Note: Words are shown in their original Greek order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
Διὸ ἀναπολόγητος εἶ ὦ ἄνθρωπε πᾶς ὁ κρίνων ἐν ᾧ γὰρ κρίνεις τὸν ἕτερον σεαυτὸν κατακρίνεις τὰ γὰρ αὐτὰ πράσσεις ὁ κρίνων
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Therefore G1352 Διὸ διό dió Conj inexcusable G379 ἀναπολόγητος anapológētos Adj-Nom-Sg-M you are G1510 εἶ εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P O G5599 ὦ ō Intj man G444 ἄνθρωπε ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Voc-Sg-M everyone G3956 πᾶς pâs Adj-Voc-Sg-M you who [are] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Voc-Sg-M judging G2919 κρίνων κρίνω krínō V-Pres-Act-Voc-Sg-M In G1722 ἐν en Prep that which G3739 ᾧ ὅς hós Rela-Dat-Sg-N for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj you judge G2919 κρίνεις κρίνω krínō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M other G2087 ἕτερον ἕτερος héteros Adj-Acc-Sg-M yourself G4572 σεαυτὸν σεαυτοῦ seautoû Refl-Acc-Sg-2P-M you are condemning G2632 κατακρίνεις κατακρίνω katakrínō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj the same things G846 αὐτὰ αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Pl-N you do G4238 πράσσεις πράσσω prássō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P who G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M are judging G2919 κρίνων κρίνω krínō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M
2 And we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.
οἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι τὸ κρίμα τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν κατὰ ἀλήθειαν ἐπὶ τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing We know G1492 οἴδαμεν εἴδω eídō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Pl-1P however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N judgment G2917 κρίμα kríma N-Nom-Sg-N the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá Prep truth G225 ἀλήθειαν ἀλήθεια alḗtheia N-Acc-Sg-F upon G1909 ἐπὶ ἐπί epí Prep those G3588 τοὺς ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-M the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N such things G5108 τοιαῦτα τοιοῦτος toioûtos Demo-Acc-Pl-N practicing G4238 πράσσοντας πράσσω prássō V-Pres-Act-Acc-Pl-M
3 So when you, O man, pass judgment on others, yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?
λογίζῃ δὲ τοῦτο ὦ ἄνθρωπε ὁ κρίνων τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας καὶ ποιῶν αὐτά ὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ θεοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Suppose you G3049 λογίζῃ λογίζομαι logízomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-2P now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj this G3778 τοῦτο οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Acc-Sg-N O G5599 ὦ ō Intj man G444 ἄνθρωπε ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Voc-Sg-M you who [are] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Voc-Sg-M judging G2919 κρίνων κρίνω krínō V-Pres-Act-Voc-Sg-M those G3588 τοὺς ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-M the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N such things G5108 τοιαῦτα τοιοῦτος toioûtos Demo-Acc-Pl-N practicing G4238 πράσσοντας πράσσω prássō V-Pres-Act-Acc-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj doing G4160 ποιῶν ποιέω poiéō V-Pres-Act-Voc-Sg-M them [yourself] G846 αὐτά αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Pl-N that G3754 ὅτι hóti Adv you yourself G4771 σὺ σύ sý Pers-Nom-Sg-2P will escape G1628 ἐκφεύξῃ ἐκφεύγω ekpheúgō V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Sg-2P the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N judgment G2917 κρίμα kríma N-Acc-Sg-N the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of God? G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M
4 Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?
ἢ τοῦ πλούτου τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας καταφρονεῖς ἀγνοῶν ὅτι τὸ χρηστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰς μετάνοιάν σε ἄγει
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Or G2228 ἢ ἤ ḗ Conj the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M riches G4149 πλούτου πλοῦτος ploûtos N-Gen-Sg-M of the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F kindness G5544 χρηστότητος χρηστότης chrēstótēs N-Gen-Sg-F of Him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F forbearance G463 ἀνοχῆς ἀνοχή anochḗ N-Gen-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F patience G3115 μακροθυμίας μακροθυμία makrothymía N-Gen-Sg-F despise you G2706 καταφρονεῖς καταφρονέω kataphronéō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P not knowing G50 ἀγνοῶν ἀγνοέω agnoéō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N kindness G5543 χρηστὸν χρηστός chrēstós Adj-Nom-Sg-N the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M to G1519 εἰς eis Prep repentance G3341 μετάνοιάν μετάνοια metánoia N-Acc-Sg-F you G4771 σε σύ sý Pers-Acc-Sg-2P leads? G71 ἄγει ἄγω ágō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
5 But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
κατὰ δὲ τὴν σκληρότητά σου καὶ ἀμετανόητον καρδίαν θησαυρίζεις σεαυτῷ ὀργὴν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ θεοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Because of G2596 κατὰ κατά katá Prep however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F hardness G4643 σκληρότητά σκληρότης sklērótēs N-Acc-Sg-F of you G4771 σου σύ sý Pers-Gen-Sg-2P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj unrepentant G279 ἀμετανόητον ἀμετανόητος ametanóētos Adj-Acc-Sg-F heart G2588 καρδίαν καρδία kardía N-Acc-Sg-F you are treasuring up G2343 θησαυρίζεις θησαυρίζω thēsaurízō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P to yourself G4572 σεαυτῷ σεαυτοῦ seautoû Refl-Dat-Sg-2P-M wrath G3709 ὀργὴν ὀργή orgḗ N-Acc-Sg-F in G1722 ἐν en Prep [the] day G2250 ἡμέρᾳ ἡμέρα hēméra N-Dat-Sg-F of wrath G3709 ὀργῆς ὀργή orgḗ N-Gen-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj revelation G602 ἀποκαλύψεως ἀποκάλυψις apokálypsis N-Gen-Sg-F of justice G1341 δικαιοκρισίας δικαιοκρισία dikaiokrisía N-Gen-Sg-F the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M
6 God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”
ὃς ἀποδώσει ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing who G3739 ὃς ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-M will give G591 ἀποδώσει ἀποδίδωμι apodídōmi V-Fut-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to each G1538 ἑκάστῳ ἕκαστος hékastos Adj-Dat-Sg-M according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá Prep the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N works G2041 ἔργα ἔργον érgon N-Acc-Pl-N of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
7 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
τοῖς μὲν καθ᾽ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ δόξαν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν ζητοῦσιν ζωὴν αἰώνιον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing to those who G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén Part with G2596 καθ᾽ κατά katá Prep endurance G5281 ὑπομονὴν ὑπομονή hypomonḗ N-Acc-Sg-F in work G2041 ἔργου ἔργον érgon N-Gen-Sg-N good G18 ἀγαθοῦ ἀγαθός agathós Adj-Gen-Sg-N glory G1391 δόξαν δόξα dóxa N-Acc-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj honor G5092 τιμὴν τιμή timḗ N-Acc-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj immortality G861 ἀφθαρσίαν ἀφθαρσία aphtharsía N-Acc-Sg-F are seeking G2212 ζητοῦσιν ζητέω zētéō V-Pres-Act-Dat-Pl-M life G2222 ζωὴν ζωή zōḗ N-Acc-Sg-F eternal G166 αἰώνιον αἰώνιος aiṓnios Adj-Acc-Sg-F
8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.
τοῖς δὲ ἐξ ἐριθείας καὶ ἀπειθοῦσιν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ πειθομένοις δὲ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ ὀργὴ καὶ θυμός
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing to those G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj of G1537 ἐξ ἐκ ek Prep self-interest G2052 ἐριθείας ἐριθεία eritheía N-Gen-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj disobeying G544 ἀπειθοῦσιν ἀπειθέω apeithéō V-Pres-Act-Dat-Pl-M the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F truth G225 ἀληθείᾳ ἀλήθεια alḗtheia N-Dat-Sg-F being persuaded about G3982 πειθομένοις πείθω peíthō V-Pres-Pass-Dat-Pl-M however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F unrighteousness G93 ἀδικίᾳ ἀδικία adikía N-Dat-Sg-F wrath G3709 ὀργὴ ὀργή orgḗ N-Nom-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj anger G2372 θυμός thymós N-Nom-Sg-M
9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;
θλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία ἐπὶ πᾶσαν ψυχὴν ἀνθρώπου τοῦ κατεργαζομένου τὸ κακόν Ἰουδαίου τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνος
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing tribulation G2347 θλῖψις thlîpsis N-Nom-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj distress G4730 στενοχωρία stenochōría N-Nom-Sg-F upon G1909 ἐπὶ ἐπί epí Prep every G3956 πᾶσαν πᾶς pâs Adj-Acc-Sg-F soul G5590 ψυχὴν ψυχή psychḗ N-Acc-Sg-F of man G444 ἀνθρώπου ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Gen-Sg-M which G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M is working G2716 κατεργαζομένου κατεργάζομαι katergázomai V-Pres-Mid-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N evil G2556 κακόν κακός kakós Adj-Acc-Sg-N of Jew G2453 Ἰουδαίου Ἰουδαῖος Ioudaîos Adj-Gen-Sg-M both G5037 τε τέ té Conj first G4413 πρῶτον πρῶτος prōtos Adj-Acc-Sg-N and also G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj of Greek G1672 Ἕλληνος Ἕλλην Héllēn N-Gen-Sg-M
10 but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.
δόξα δὲ καὶ τιμὴ καὶ εἰρήνη παντὶ τῷ ἐργαζομένῳ τὸ ἀγαθόν Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing glory G1391 δόξα dóxa N-Nom-Sg-F however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj honor G5092 τιμὴ τιμή timḗ N-Nom-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj peace G1515 εἰρήνη eirḗnē N-Nom-Sg-F to everyone G3956 παντὶ πᾶς pâs Adj-Dat-Sg-M who G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M is doing G2038 ἐργαζομένῳ ἐργάζομαι ergázomai V-Pres-Mid-Dat-Sg-M the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N good G18 ἀγαθόν ἀγαθός agathós Adj-Acc-Sg-N to Jew G2453 Ἰουδαίῳ Ἰουδαῖος Ioudaîos Adj-Dat-Sg-M both G5037 τε τέ té Conj first G4413 πρῶτον πρῶτος prōtos Adj-Acc-Sg-N and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to Greek G1672 Ἕλληνι Ἕλλην Héllēn N-Dat-Sg-M
11 For God does not show favoritism.
οὐ γάρ ἐστιν προσωπολημψία παρὰ τῷ θεῷ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Not G3756 οὐ ou Nega for G1063 γάρ gár Conj there is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P partiality G4382 προσωπολημψία προσωποληψία prosōpolēpsía N-Nom-Sg-F with G3844 παρὰ παρά pará Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-Dat-Sg-M
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
Ὅσοι γὰρ ἀνόμως ἥμαρτον ἀνόμως καὶ ἀπολοῦνται καὶ ὅσοι ἐν νόμῳ ἥμαρτον διὰ νόμου κριθήσονται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing As many as G3745 Ὅσοι ὅσος hósos Corr-Nom-Pl-M for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj without [the] Law G460 ἀνόμως anómōs Adv have sinned G264 ἥμαρτον ἁμαρτάνω hamartánō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P without [the] Law G460 ἀνόμως anómōs Adv also G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj will perish G622 ἀπολοῦνται ἀπόλλυμι apóllymi V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Pl-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj as many as G3745 ὅσοι ὅσος hósos Corr-Nom-Pl-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep [the] Law G3551 νόμῳ νόμος nómos N-Dat-Sg-M have sinned G264 ἥμαρτον ἁμαρτάνω hamartánō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P through G1223 διὰ διά diá Prep [the] Law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M will be judged G2919 κριθήσονται κρίνω krínō V-Fut-Pass-Ind-Pl-3P
13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.
οὐ γὰρ οἱ ἀκροαταὶ νόμου δίκαιοι παρὰ τῷ θεῷ ἀλλ᾽ οἱ ποιηταὶ νόμου δικαιωθήσονται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing not G3756 οὐ ou Nega for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj the G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-M hearers G202 ἀκροαταὶ ἀκροατής akroatḗs N-Nom-Pl-M of [the] law [are] G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M righteous G1342 δίκαιοι δίκαιος díkaios Adj-Nom-Pl-M with G3844 παρὰ παρά pará Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M God G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-Dat-Sg-M but G235 ἀλλ᾽ ἀλλά allá Conj the G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-M doers G4163 ποιηταὶ ποιητής poiētḗs N-Nom-Pl-M of [the] law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M will be justified G1344 δικαιωθήσονται δικαιόω dikaióō V-Fut-Pass-Ind-Pl-3P
14 Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.
ὅταν γὰρ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ νόμον ἔχοντα φύσει τὰ τοῦ νόμου ποιῶσιν οὗτοι νόμον μὴ ἔχοντες ἑαυτοῖς εἰσιν νόμος
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing When G3752 ὅταν hótan Conj for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj Gentiles G1484 ἔθνη ἔθνος éthnos N-Nom-Pl-N the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-N not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega the law G3551 νόμον νόμος nómos N-Acc-Sg-M having G2192 ἔχοντα ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Pl-N by nature G5449 φύσει φύσις phýsis N-Dat-Sg-F the [things] G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M they may do G4160 ποιῶσιν ποιέω poiéō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Pl-3P these G3778 οὗτοι οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Nom-Pl-M [the] Law G3551 νόμον νόμος nómos N-Acc-Sg-M not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega having G2192 ἔχοντες ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Pl-M to themselves G1438 ἑαυτοῖς ἑαυτοῦ heautoû Refl-Dat-Pl-3P-M are G1510 εἰσιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P a law G3551 νόμος nómos N-Nom-Sg-M
15 So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them
οἵτινες ἐνδείκνυνται τὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου γραπτὸν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν συμμαρτυρούσης αὐτῶν τῆς συνειδήσεως καὶ μεταξὺ ἀλλήλων τῶν λογισμῶν κατηγορούντων ἢ καὶ ἀπολογουμένων
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing who G3748 οἵτινες ὅστις hóstis Rela-Nom-Pl-M show G1731 ἐνδείκνυνται ἐνδείκνυμι endeíknymi V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Pl-3P the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N work G2041 ἔργον érgon N-Acc-Sg-N of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M written G1123 γραπτὸν γραπτός graptós Adj-Acc-Sg-N in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 ταῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-F hearts G2588 καρδίαις καρδία kardía N-Dat-Pl-F when they G846 αὐτῶν αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Pl-M are bearing witness G4828 συμμαρτυρούσης συμμαρτυρέω symmartyréō V-Pres-Act-Gen-Sg-F to them G846 αὐτῶν αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Pl-M their G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F conscience G4893 συνειδήσεως συνείδησις syneídēsis N-Gen-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj between G3342 μεταξὺ μεταξύ metaxý Prep one another G240 ἀλλήλων allḗlōn Reci-Gen-Pl-M the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M thoughts G3053 λογισμῶν λογισμός logismós N-Gen-Pl-M accusing G2723 κατηγορούντων κατηγορέω katēgoréō V-Pres-Act-Gen-Pl-M or G2228 ἢ ἤ ḗ Conj also G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj presenting a defense G626 ἀπολογουμένων ἀπολογέομαι apologéomai V-Pres-Mid-Gen-Pl-M
16 on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.
ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὅτε κρίνει ὁ θεὸς τὰ κρυπτὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου διὰ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing on G1722 ἐν en Prep day G2250 ἡμέρᾳ ἡμέρα hēméra N-Dat-Sg-F when G3753 ὅτε hóte Adv judges G2919 κρίνει κρίνω krínō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M God G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N secrets G2927 κρυπτὰ κρυπτός kryptós Adj-Acc-Pl-N the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M of men G444 ἀνθρώπων ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Gen-Pl-M according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá Prep the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N gospel G2098 εὐαγγέλιόν εὐαγγέλιον euangélion N-Acc-Sg-N of mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P through G1223 διὰ διά diá Prep Christ G5547 Χριστοῦ Χριστός Christós N-Gen-Sg-M Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦ Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Gen-Sg-M
17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;
Εἰ δὲ σὺ Ἰουδαῖος ἐπονομάζῃ καὶ ἐπαναπαύῃ νόμῳ καὶ καυχᾶσαι ἐν θεῷ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing If G1487 Εἰ εἰ ei Conj however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj you yourself G4771 σὺ σύ sý Pers-Nom-Sg-2P a Jew G2453 Ἰουδαῖος Ioudaîos Adj-Nom-Sg-M are called G2028 ἐπονομάζῃ ἐπονομάζω eponomázō V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-2P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj you rely on G1879 ἐπαναπαύῃ ἐπαναπαύομαι epanapaúomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-2P law G3551 νόμῳ νόμος nómos N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj you boast G2744 καυχᾶσαι καυχάομαι kaucháomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-2P in G1722 ἐν en Prep God G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-Dat-Sg-M
18 if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;
καὶ γινώσκεις τὸ θέλημα καὶ δοκιμάζεις τὰ διαφέροντα κατηχούμενος ἐκ τοῦ νόμου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj know G1097 γινώσκεις γινώσκω ginṓskō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N will G2307 θέλημα thélēma N-Acc-Sg-N and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj approve G1381 δοκιμάζεις δοκιμάζω dokimázō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P the [things] G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N being superior G1308 διαφέροντα διαφέρω diaphérō V-Pres-Act-Acc-Pl-N being instructed G2727 κατηχούμενος κατηχέω katēchéō V-Pres-Pass-Nom-Sg-M out of G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M
19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,
πέποιθάς τε σεαυτὸν ὁδηγὸν εἶναι τυφλῶν φῶς τῶν ἐν σκότει
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing you are confident G3982 πέποιθάς πείθω peíthō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-2P then [that] G5037 τε τέ té Conj you yourself G4572 σεαυτὸν σεαυτοῦ seautoû Refl-Acc-Sg-2P-M a guide G3595 ὁδηγὸν ὁδηγός hodēgós N-Acc-Sg-M being G1510 εἶναι εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act of [the] blind G5185 τυφλῶν τυφλός typhlós Adj-Gen-Pl-M a light G5457 φῶς phōs N-Acc-Sg-N to those G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep darkness G4655 σκότει σκότος skótos N-Dat-Sg-N
20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—
παιδευτὴν ἀφρόνων διδάσκαλον νηπίων ἔχοντα τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐν τῷ νόμῳ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing an instructor G3810 παιδευτὴν παιδευτής paideutḗs N-Acc-Sg-M of [the] foolish G878 ἀφρόνων ἄφρων áphrōn Adj-Gen-Pl-M a teacher G1320 διδάσκαλον διδάσκαλος didáskalos N-Acc-Sg-M of infants G3516 νηπίων νήπιος nḗpios Adj-Gen-Pl-M having G2192 ἔχοντα ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Acc-Sg-M the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F embodiment G3446 μόρφωσιν μόρφωσις mórphōsis N-Acc-Sg-F the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F of knowledge G1108 γνώσεως γνῶσις gnōsis N-Gen-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj of the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F truth G225 ἀληθείας ἀλήθεια alḗtheia N-Gen-Sg-F in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M law G3551 νόμῳ νόμος nómos N-Dat-Sg-M
21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?
