Vincent Word Studies - Romans 1:20 - 1:20

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com

Vincent Word Studies - Romans 1:20 - 1:20


(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

The invisible things of Him

The attributes which constitute God's nature, afterward defined as “His eternal power and divinity.”

From the creation (ἀπό)

From the time of. Rev., since.

Are clearly seen (καθορᾶται)

We have here an oxymoron, literally a pointedly foolish saying; a saying which is impressive or witty through sheer contradiction or paradox. Invisible things are clearly visible. See on Act 5:41. Illustrations are sometimes furnished by single words, as γλυκύπικρος bittersweet; θρασύδειλος a bold coward. In English compare Shakespeare:

“Dove-feathered raven, fiend angelical;

Beautiful tyrant, wolfish-ravening lamb.”

Spenser:

“Glad of such luck, the luckless lucky maid.”

Godhead (θειότης)

Rev., better, divinity. Godhead expresses deity (θεότης). θειότης is godhood, not godhead. It signifies the sum-total of the divine attributes.

So that they are (εἰς τὸ εἶναι)

The A.V. expresses result; but the sense is rather purpose. The revelation of God's power and divinity is given, so that, if, after being enlightened, they fall into sin, they may be without defense.

Without excuse (ἀναπολογήτους)

See on answer, 1Pe 3:15. Only here and Rom 2:1.