Romans 1:21

Romans 1:21. Because. The fact which renders them inexcusable is now stated.

Though knowing God. Although they had the knowledge indicated in Romans 1:20.

Did not glorify him as God. What worship they rendered was not in accordance with the knowledge they had. ‘Glorify' refers to praising God for what He is.

Nor give thanks; i.e., did not praise Him for all his benefits.

Became vain in their thoughts. ‘Imaginations' is inexact; ‘thoughts,' discussions, reasonings, are meant (comp. chap. Romans 2:15).' The conceptions, ideas, and reflections, which they formed for themselves regarding the Deity, were wholly devoid of any intrinsic value corresponding with the truth' (Meyer.) ‘Vanity' is a characteristic term for idol-worship; Deuteronomy 32:21; 2 Kings 17:5; Jeremiah 2:5; Acts 14:15.

Senseless, or, ‘without understanding,' as the word is translated in Romans 1:31.

Heart. Here, as so often in the Bible, this refers to the whole inner man.

Was darkened. (Comp. Ephesians 4:18.) This is the culmination of the process: not worshipping and thanking God, although they knew Him, they became vain in their reasonings; this made their heart senseless, and thus it was darkened, deprived of the truth which it might have had (formerly had) from the light of nature.