Ever since God created the world translates the Greek noun phrase “from the creation of the world.” Paul qualifies what he means by the invisible qualities of God, that is his eternal power and his divine nature. Although these qualities are invisible, men can perceive them in the things that God has made. The noun rendered divine nature occurs only here in the New Testament; the corresponding adjective occurs in Acts 17.29; 2 Peter 1.3, 4. The verb rendered perceive implies knowledge, understanding, and mental awareness. Since the Gentiles can perceive what God is like through the world that he has made, they have no excuse at all; and the Jews, who pass judgment on others, are in the same condition (see 2.1).

It is not easy to combine such expressions as his invisible qualities and have been clearly seen. How can what is not visible be clearly seen? In some languages, therefore, it is necessary to speak of “can be clearly known” or “can be fully understood.” In a number of instances the specific qualities must actually precede the general statement about their being invisible. Hence the order of components in verse 20 may be changed as follows: “Ever since God created the world, people can clearly understand that his power never ceases and that he is truly God. These characteristics cannot be seen, but they can be known.” The second sentence of verse 20 may then be translated: “People can know this about God because of the things which God has made.” And the last sentence may be rendered: “As a result, they cannot have any excuse for what they have done” or “… there is no way in which they can defend what they have done.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .