5. μὴἐνπάθειἐπιθυμίας] ‘ not in lustfulness of desire’ (Vg. non in passione desiderii, Beza non in morbo cupiditatis)—πάθος, according to the usual distinction, denoting the passive state or condition in which the active ἐπιθυμία rules: cf. Colossians 3:5, and see Trench Syn. § 87. καθάπερκαὶτὰἔθνηκτλ.] Cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:8, Galatians 4:8. This description of τὰἔθνη (2:16 note) is evidently founded on the LXX. (cf. Psalms 78. (79.) 6, Jeremiah 10:25), the use of the art. before μὴεἰδ. pointing to the Gentiles’ ignorance of the one true God (τὸνθεόν) as their peculiar property (cf. WSchm. pp. 178, 184), and the cause of their sinfulness. ‘ Ignorantia, impudicitiae origo. Romans 1:24’ says Bengel. That, however, St Paul did not regard this ignorance as absolute is proved by Rom. 1:19 ff., 28: hence Bengel again, ‘ Coeli serenitatem adspice: impuritatis taedium te capiet.’ For καθάπερ see 2:11 note, and for the use of καί in comparison see WM. p. 549.