Romans 3 2

Romans 3:2 kjv

Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

Romans 3:2 nkjv

Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.

Romans 3:2 niv

Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.

Romans 3:2 esv

Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.

Romans 3:2 nlt

Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God.

Romans 3 verses

Romans 3 2 Meaning

Romans 3:2 unequivocally affirms the significant advantage of the Jewish people, declaring it is "much in every way." This immense privilege stems from the fact that they were uniquely "entrusted with the very words of God." This highlights Israel's unparalleled historical role as the recipients and custodians of divine revelation, primarily encompassing the Old Testament scriptures, through which God communicated His truth, laws, and promises to humanity.

Romans 3 2 Context

Romans Chapter 3 immediately follows Paul's comprehensive argument in Chapters 1 and 2, where he demonstrates that both Gentiles (Ch. 1) and Jews (Ch. 2) are equally culpable before God due to their sin. Having asserted that outward observance of the Mosaic Law or ethnic Jewish identity does not automatically justify a person, Paul anticipates the natural Jewish objection posed in Romans 3:1: "Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?" Verse 2 is Paul's direct and emphatic response. He acknowledges Israel's unique historical and theological position, affirming their distinct advantages before God. This acknowledgement sets the stage for his subsequent exposition on God's universal righteousness available to all—Jew and Gentile—through faith in Jesus Christ, thereby reconciling the unique role of Israel with God's impartial salvific plan for all humanity.

Romans 3 2 Word analysis

• Much (πολύ - polu): This emphatic adjective signifies a substantial and considerable quantity. Here, it functions as an intense affirmation, indicating a very great or extensive advantage, forcefully asserting the significance of Israel's privilege.

• in every way (κατὰ πάντα τρόπον - kata panta tropon): This phrase reinforces the preceding "much" and means "in all respects," or "by every means." It conveys an undeniable, comprehensive, and undeniable benefit, leaving no room for qualification or diminution of Israel's advantage.

• First of all (πρῶτον μὲν γὰρ - prōton men gar):

  • πρῶτον (prōton): Indicates priority or the most important reason.
  • μὲν γὰρ (men gar): An explanatory conjunction, functioning as "for indeed" or "because in the first place." It introduces the primary, foundational reason for the aforementioned "much" advantage.

• they have been entrusted (ἐπιστεύθησαν - episteuthēsan): This is the aorist passive indicative of πιστεύω (pisteuō), meaning "to believe" or "to trust." In the passive voice, it directly translates as "they were entrusted," or "they were committed with." This crucial word highlights God's gracious, sovereign act; Israel didn't earn this trust, but rather received it as a divine bestowal, signifying both privilege and solemn responsibility.

• the very words (τὰ λόγια - ta logia):

  • λόγια is a plural noun specifically referring to "oracles" or "divine utterances." It is consistently used in the New Testament to denote direct pronouncements or sayings originating from God Himself.
  • The definite article τὰ ("the") points to a specific and universally recognized collection of these divine words, unequivocally referring to the Old Testament scriptures. It emphasizes their divine origin, authority, and inherent truth.

• of God (τοῦ Θεοῦ - tou Theou): This genitive phrase definitively names the divine author and source of these "words." It asserts that the Hebrew scriptures are not merely human writings or traditions but are revelations directly from God, possessing ultimate authority and infallibility.

• "Much in every way!": This powerfully underscores the profound and undeniable privilege of being chosen by God. It sets a strong positive tone, emphasizing that Israel's election conferred a truly significant and pervasive benefit.

• "First of all, for they have been entrusted with the very words of God.": This phrase provides the supreme and primary reason for Israel's unique standing. It points directly to God's sovereign choice to reveal Himself and His will through a specific people, making them the stewards of divine revelation, the Old Testament scriptures. This act bestowed immense privilege, but also placed a grave responsibility upon them to guard, understand, and live by these sacred words.

Romans 3 2 Bonus section

• The passive voice of episteuthēsan ("they have been entrusted") is vital; it consistently places God as the active agent, highlighting His gracious, unilateral decision to choose Israel for this profound stewardship, rather than implying any inherent merit on Israel's part.
• This verse effectively counters the mistaken notion that Israel's privilege meant automatic salvation or exemption from God's judgment if they were unfaithful to the very words entrusted to them. It simultaneously emphasizes God's faithfulness to His Word and His promises, even when His covenant people fell short.
• The logia are more than just historical documents; they are "living oracles" (Acts 7:38), reflecting the active and life-giving power inherent in God's spoken word.
• By entrusting His words to Israel, God not only revealed Himself to them but also prepared a textual foundation through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would later be understood and validated as the fulfillment of those very scriptures.

Romans 3 2 Commentary

Romans 3:2 serves as Paul's decisive affirmation of Israel's unique election within God's redemptive plan. Despite their widespread failure to perfectly keep the Law or exhibit true righteousness (as meticulously detailed in previous chapters), Paul forcefully asserts that their Jewish identity still carries "much advantage in every way." The primary, unparalleled reason for this advantage is their sacred role as the chosen custodians of "the very words of God." This refers to the Old Testament scriptures—the Law, Prophets, and Writings—which contained God's truth, His covenant promises, and the framework for understanding His character and redemptive purposes. This was an unearned divine gift, placing upon them the profound responsibility of preserving, proclaiming, and living according to these divine utterances. Their failure to perfectly fulfill this responsibility, however, did not negate the truth or the divine faithfulness inherent in the entrusted Word itself. This verse not only confirms the enduring value and authority of the Old Testament but also lays the theological groundwork for Paul's subsequent declaration of God's universal righteousness made available to all, Jew and Gentile, through faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's consistent character even when humans falter.