Romans 1:26

Please note: The original Greek text in the provided post uses a mix of transliteration (e.g., hAI for αἵ) and a non-standard rendering of accents and breathing marks. For this academic exegesis, all Greek text has been standardized to proper Unicode with appropriate diacritics, reflecting the Nestle 1904 edition.

An Exegetical Study of Romans 1:26

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Study of Romans 1:26 is based on a b-greek discussion from Wednesday, December 3, 2008. The initial inquiry sought clarification on the precise nuance of the conjunction τε γὰρ in Romans 1:26, specifically within the phrase αἵ τε γὰρ θήλειαι αὐτῶν. The discussion then broadened to include the grammatical function of αἵ preceding θήλειαι and the semantic range of παρὰ φύσιν.

The main exegetical issue revolves around the precise function and combined effect of the particles τε and γὰρ within Paul’s argumentative flow in Romans 1. Understanding these particles is crucial for grasping how Paul links the specific examples of “dishonorable passions” (πάθη ἀτιμίας) to God’s act of “giving them over” (παρέδωκεν). Additionally, the analysis delves into the grammatical role of the article αἵ in conjunction with θήλειαι and the interpretive implications of the phrase παρὰ φύσιν, which describes the nature of the exchanged relations.

Greek text (Nestle 1904)

Διὰ τοῦτο παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς εἰς πάθη ἀτιμίας· αἵ τε γὰρ θήλειαι αὐτῶν μετήλλαξαν τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν εἰς τὴν παρὰ φύσιν,

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• The SBLGNT (2010) text for Romans 1:26 presents no substantive differences from the Nestle 1904 edition.

Textual criticism (NA28): The critical apparatus of the NA28 edition does not list any significant textual variants for the phrase αἵ τε γὰρ θήλειαι αὐτῶν μετήλλαξαν τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν εἰς τὴν παρὰ φύσιν, confirming the stability of this reading across major manuscript traditions.

Lexical notes (KITTEL, BDAG):

• τε (BDAG, s.v. τε): A particle of connection, often correlative (“and,” “also,” “both… and,” “even”). It frequently serves to join words, clauses, or sentences, suggesting a close relationship, continuation, or elaboration. It can indicate a natural sequence or an explanatory addition.
• γὰρ (BDAG, s.v. γὰρ): A postpositive particle meaning “for,” “since,” “because.” It introduces an explanation, reason, or substantiation for a preceding statement. Its function is primarily argumentative, providing support or clarification.
• θήλειαι (from θῆλυς, -εια, -υ; BDAG, s.v. θῆλυς): An adjective meaning “female, feminine,” used here as a substantive (αἱ θήλειαι) to denote “the females” or “the women.”
• μετήλλαξαν (from μεταλλάσσω; BDAG, s.v. μεταλλάσσω): “to change, alter, exchange.” In this context, it describes the act of substituting one form of use for another.
• φυσικήν (from φυσικός, -ή, -όν; BDAG, s.v. φυσικός): “natural, inherent, normal.” It refers to that which is in accordance with nature or established order.
• χρῆσιν (from χρῆσις, -εως, ἡ; BDAG, s.v. χρῆσις): “use, way of using.” It denotes the manner or practice of employing something.
• παρὰ (BDAG, s.v. παρὰ, sense 6): With the accusative case, παρὰ can mean “against,” “contrary to,” “in violation of.” This sense is an extension of meanings like “beyond” or “more than,” indicating a deviation from a standard or norm.
• φύσιν (from φύσις, -εως, ἡ; BDAG, s.v. φύσις): “nature, natural order, inherent character.”

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The phrase αἵ τε γὰρ θήλειαι αὐτῶν initiates a crucial explanatory clause in Paul’s argument. The core of the interpretive challenge lies in the synergistic relationship between τε and γὰρ. Rather than functioning as a single compound conjunction, these are distinct particles that operate in conjunction to convey Paul’s meaning.

• The Function of γὰρ: The particle γὰρ (for) serves its typical explanatory role. It introduces the specific examples that clarify and substantiate the preceding general statement: “For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions” (Διὰ τοῦτο παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς εἰς πάθη ἀτιμίας). This explanation is not merely an advancement of the argument but rather a fleshing out of the nature of these “dishonorable passions.” Its scope extends beyond just the female examples in v. 26 to encompass the male examples in v. 27 as well, implying that the entire section (vv. 26-27) elucidates the consequence stated in v. 26a.
• The Function of τε: The particle τε acts as a connective or correlative, linking the clause it introduces (the women’s actions) tightly to the preceding statement. It signals that Paul is not concluding but is elaborating further on a topic. In this context, τε functions to add content, presenting the first instance or category of the “dishonorable passions.” It sets up an expectation that another related example will follow, which is indeed fulfilled in v. 27 with ὁμοίως τε καὶ οἱ ἄρσενες (“and likewise also the males”). This structure implies a parallel or sequential presentation of details pertaining to the broader concept of dishonorable passions. Some scholars suggest that τε here can be understood as an “overlapping event” or an intensifier of connection, serving a function akin to a semicolon in English, guiding the reader to hold the previous thought in mind as new, related information is presented.
• The Combination τε γὰρ: Together, τε γὰρ indicates an explanatory addition that is closely connected to the preceding context. γὰρ provides the explanation for “dishonorable passions,” while τε marks the first element of that explanation and signals that there is more to come (i.e., the male actions). It’s a way of saying, “For, as a first instance/example, and continuing this explanation…” This reinforces the interconnectedness of God’s judgment (vv. 24, 26, 28) and the specific manifestations of human depravity.
• The Article αἵ: The initial αἵ is the definite article, nominative plural feminine, serving as the subject for the verb μετήλλαξαν. It directly refers to “the females” or “their women” when combined with αὐτῶν (their). It is not a separate pronoun but functions grammatically as the article for θήλειαι.
• The Phrase παρὰ φύσιν: The preposition παρὰ with the accusative φύσιν carries a strong sense of opposition or contrariety. As noted by BDAG, it signifies “against” or “contrary to.” Therefore, παρὰ φύσιν unequivocally means “contrary to nature” or “unnatural.” This usage aligns with the comparative sense observed in Romans 1:25 (serving the created thing *instead of* the Creator), highlighting a deviation from the divinely established natural order. It is not an idiom but a direct and forceful description of a relational exchange that defies inherent natural norms.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The analysis of Romans 1:26 reveals that Paul employs τε and γὰρ to provide a closely connected, explanatory elaboration on the “dishonorable passions” into which God has given humanity. The particles work together to introduce the first explicit manifestation of these passions (among women), setting the stage for the parallel example concerning men in the subsequent verse.

1. “For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions; for their women also exchanged natural relations for those contrary to nature.”
   This translation emphasizes the causal (γὰρ) link to the preceding statement and the additive (τε) nature of the women’s actions as the initial example, using a semicolon to denote the close, elaborative connection.
2. “For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions, seeing that their women, for their part, exchanged natural relations for those against nature.”
   This option foregrounds the explanatory aspect of γὰρ and captures the distinguishing, correlative sense of τε by implying “for their part” or “on the one hand,” anticipating a subsequent “on the other hand.”
3. “For this reason God delivered them to degrading passions, because their women, as a prime example, exchanged natural relations for what is unnatural.”
   This rendering highlights the explanatory force of γὰρ and interprets τε as introducing a prominent or initial illustration within a broader explanation, further clarifying the meaning of “dishonorable passions” as “unnatural” acts.