Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Their feet are swift to shed blood; New Living Translation “They rush to commit murder. English Standard Version “Their feet are swift to shed blood; Berean Standard Bible “Their feet are swift to shed blood; Berean Literal Bible their feet are swift to shed blood; King James Bible Their feet are swift to shed blood: New King James Version “Their feet are swift to shed blood; New American Standard Bible “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, NASB 1995 “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, NASB 1977 “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, Legacy Standard Bible “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, Amplified Bible “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, Christian Standard Bible Their feet are swift to shed blood; Holman Christian Standard Bible Their feet are swift to shed blood; American Standard Version Their feet are swift to shed blood; Contemporary English Version These people quickly become violent. English Revised Version Their feet are swift to shed blood; GOD'S WORD® Translation They run quickly to murder people. Good News Translation They are quick to hurt and kill; International Standard Version They run swiftly to shed blood. NET Bible "Their feet are swift to shed blood, New Heart English Bible "Their feet are swift to shed blood. Webster's Bible Translation Their feet are swift to shed blood. Weymouth New Testament "Their feet move swiftly to shed blood. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Their feet are swift to shed blood; World English Bible “Their feet are swift to shed blood. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTheir feet [are] swift to shed blood. Berean Literal Bible their feet are swift to shed blood; Young's Literal Translation Swift are their feet to shed blood. Smith's Literal Translation Their feet active to pour out blood: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTheir feet swift to shed blood: Catholic Public Domain Version Their feet are swift to shed blood. New American Bible Their feet are quick to shed blood; New Revised Standard Version “Their feet are swift to shed blood; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey are over-quick to shed blood. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “And their feet are swift to shed blood.” NT Translations Anderson New Testamenttheir feet are swift to shed blood; Godbey New Testament Whose feet are swift to shed blood: Haweis New Testament their feet are swift to shed blood: Mace New Testament their feet are swift to shed blood. Weymouth New Testament "Their feet move swiftly to shed blood. Worrell New Testament their feet are swift to shed blood; Worsley New Testament their feet are swift to shed blood: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context There is No One Righteous…14“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” 15“Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16ruin and misery lie in their wake,… Cross References Isaiah 59:7 Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. Proverbs 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. Matthew 23:33 You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? Luke 11:44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without even noticing.” Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, / in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 1 John 3:12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. Psalm 14:3 All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Psalm 36:1-4 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD. An oracle is in my heart regarding the transgression of the wicked man: There is no fear of God before his eyes. / For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin. / The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing. ... Psalm 140:3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah Proverbs 6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, Jeremiah 8:6 I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle. Micah 7:2 The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. Treasury of Scripture Their feet are swift to shed blood: Proverbs 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Proverbs 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, Isaiah 59:7,8 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths… Jump to Previous Blood Feet Move Quick Running Shed Swift SwiftlyJump to Next Blood Feet Move Quick Running Shed Swift SwiftlyRomans 3 1. The Jews prerogative;3. which they have not lost; 9. howbeit the law convinces them also of sin; 20. therefore no one is justified by the law; 28. but all, without difference, by faith, only; 31. and yet the law is not abolished. 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 Church The 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 References Paul 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 Actions The 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 Redemption This 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 Peace In 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 Tendencies Believers 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 cites Isaiah 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. summary Romans 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. 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'. swift ὀξεῖς (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 shed ἐκχέαι (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 NLT Romans 3:15 ESV Romans 3:15 NASB Romans 3:15 KJV Romans 3:15 BibleApps.com Romans 3:15 Biblia Paralela Romans 3:15 Chinese Bible Romans 3:15 French Bible Romans 3:15 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Romans 3:15 Their feet are swift to shed blood (Rom. Ro) |