Romans 2 2

Romans 2:2 kjv

But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

Romans 2:2 nkjv

But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

Romans 2:2 niv

Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

Romans 2:2 esv

We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.

Romans 2:2 nlt

And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things.

Romans 2 verses

Romans 2 2 Meaning

Romans 2:2 declares a foundational principle: that God's judgment is irrevocably and universally grounded in truth. It asserts that everyone inherently understands that God's verdict on those who practice unrighteousness is not arbitrary, partial, or fallible, but consistent with objective reality, divine integrity, and moral rightness. This truthfulness ensures God's justice is righteous, impartial, and inescapable for all, whether Jew or Gentile, who engage in the very acts they condemn in others.

Romans 2 2 Context

Romans 2:2 immediately follows Paul's scathing indictment in Romans 2:1 against those who, while condemning the sinful practices of others, engage in the very same transgressions. This verse establishes the immovable standard by which God operates. It contrasts human hypocrisy and inconsistent judgment with divine justice, setting the stage for Paul's argument about the universal sinfulness of both Gentiles and Jews. The broader context of Romans 1-3 portrays humanity's pervasive unrighteousness, demonstrating that everyone is accountable to God, regardless of their cultural, religious, or ethnic background. The chapter highlights that external observance or inherited status (like being a Jew under the Law) does not provide an exemption from God's scrutiny, as His judgment penetrates beneath appearances to the true condition of the heart, revealed through actions and conscience.

Romans 2 2 Word analysis

• But/And (δέ - de): This conjunction can mean "but" or "and." Here, it connects Romans 2:2 directly to 2:1, introducing a logical consequence or a known truth that follows from the prior statement. It emphasizes the contrast between human hypocrisy and divine reality.
• We know (οἴδαμεν - oidamen): From the Greek verb oida, meaning "to know," implying a certain, intuitive, or widely acknowledged understanding, not merely a speculative belief. Paul appeals to a common knowledge, suggesting this truth about God's judgment is self-evident or universally imprinted, possibly through natural revelation (Rom 1:19-20) or conscience (Rom 2:14-15). It's an affirmation of certainty.
• that (ὅτι - hoti): A conjunction introducing the direct statement of what is known. It presents the content of the "knowing."
• the judgment (τὸ κρίμα - to krima): This Greek term denotes a legal sentence, a verdict, or the judicial act of decision-making and the resulting outcome. It's not krisis (the process of judging or discerning), but the established decree or pronouncement itself. It underscores the decisive and conclusive nature of God's verdict.
• of God (τοῦ Θεοῦ - tou Theou): Points to the ultimate and supreme source of this judgment – God Himself. This signifies its divine authority, perfect standard, and incontrovertible nature. His judgment is the final word.
• is (ἐστὶν - estin): A present tense form of "to be," indicating a perpetual and unwavering reality. God's judgment is always true; it is an intrinsic attribute of His character and actions.
• according to (κατὰ - kata): This preposition indicates alignment, correspondence, or being "in accordance with." It signifies that God's judgment perfectly conforms to, derives its standard from, and is fully consistent with, "truth."
• truth (ἀλήθειαν - alētheian): From aletheia, meaning objective reality, accuracy, integrity, fidelity, and reliability. In the biblical sense, it signifies God's inherent faithfulness to His own nature, character, and Word, which are always perfectly just and right. It implies transparency, reality, and the absence of deceit or error. God’s judgment is based on facts, His holy nature, and absolute righteousness.

• "We know that God's judgment": This phrase establishes the undeniable authority and certain nature of divine judgment. It’s a common Christian belief but also arguably discernible through the natural order and conscience, setting up an expectation that all will be held accountable.
• "is according to truth": This key phrase provides the criterion for God's judgment. It implies impartiality, justice, and perfect discernment. God does not judge based on appearance, bias, or limited knowledge, but on the true reality of actions and motives. This contrasts sharply with biased or superficial human judgments highlighted in the previous verse.

Romans 2 2 Bonus section

This verse powerfully contrasts God's righteous character with the prevalent human tendency toward hypocrisy and self-justification. It inherently refutes any form of moral relativism, affirming that a universal and unchanging standard of "truth" exists, anchored in God's nature. This divine truth serves as the immutable benchmark against which all human behavior, motives, and self-assessments are measured. The emphasis on "truth" also highlights God's perfect omniscience; He does not need human testimony or argument, as His understanding of all things is absolute and complete. Thus, there is no appeal to ignorance or misunderstanding possible before Him.

Romans 2 2 Commentary

Romans 2:2 acts as a linchpin in Paul's theological argument, establishing the absolute reliability and fairness of God's coming judgment. It immediately undercuts any notion that God's justice is arbitrary or that people can evade accountability by merely pointing fingers at others. The phrase "We know" highlights a universal human recognition of this divine attribute, often sensed through the conscience. God’s "judgment" is not merely a harsh pronouncement, but a precise verdict based on "truth," reflecting His own perfect character and consistent nature. This means His judgment is uninfluenced by human favoritism, prejudice, or deceit. It is accurate, perfectly discerning, and righteous, based on the reality of deeds and motives. This divine standard makes clear that external status, whether Jew or Gentile, provides no shelter from scrutiny. Everyone is accountable to a God whose discernment is absolute truth.