• Romans 1:20
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 20 τὰ The γὰρ for ἀόρατα unseen (things) αὐτοῦ of him ἀπὸ from κτίσεως creation κόσμου of world τοῖς to the ποιήμασιν things made νοούμενα being perceived καθορᾶται, is seen down, ἥ the τε and ἀΐδιος eternal αὐτοῦ of him δύναμις power καὶ and θειότης, godship, εἰς into τὸ the εἶναι to be αὐτοὺς them ἀναπολογήτους, defenseless,

  • Romans 1:20
    The Bible in Living English

    • 20 for since the creation of the world what is invisible of him has been under observation, sensed by what he has made, his eternal power and his divinity, so as to make them inexcusable

  • Romans 1:20
    American Standard Version

    • 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse:

  • Romans 1:20
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 20 For the unseen things of him from a world’s creation By the things made being perceived Are clearly seen, Even his eternal power and divinity,—To the end they should be without excuse;

  • Romans 1:20
    King James Version

    • 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

  • Romans Study Notes—Chapter 1
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 1:20

      world’s creation: In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the Greek term koʹsmos (“world”) generally refers to the world of mankind or a part of it. In this context, Paul apparently refers to the creation of mankind, since it was only when mankind appeared that there were minds on earth that perceived such invisible qualities by observing the visible creation. The Greek term was also used in secular writings to refer to the universe and creation in general, and Paul may have used it in that sense at Ac 17:24 when he was addressing a Greek audience.​—See study note on Ac 17:24.

      Godship: Or “divine nature.” The Greek word thei·oʹtes is related to the Greek term The·osʹ (God). As shown by the context, Paul is discussing discernible things in the physical creation that prove God’s existence. The Scriptures are needed to understand God’s purpose, his name, and many aspects of his personality; however, creation gives evidence of his invisible qualities (lit., “unseen things of him”), including his eternal power, which he has used to create and sustain the universe. The physical creation gives evidence of his “Godship,” the fact that the Creator truly is God and is worthy of our worship.​—Re 4:11.

      inexcusable: Or “without excuse.” Lit., “defenseless.” The Greek word a·na·po·loʹge·tos was a legal term used when a person was unable to present any convincing evidence in his defense. Here the word is used to describe people who do not acknowledge God. The continual testimony “from the world’s creation onward” proves that God exists. Because his qualities are clearly seen, those who deny the truth about God cannot defend or make a valid case for their position. Paul goes on to say that God’s qualities are perceived by the things made. The Greek term rendered “perceived” is related to the term for “mind” (Greek, nous), which implies grasping with one’s mind. As one translation says, God’s qualities are “visible . . . to the eye of reason.” By viewing God’s creative works and meditating on them, humans can deduce many of the Creator’s qualities. That understanding, coupled with a detailed knowledge of the Creator’s thinking and purpose gained through a study of the Scriptures, can help a person to build strong faith.