Romans 2:17

Translations

Modern

Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;

Traditional

Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

Literal

But if you are named a Jew and rest upon the law and boast in God,

Latin

Si autem tu Judæus cognominaris, et requiescis in lege, et gloriaris in Deo,

Original

Greek

English

Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;

Notes

Romans 2:17–20

The pride of the Jews reflects Old Testament and Jewish teachings about the privileges and responsibilities God gave to Israel. God gave his law to Israel, formed a special relationship with them, and gave them the task of being a spiritual light to the Gentiles (see Isaiah 42:6–7). Jews were not wrong to enjoy these blessings; their error was in failing to live up to their privileged position.

Romans 1:18–3:20

Paul waits to explain righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until he first teaches about the sinfulness of all people. Both non-Jews and Jews are equally under the power of sin (1:18–32; 2:1–3:8). Because of this, both groups are in the same situation before God. No one can gain God’s favor by their own actions or obedience (3:9–20). All people need God’s saving action, not their own efforts.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Natural Revelation Sin Enters the World The Limitations of Law

Related verses

Romans 2:23
You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
Micah 3:11
Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”
Isaiah 48:1–2
“Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel—but not in truth or righteousness—
Revelation 2:9
I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.
Romans 9:32
Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,
John 5:45
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope.
Romans 9:4–7
…the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.
Romans 2:28–29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical.
Matthew 3:9
And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
2 Corinthians 11:22
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.
Luke 10:28
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.”
Revelation 3:9
As for those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead, I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Boast Faith Jew Letter to the Romans Sin

Topics

Formalism: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrites: Professing but not Practising Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Against Knowledge

Romans 2:17

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?