ὁ οὖν διδάσκων ἕτερον σεαυτὸν οὐ διδάσκεις ὁ κηρύσσων μὴ κλέπτειν κλέπτεις
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing You who [are] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Voc-Sg-M then G3767 οὖν oûn Conj teaching G1321 διδάσκων διδάσκω didáskō V-Pres-Act-Voc-Sg-M another G2087 ἕτερον ἕτερος héteros Adj-Acc-Sg-M yourself G4572 σεαυτὸν σεαυτοῦ seautoû Refl-Acc-Sg-2P-M not G3756 οὐ ou Nega do you teach? G1321 διδάσκεις διδάσκω didáskō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P You who [are] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Voc-Sg-M preaching G2784 κηρύσσων κηρύσσω kērýssō V-Pres-Act-Voc-Sg-M not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega to steal G2813 κλέπτειν κλέπτω kléptō V-Pres-Act do you steal? G2813 κλέπτεις κλέπτω kléptō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P
22 You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
ὁ λέγων μὴ μοιχεύειν μοιχεύεις ὁ βδελυσσόμενος τὰ εἴδωλα ἱεροσυλεῖς
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing You who [are] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Voc-Sg-M saying G3004 λέγων λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Voc-Sg-M not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega to commit adultery G3431 μοιχεύειν μοιχεύω moicheúō V-Pres-Act do you commit adultery? G3431 μοιχεύεις μοιχεύω moicheúō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P You who [are] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Voc-Sg-M abhorring G948 βδελυσσόμενος βδελύσσω bdelýssō V-Pres-Mid-Voc-Sg-M the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N idols G1497 εἴδωλα εἴδωλον eídōlon N-Acc-Pl-N do you rob temples? G2416 ἱεροσυλεῖς ἱεροσυλέω hierosyléō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P
23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
ὃς ἐν νόμῳ καυχᾶσαι διὰ τῆς παραβάσεως τοῦ νόμου τὸν θεὸν ἀτιμάζεις
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing You who G3739 ὃς ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep law G3551 νόμῳ νόμος nómos N-Dat-Sg-M boast G2744 καυχᾶσαι καυχάομαι kaucháomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-2P through G1223 διὰ διά diá Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F transgression G3847 παραβάσεως παράβασις parábasis N-Gen-Sg-F of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M God G2316 θεὸν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M dishonor you? G818 ἀτιμάζεις ἀτιμάζω atimázō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P
24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
τὸ γὰρ ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ δι᾽ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν καθὼς γέγραπται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N For G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj the name G3686 ὄνομα ónoma N-Nom-Sg-N the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M through G1223 δι᾽ διά diá Prep you G4771 ὑμᾶς σύ sý Pers-Acc-Pl-2P is blasphemed G987 βλασφημεῖται βλασφημέω blasphēméō V-Pres-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P among G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-N Gentiles G1484 ἔθνεσιν ἔθνος éthnos N-Dat-Pl-N even as G2531 καθὼς καθώς kathṓs Conj describe G1125 γέγραπται γράφω gráphō V-Perf-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P
25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Περιτομὴ μὲν γὰρ ὠφελεῖ ἐὰν νόμον πράσσῃς ἐὰν δὲ παραβάτης νόμου ᾖς ἡ περιτομή σου ἀκροβυστία γέγονεν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Circumcision G4061 Περιτομὴ περιτομή peritomḗ N-Nom-Sg-F indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén Part for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj profits G5623 ὠφελεῖ ὠφελέω ōpheléō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P if G1437 ἐὰν ἐάν eán Conj [the] law G3551 νόμον νόμος nómos N-Acc-Sg-M you shall do G4238 πράσσῃς πράσσω prássō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Sg-2P if G1437 ἐὰν ἐάν eán Conj however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj a transgressor G3848 παραβάτης parabátēs N-Nom-Sg-M of law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M you shall be G1510 ᾖς εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Sub-Sg-2P the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F circumcision G4061 περιτομή peritomḗ N-Nom-Sg-F of you G4771 σου σύ sý Pers-Gen-Sg-2P uncircumcision G203 ἀκροβυστία akrobystía N-Nom-Sg-F has become G1096 γέγονεν γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
26 If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
