Romans 3:13 - “Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit.” Psalm 5:9 “The poison of vipers is under their lips”; Psalm 140:3
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What does "Romans 3:13" mean?
Romans 3:13, which quotes Psalm 5:9 and Psalm 140:3, is part of a broader argument Paul is making to demonstrate the universal sinfulness of humanity. Let's break down what these phrases signify in that context:
"Their throat is an open tomb" (Psalm 5:9): This is a powerful and disturbing metaphor. An "open tomb" evokes the stench of death and decay. Here, it suggests that the words coming from their mouths are corrupt, destructive, and spiritually poisonous. The implication is that their speech is not life-giving but rather brings death and destruction to those who hear it. It speaks of the corrupting influence of their words.
"With their tongues they have used deceit" (Psalm 5:9): This is more straightforward. It directly accuses people of lying and manipulating others through their speech. The focus is on the intentionality of their deception. It highlights a deliberate effort to mislead, cheat, or betray through the power of their words.
"The poison of vipers is under their lips" (Psalm 140:3): This metaphor compares their words to venom. Vipers are known for their deadly bite. The hidden poison suggests that their words are dangerous, capable of inflicting deep harm, and are often concealed by a seemingly pleasant or innocent exterior. The poison is under their lips, suggesting a hidden malice, a reservoir of venom ready to be unleashed.
In the Context of Romans 3:
Paul is not making an individual judgment about specific people here. Instead, he's drawing on Old Testament passages to paint a picture of the inherent sinfulness that pervades all of humanity. He's building a case that both Jews and Gentiles are equally under the power of sin, and therefore equally in need of God's grace through Jesus Christ.
Universal Sinfulness: The combined effect of these metaphors emphasizes the pervasiveness and depth of human depravity. Sin isn't just a matter of actions, but also of thoughts, intentions, and especially the words we speak.
Condemnation: These verses contribute to the overall condemnation of humanity under sin. No one is exempt from this indictment.
Need for Grace: By showing the extent of our sinfulness, Paul sets the stage for the good news (the Gospel) that salvation comes through God's grace, not through human effort or righteousness.
In Summary:
Romans 3:13 uses these Old Testament quotes to illustrate the destructive and deceptive power of human speech when it's not guided by righteousness. The "open tomb," "deceitful tongues," and "viper's poison" all paint a vivid picture of the corrupting influence of sin on our communication and the urgent need for redemption through Christ.
Romans 3:13 - “Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit.” Psalm 5:9 “The poison of vipers is under their lips”; Psalm 140:3
What does "Romans 3:13" mean?
Romans 3:13, which quotes Psalm 5:9 and Psalm 140:3, is part of a broader argument Paul is making to demonstrate the universal sinfulness of humanity. Let's break down what these phrases signify in that context:
"Their throat is an open tomb" (Psalm 5:9): This is a powerful and disturbing metaphor. An "open tomb" evokes the stench of death and decay. Here, it suggests that the words coming from their mouths are corrupt, destructive, and spiritually poisonous. The implication is that their speech is not life-giving but rather brings death and destruction to those who hear it. It speaks of the corrupting influence of their words.
"With their tongues they have used deceit" (Psalm 5:9): This is more straightforward. It directly accuses people of lying and manipulating others through their speech. The focus is on the intentionality of their deception. It highlights a deliberate effort to mislead, cheat, or betray through the power of their words.
"The poison of vipers is under their lips" (Psalm 140:3): This metaphor compares their words to venom. Vipers are known for their deadly bite. The hidden poison suggests that their words are dangerous, capable of inflicting deep harm, and are often concealed by a seemingly pleasant or innocent exterior. The poison is under their lips, suggesting a hidden malice, a reservoir of venom ready to be unleashed.
In the Context of Romans 3:
Paul is not making an individual judgment about specific people here. Instead, he's drawing on Old Testament passages to paint a picture of the inherent sinfulness that pervades all of humanity. He's building a case that both Jews and Gentiles are equally under the power of sin, and therefore equally in need of God's grace through Jesus Christ.
Universal Sinfulness: The combined effect of these metaphors emphasizes the pervasiveness and depth of human depravity. Sin isn't just a matter of actions, but also of thoughts, intentions, and especially the words we speak.
Condemnation: These verses contribute to the overall condemnation of humanity under sin. No one is exempt from this indictment.
Need for Grace: By showing the extent of our sinfulness, Paul sets the stage for the good news (the Gospel) that salvation comes through God's grace, not through human effort or righteousness.
In Summary:
Romans 3:13 uses these Old Testament quotes to illustrate the destructive and deceptive power of human speech when it's not guided by righteousness. The "open tomb," "deceitful tongues," and "viper's poison" all paint a vivid picture of the corrupting influence of sin on our communication and the urgent need for redemption through Christ.