Romans 2 17

Romans 2:17 kjv

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

Romans 2:17 nkjv

Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God,

Romans 2:17 niv

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

Romans 2:17 esv

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God

Romans 2:17 nlt

You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God's law, and you boast about your special relationship with him.

Romans 2 verses

Romans 2 17 Meaning

Romans 2:17 serves as a direct and rhetorical challenge from the Apostle Paul to individuals, presumably Jewish or those strongly identified with Judaism and its privileges. Paul highlights their confidence stemming from their ethnic and religious identity ("called a Jew"), their reliance upon the divinely given Law, and their unique covenant relationship, where they "boast in God." The verse sets the stage for Paul to scrutinize whether this external identity and knowledge are matched by an inward transformation and obedient lifestyle, suggesting that mere possession of these advantages does not guarantee divine approval, particularly if one fails to live according to the Law's true intent.

Romans 2 17 Context

Romans chapter 2 focuses on God's righteous judgment. Paul begins by declaring that no one, whether Gentile or Jew, is exempt from God's judgment if they condemn others while practicing the same sins (Rom 2:1-3). He states that God judges according to truth and deeds, not outward appearance or partiality (Rom 2:6-11). Before directly addressing those who have the Law, Paul first establishes the principle that even Gentiles, who do not have the written Law, are accountable because God's law is written on their hearts (Rom 2:14-16).

Verse 17 then pivots explicitly to those who self-identify as "Jew." This verse, therefore, directly introduces Paul's specific challenge to the Jewish audience, who might feel exempt from judgment due to their unique identity and privileges. It sets the stage for Paul to meticulously expose the inconsistency and hypocrisy that can arise when one boasts in spiritual advantages without living in genuine obedience to the Spirit of the Law. It forms a critical link in Paul's overall argument in Romans 1-3 that all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, is under sin and stands in need of God's grace through faith.

Romans 2 17 Word analysis

• Behold (Ἴδε Ide): This is an imperative, an interjection used to draw immediate attention. It signifies that Paul is about to make a crucial and direct point, preparing the audience for a significant revelation or challenge. It arrests attention and underscores the critical nature of what follows.
• you are called a Jew (Ἰουδαῖος ἐπονομάζῃ Ioudaios eponomazē):
  • Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios): This refers to one of Jewish ethnicity and religion, a member of God's covenant people. It carries profound historical and theological significance, representing one chosen by God, distinguished by the Law, circumcision, and the promise.
  • ἐπονομάζῃ (eponomazē): "You are called" or "you bear the name." This passive voice verb highlights that the person is named or identified as such. The nuance here is that the name or title "Jew" is emphasized, raising the question of whether the reality behind the name matches the expectation. It can imply both a rightful designation and a reliance upon that designation.
• and rest on the law (καὶ ἐπαναπαύῃ νόμῳ kai epanapauē nomō):
  • ἐπαναπαύῃ (epanapauē): Literally, "you rest upon," "you recline upon," or "you find comfort/security in." This word conveys a sense of confident reliance and dependence. The individual has placed their hope and security in the Law.
  • νόμῳ (nomō): "The Law," specifically referring to the Mosaic Law (the Torah), the divine revelation given to Israel through Moses. It represents not just a set of rules, but the entirety of God's covenant with Israel, a source of wisdom, righteousness, and a guide for life.
• and make your boast in God (καὶ καυχᾶσαι ἐν Θεῷ kai kauchasai en Theō):
  • καυχᾶσαι (kauchasai): "You boast," "you glory," "you pride yourself." Boasting can be either legitimate (boasting in the Lord) or illegitimate (boasting in oneself or one's works). In this context, it suggests a confident declaration of their unique relationship with God.
  • ἐν Θεῷ (en Theō): "In God." The claim is to have God as their own, to be His special people (Exod 19:5), distinct from all others. This boast points to the unique covenant God made with Israel, and their perception of being singularly favored by Him.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "You are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God": This tripartite statement perfectly encapsulates the spiritual advantages and identity markers cherished by the first-century Jew. Paul is not denying these historical and covenantal realities; rather, he is about to question whether these privileges are merely external badges of honor or if they are genuinely lived out. The structure sets up a stark contrast between a confident outward identification and a potential internal failure. It critiques a reliance on inherited privilege and religious status rather than an active, sincere obedience that comes from a transformed heart.

Romans 2 17 Bonus section

• Paul's personal background as a Pharisee who formerly boasted in all these things (Phil 3:4-6) lends unique authority and empathy to his critique. He is speaking from the inside out.
• The verse implies a significant challenge: Does possessing spiritual truth and a holy calling lead to arrogance and judgment of others, or to humble obedience and sincere devotion?
• This verse can be seen as a direct refutation of any notion that outward markers (like circumcision, ethnic identity, or mere knowledge of scripture) automatically guarantee salvation or moral superiority without genuine inward righteousness and obedience. It anticipates the concept of a "circumcision of the heart" that Paul elaborates on later in the chapter.

Romans 2 17 Commentary

Romans 2:17 reveals Paul's penetrating insight into the spiritual self-deception prevalent among those who, while blessed with profound spiritual privileges—a sacred identity, divine law, and a covenant with God—fail to align their conduct with their claims. The "Jew" here is confronted for finding false security in a privileged name, mere possession of the Law, and a presumptive relationship with God, rather than demonstrating righteousness through obedience. It’s not about condemning these blessings but exposing the hypocrisy when the outward badge of religious identity replaces the inward transformation and adherence to the very principles they boast of. This verse thus lays the groundwork for Paul's broader argument concerning the universal sinfulness of humanity, regardless of ethnic or religious standing, emphasizing that true righteousness comes from God, not from a heritage or the outward practice of rituals.