ἐὰν οὖν ἡ ἀκροβυστία τὰ δικαιώματα τοῦ νόμου φυλάσσῃ οὐχ ἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ εἰς περιτομὴν λογισθήσεται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing If G1437 ἐὰν ἐάν eán Conj therefore G3767 οὖν oûn Conj the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F uncircumcision G203 ἀκροβυστία akrobystía N-Nom-Sg-F the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N requirements G1345 δικαιώματα δικαίωμα dikaíōma N-Acc-Pl-N of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M shall keep G5442 φυλάσσῃ φυλάσσω phylássō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Sg-3P surely G3780 οὐχ οὐχί ouchí Nega the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F uncircumcision G203 ἀκροβυστία akrobystía N-Nom-Sg-F of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M for G1519 εἰς eis Prep circumcision G4061 περιτομὴν περιτομή peritomḗ N-Acc-Sg-F will be reckoned? G3049 λογισθήσεται λογίζομαι logízomai V-Fut-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P
27 The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
καὶ κρινεῖ ἡ ἐκ φύσεως ἀκροβυστία τὸν νόμον τελοῦσα σὲ τὸν διὰ γράμματος καὶ περιτομῆς παραβάτην νόμου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj will judge G2919 κρινεῖ κρίνω krínō V-Fut-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F by G1537 ἐκ ek Prep nature G5449 φύσεως φύσις phýsis N-Gen-Sg-F uncircumcision G203 ἀκροβυστία akrobystía N-Nom-Sg-F the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M law G3551 νόμον νόμος nómos N-Acc-Sg-M fulfilling G5055 τελοῦσα τελέω teléō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-F you G4771 σὲ σύ sý Pers-Acc-Sg-2P who G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M with G1223 διὰ διά diá Prep [the] letter G1121 γράμματος γράμμα grámma N-Gen-Sg-N and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj circumcision G4061 περιτομῆς περιτομή peritomḗ N-Gen-Sg-F [are] a transgressor G3848 παραβάτην παραβάτης parabátēs N-Acc-Sg-M of law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-Gen-Sg-M
28 A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical.
οὐ γὰρ ὁ ἐν τῷ φανερῷ Ἰουδαῖός ἐστιν οὐδὲ ἡ ἐν τῷ φανερῷ ἐν σαρκὶ περιτομή
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Not G3756 οὐ ou Nega for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj the [one] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M on G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-N outward G5318 φανερῷ φανερός phanerós Adj-Dat-Sg-N a Jew G2453 Ἰουδαῖός Ἰουδαῖος Ioudaîos Adj-Nom-Sg-M is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P neither G3761 οὐδὲ οὐδέ oudé Conj the [one] G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F outwardly G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-N outward G5318 φανερῷ φανερός phanerós Adj-Dat-Sg-N in G1722 ἐν en Prep flesh G4561 σαρκὶ σάρξ sárx N-Dat-Sg-F [is] circumcision G4061 περιτομή peritomḗ N-Nom-Sg-F
29 No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.
ἀλλ᾽ ὁ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ Ἰουδαῖος καὶ περιτομὴ καρδίας ἐν πνεύματι οὐ γράμματι οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing but G235 ἀλλ᾽ ἀλλά allá Conj he who [is] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M on G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-N inward G2927 κρυπτῷ κρυπτός kryptós Adj-Dat-Sg-N a Jew [is one] G2453 Ἰουδαῖος Ioudaîos Adj-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj circumcision [is] G4061 περιτομὴ περιτομή peritomḗ N-Nom-Sg-F of heart G2588 καρδίας καρδία kardía N-Gen-Sg-F in G1722 ἐν en Prep spirit G4151 πνεύματι πνεῦμα pneûma N-Dat-Sg-N not G3756 οὐ ou Nega in letter G1121 γράμματι γράμμα grámma N-Dat-Sg-N of whom G3739 οὗ ὅς hós Rela-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M praise G1868 ἔπαινος épainos N-Nom-Sg-M [is] not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega of G1537 ἐξ ἐκ ek Prep men G444 ἀνθρώπων ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Gen-Pl-M but G235 ἀλλ᾽ ἀλλά allá Conj of G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M X exceeding G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M
Romans 3
Study Notes — Romans 2
5 sectionsRomans 2 continues Paul's exposition of the gospel by turning the tables on those who judge others while committing the same sins themselves. This chapter demolishes the false security of religious people—particularly the Jews—who believed their heritage and knowledge of God's law protected them from divine judgment. Paul teaches that God's judgment is impartial, based on truth and deeds, not on external religious status. The chapter progressively reveals that mere possession of God's law, or external religious markers like circumcision, cannot save anyone; only genuine obedience from the heart, empowered by grace, can justify a person before God.
