Romans 2:20

Translations

Modern

…an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

Traditional

An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

Literal

…an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth—

Latin

…eruditorem insipientium, magistrum infantium, habentem formam scientiæ, et veritatis in lege.

Original

Greek

English

…an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

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

2 Timothy 3:5
…having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
Titus 1:16
They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.
2 Timothy 1:13
Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 3:1
Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ.
Romans 6:17
But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.
Hebrews 5:13
For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness.
1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Glossary

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

Topics

Babes of Weak Christians Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Formalism: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrites: Professing but not Practising Instruction in Religion Science: The Key of Knowledge Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Against Knowledge

Romans 2:20

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