{For the wrath of God is revealed} (apokaluptetai gar org(880a)theou). Note in Romans Paul's use of gar, now argumentative,
now explanatory, now both as here. There is a parallel and
antecedent revelation (see verse  17 ) of God's wrath
corresponding to the revelation of God's righteousness, this an
unwritten revelation, but plainly made known. Org(885c) is from
orga(935c), to teem, to swell. It is the temper of God towards sin,
not rage, but the wrath of reason and law (Shedd). The revelation
of God's righteousness in the gospel was necessary because of the
failure of men to attain it without it, for God's wrath justly
rested upon all both Gentiles ( 1:18-32 ) and Jews ( 2:1-3:20 ).
{Ungodliness} (asebeian). Irreligion, want of reverence toward
God, old word (cf.  2Ti 2:16 ). {Unrighteousness} (adikian).
Lack (a privative and dik(885c)) of right conduct toward men,
injustice ( Ro 9:14  Lu 18:6 ). This follows naturally from
irreverence. The basis of ethical conduct rests on the nature of
God and our attitude toward him, otherwise the law of the jungle
(cf. Nietzsche, "might makes right"). {Hold down the truth} (	(886e)
al(8874)heian katechont(936e)). Truth (al(8874)heia, al(8874)h(8873), from a
privative and l(8874)h(935c) or lanthan(935c), to conceal) is out in the
open, but wicked men, so to speak, put it in a box and sit on the
lid and "hold it down in unrighteousness." Their evil deeds
conceal the open truth of God from men. Cf.  2Th 2:6f.  for this
use of katech(935c), to hinder.