Romans 2:19

Translations

Modern

…if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,

Traditional

And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

Literal

…and you have persuaded yourself that you are a guide of the blind, a light to those in darkness,

Latin

…confidis teipsum esse ducem cæcorum, lumen eorum qui in tenebris sunt,

Original

Greek

English

…if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,

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) Darkness and Light Natural Revelation Sin Enters the World The Limitations of Law

Related verses

Revelation 3:17–18
You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
John 9:34
They replied, “You were born in utter sin, and you are instructing us?” And they threw him out.
1 Corinthians 8:1–2
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
Matthew 15:14
Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
Matthew 6:23
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Isaiah 56:10
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.
Isaiah 49:6
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”
1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
John 9:40–41
Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?”

Glossary

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

Topics

Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Formalism: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrites: Professing but not Practising Instruction in Religion Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Against Knowledge

Romans 2:19

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?