Their feet are swift to shed blood;This phrase highlights the natural inclination of humanity towards violence and sin. In biblical context, it reflects the fallen nature of man, as seen throughout Scripture. The imagery of "feet" suggests movement and action, indicating a readiness and eagerness to commit acts of violence. This is consistent with the depiction of human depravity found in
Genesis 6:5, where every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
The phrase also echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah in
Isaiah 59:7, which describes the wickedness of those who are quick to commit acts of violence. This connection underscores the continuity of the biblical narrative regarding human sinfulness and the need for divine intervention.
Historically, the Roman world, like many ancient societies, was marked by violence and bloodshed, whether through warfare, gladiatorial games, or persecution. This cultural backdrop would have made Paul's words resonate deeply with his audience, who were familiar with the brutality of their times.
In a broader theological context, this phrase serves as a reminder of the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. The swift movement towards sin contrasts with the path of righteousness that believers are called to walk. It highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls individuals to turn from their sinful ways and follow the example of Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.
Theologically, this phrase also points to the universal need for salvation. It is part of Paul's argument in Romans that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (
Romans 3:23). The readiness to shed blood is a symptom of the deeper issue of sin that separates humanity from God, emphasizing the necessity of Christ's atoning sacrifice to reconcile us to Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe 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 ChurchThe recipients of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who are being taught about the righteousness of God and the sinful nature of humanity.
3.
Old Testament ReferencesPaul is quoting from the Old Testament, specifically
Isaiah 59:7, to illustrate the sinful nature of humanity.
Teaching Points
The Universality of SinPaul emphasizes that all humanity is under the power of sin, as evidenced by their actions. This verse serves as a reminder that sin is not just a personal failing but a universal condition.
The Consequences of Sinful ActionsThe imagery of "feet swift to shed blood" illustrates the destructive nature of sin. Believers are called to recognize the seriousness of sin and its impact on both individuals and communities.
The Need for RedemptionThis verse underscores the need for a Savior. Humanity's inclination towards sin highlights the necessity of Christ's redemptive work on the cross.
Living a Life of PeaceIn contrast to being "swift to shed blood," Christians are called to be peacemakers. This involves actively seeking reconciliation and promoting peace in all relationships.
Guarding Against Sinful TendenciesBelievers are encouraged to examine their own lives for tendencies towards anger, violence, or harm, and to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in overcoming these inclinations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 3:15?
2.How does Romans 3:15 illustrate the sinful nature of humanity's actions?
3.What Old Testament passages connect with the message in Romans 3:15?
4.How can believers guard against having "feet swift to shed blood"?
5.In what ways does Romans 3:15 highlight the need for Christ's redemption?
6.How should Romans 3:15 influence our daily interactions with others?
7.What does Romans 3:15 reveal about human nature and sinfulness?
8.How does Romans 3:15 fit into the broader context of Paul's message in Romans?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's writing of Romans 3:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 3?
11.What is the significance of Journey to the Cross?
12.Is Jesus depicted riding a white horse in Revelation?
13.If the Bible is divinely inspired, why does Paul misquote the Old Testament (Romans 3:10-18 vs. Psalms)?
14.What are the seven things God hates?What Does Romans 3:15 Mean
Their- The pronoun points back to the string of Old Testament quotations Paul strings together (Romans 3:10-18), showing that sin is not an isolated problem but belongs to all humanity.
- Paul citesIsaiah 59:7; in that passage the “they” is Israel, yet here he applies it universally, underscoring that both Jew and Gentile share the same fallen inheritance (Romans 3:9).
-Psalm 14:3 echoes this breadth: “All have turned away, all alike have become corrupt.”
- The ownership implied by “their” reminds us that no one can shift the blame; sin is personal (Genesis 3:12-13 shows the tendency to deflect responsibility, but God holds each accountable).
feet- Feet symbolize the direction of life—the paths we choose.Proverbs 1:15-16 warns, “My son, do not walk the road with them… their feet run to evil.”
- In Scripture, righteous paths are contrasted with wicked ones (Psalm 1:1-2). “Feet” here highlights the practical, day-to-day choices that reveal the heart (Matthew 7:17-19).
-Isaiah 52:7 pictures beautiful feet bringing good news;Romans 3:15 stands as the grim opposite, exposing humanity’s preference for destructive routes apart from God.
are- The verb states a present reality, not merely past events.
-Ephesians 2:1-3 confirms this ongoing condition: “You were dead in your trespasses… gratifying the cravings of our flesh.”
- Paul is not describing an occasional lapse but the continual moral posture of the unredeemed.
swift- Speed conveys eagerness. Sin is pursued quickly, with little hesitation.
-Jonah 1:3 illustrates this impulsive fleeing from God’s will.
-Psalm 119:60 provides the godly contrast: “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments.”
- The haste here shows that fallen hearts not only commit sin but are ready and willing, revealing deep hostility toward God’s ways (Romans 8:7).
to shed blood- The ultimate outcome of sin is violence and death.Genesis 4:8-10 shows this trajectory beginning with Cain.
- Jesus identifies the same murderous spirit even in anger and contempt (Matthew 5:21-22).
-Isaiah 59:7 (the source of Paul’s quote) continues, “Ruin and destruction lie in their wake,” underscoring that bloodshed harms both victim and society.
-Revelation 21:8 warns that the “murderers… will be consigned to the lake that burns with fire and sulfur,” revealing the eternal seriousness of unchecked violence.
- Yet Christ’s own blood, shed willingly (Hebrews 9:14), provides the only remedy for those who have shed—or contemplated shedding—another’s.
summaryRomans 3:15 exposes the natural bent of fallen humanity: we own our sin (“their”), we pursue it in daily choices (“feet”), we live in it continually (“are”), we rush toward it eagerly (“swift”), and it culminates in destructive violence (“to shed blood”). Paul stacks this evidence to prove that all stand guilty and in desperate need of the redemption God offers through the shed blood of His Son.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Theirαὐτῶν(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.feet [are]πόδες(podes)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4228:The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.swiftὀξεῖς(oxeis)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3691:(a) sharp, (b) swift, eager. Probably akin to the base of akmen; keen; by analogy, rapid.to shedἐκχέαι(ekcheai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1632:Or ekchuno ek-khoo'-no from ek and cheo; to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow.blood;αἷμα(haima)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 129:Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.
Links
Romans 3:15 NIVRomans 3:15 NLTRomans 3:15 ESVRomans 3:15 NASBRomans 3:15 KJV
Romans 3:15 BibleApps.comRomans 3:15 Biblia ParalelaRomans 3:15 Chinese BibleRomans 3:15 French BibleRomans 3:15 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: Romans 3:15 Their feet are swift to shed blood (Rom. Ro) 
