearts that instinctively curse rather than bless, confirming the desperate need for the gospel (Romans 12:14).
and bitterness- Bitterness colors words with resentment, hostility, and unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:31).
- It springs from a heart hardened by sin’s injuries and self-centeredness (Hebrews 12:15).
- Jesus offers the opposite: gracious speech seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6) and forgiveness rooted in His own mercy (Luke 23:34).
summaryRomans 3:14 paints a stark portrait of fallen humanity: hearts so enslaved to sin that mouths overflow with curses and bitter hostility. Paul stacks this evidence to prove universal guilt and to drive every listener to the only remedy—justification by faith in Christ (Romans 3:22–24). Redeemed by Jesus, believers exchange cursing for blessing and bitterness for grace, showcasing the transforming power of the gospel in everyday speech.
(14)
Bitterness.--Malignity; from the notion that venom was contained in the gall. (Comp.
Acts 8:23.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[Their]ὧν(hōn)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.mouthsστόμα(stoma)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4750:The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword.are fullγέμει(gemei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1073:To be full of. A primary verb; to swell out, i.e. Be full.of cursingἀρᾶς(aras)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 685:A prayer; more commonly: a prayer for evil, a curse, imprecation. Probably from airo; properly, prayer, i.e. imprecation.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.of bitterness.πικρίας(pikrias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4088:Bitterness, harshness, hence met: an embittered (resentful) spirit. From pikros; acridity, literally or figuratively.
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NT Letters: Romans 3:14 Whose mouth is full of cursing (Rom. Ro)