Paul opens with a devastating charge: whoever judges others while doing the same things is without excuse (v. 1). He is addressing a specific problem—those who felt morally superior because they possessed knowledge of God's standards. Verses 2–3 remind us that God's judgment operates according to truth and will not spare the self-righteous. The critical question in verse 3 exposes the false logic: how can one who commits the same sins escape God's righteous judgment?
Verses 4–5 present a vital truth: God's kindness, forbearance, and patience are meant to lead us to repentance, not to give us license to continue in sin. This is pastoral gold. When we experience God's mercy and long-suffering, the appropriate response is genuine repentance, not presumption. Instead, those who harden their hearts and refuse to repent are actually accumulating wrath for themselves—storing up divine judgment for the day of final reckoning (v. 5).
Application: Have we mistaken God's patience for permission to sin? His goodness should humble us and drive us to repentance, not embolden us in pride.
Paul now establishes a foundational principle: God will render to every person according to their deeds (v. 6). Verses 7–10 contrast two groups: those who by patient continuance in good works seek eternal life will receive glory, honor, and peace; those who are contentious, disobey truth, and practice unrighteousness will face indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish. Notice that this applies to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile (vv. 9–10). Verse 11 caps the argument: there is no respect of persons with God. Religious pedigree, ethnicity, and outward status mean nothing to Him. His judgment is perfectly just and completely impartial.
Application: We cannot hide behind our background or our church membership. God judges the heart and the life lived, and He judges everyone by the same standard.
Paul extends his teaching to include both those with and without the written law of Moses (v. 12). The principle is clear: privilege brings accountability. Verse 13 adds crucial clarification—merely hearing the law or possessing it does not justify; only the doers of the law are justified before God. Verses 14–15 contain a remarkable insight: the Gentiles, though they do not possess the written law, sometimes do by nature the things contained in the law. They become a law unto themselves because the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their conscience bears witness, and their thoughts either accuse or excuse them. This shows that all people have some internal moral awareness—the imago Dei (image of God) is not entirely erased by sin. Verse 16 reminds us that Christ Himself will judge all these secrets of human hearts according to Paul's gospel.
Application: No one can claim ignorance before God. We all have a conscience; we all sense right and wrong. The real issue is whether we obey.
Paul now directly addresses a Jewish person who trusts in the law and boasts in God (v. 17). Such a person knows God's will, receives instruction, and is confident in their moral and spiritual superiority—viewing themselves as guides, teachers, and lights (vv. 18–20). But Paul's cutting questions in verses 21–23 expose the contradiction: Do you teach others not to steal, yet steal yourself? Do you forbid adultery, yet commit it? Do you condemn idolatry, yet rob temples? Your hypocrisy causes God's name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles.
Verses 25–27 drive home the point about circumcision. Circumcision profits only if you keep the law; if you break it, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision in God's eyes. Conversely, a Gentile who keeps the law makes their uncircumcision count as circumcision. The uncircumcised law-keeper will judge the circumcised law-breaker. Finally, verses 28–29 state the ultimate truth: true Jewishness is inward, not outward; true circumcision is of the heart, in the Spirit