Romans 2

God's Righteous Judgment

1 Therefore you have f no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For g in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man - you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself - that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on h the riches of his kindness and i forbearance and j patience, k not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are l storing up m wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.

6 n He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who o by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking 1 and p do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress q for every human being who does evil, the Jew r first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and s peace for everyone who does good, t the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For u God shows no partiality.

God's Judgment and the Law

12 For all who have sinned v without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For w it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, x by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is y written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 z on that day when, a according to my gospel, God judges b the secrets of men c by Christ Jesus.

17 But if you call yourself a Jew and d rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are e a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law f the embodiment of g knowledge and truth - 21 h you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you i rob temples? 23 You who j boast in the law k dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, l as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed m among the Gentiles because of you."

25 For circumcision indeed is of value n if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if o a man who is uncircumcised keeps p the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded 2 as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law q will condemn you who have r the written code 3 and circumcision but break the law. 28 For s no one is a Jew t who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one u inwardly, and v circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. w His praise is not from man but from God.

  1. Cross References
    Romans 1:20
    For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
  2. Cross References
    2 Samuel 12:5 - 7
    Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die.
    John 8:7
    And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.
    Matthew 7:2
    For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
  3. Cross References
    Romans 9:23
    In order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory -
    Romans 10:12
    For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
  4. Cross References
    Romans 3:25
    Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
  5. Cross References
    Romans 9:22
    What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction.
    Exodus 34:6
    The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
  6. Cross References
    Isaiah 30:18
    Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
    2 Peter 3:9
    The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
    2 Peter 3:15
    And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him.
    Revelation 2:21
    I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.
  7. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:34
    'Is not this laid up in store with me, sealed up in my treasuries?
    James 5:3
    Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.
  8. Cross References
    Psalms 110:5
    The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
  9. Cross References
    Job 34:11
    For according to the work of a man he will repa...
    Psalms 62:12
    And that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love...
    Proverbs 24:12
    If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," doe...
    Jeremiah 17:10
    "I the Lord search the heart and test the mind,...
    Jeremiah 32:19
    Great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes...
    Matthew 16:27
    For the Son of Man is going to come with his an...
  10. Cross References
    Luke 8:15
    As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
  11. Cross References
    2 Thessalonians 2:12
    In order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
  12. Cross References
    Ezekiel 18:20
    The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
  13. Cross References
    1 Peter 4:17
    For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
  14. Cross References
    Isaiah 57:19
    Creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him.
  15. Cross References
    Romans 1:16
    For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 10:34
    So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality.
  17. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:21
    To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.
  18. Cross References
    James 1:22 - 23
    But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
  19. Cross References
    Romans 1:19
    For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
  20. Cross References
    Jeremiah 31:33
    But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord : I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
  21. Cross References
    Romans 3:6
    By no means! For then how could God judge the world?
    Romans 14:10
    Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
    1 Corinthians 4:5
    Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
    Acts 10:42
    And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
    Acts 17:31
    Because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.
  22. Cross References
    Romans 16:25
    Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
    2 Timothy 2:8
    Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel.
    Galatians 1:11
    For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.
    1 Timothy 1:11
    In accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
  23. Cross References
    Ecclesiastes 12:14
    For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
  24. Cross References
    Romans 16:25
    Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
    1 Timothy 1:11
    In accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
    2 Timothy 2:8
    Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel.
  25. Cross References
    Romans 2:23
    You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.
    Micah 3:11
    Its heads give judgment for a bribe; its priests teach for a price; its prophets practice divination for money; yet they lean on the Lord and say, "Is not the Lord in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us.
    Romans 9:4
    They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.
    John 5:45
    Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope.
  26. Cross References
    Job 29:15
    I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.
    Matthew 15:14
    Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.
    Matthew 23:16
    "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.'
    John 9:39 - 41
    Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.
  27. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:5
    Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
    Galatians 4:19
    My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!
    2 Timothy 1:13
    Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
  28. Cross References
    Luke 11:52
    Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.
  29. Cross References
    Matthew 23:3 - 28
    So practice and observe whatever they tell you - but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
    Psalms 50:16 - 21
    But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips?
    Matthew 15:1 - 9
    Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said.
  30. Cross References
    Acts 19:37
    For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess.
    Malachi 3:8
    Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions.
  31. Cross References
    Romans 2:17
    But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God
    Romans 3:27
    Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.
  32. Cross References
    Malachi 1:6
    "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?'
  33. Cross References
    Isaiah 52:5
    Now therefore what have I here," declares the Lord, "seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? Their rulers wail," declares the Lord, "and continually all the day my name is despised.
  34. Cross References
    2 Samuel 12:14
    Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.
    Ezekiel 36:20
    But when they came to the nations, wherever they came, they profaned my holy name, in that people said of them, 'These are the people of the Lord, and yet they had to go out of his land.
    Ezekiel 36:23
    And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.
    2 Peter 2:2
    And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.
  35. Cross References
    Isaiah 52:5
    Now therefore what have I here," declares the Lord, "seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? Their rulers wail," declares the Lord, "and continually all the day my name is despised.
  36. Cross References
    Galatians 5:3
    I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.
  37. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:11
    Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands -
    Romans 3:30
    Since God is one - who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
  38. Cross References
    Romans 1:32
    Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
    Romans 8:4
    In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
  39. Cross References
    Matthew 12:41
    The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
  40. Cross References
    Romans 2:29
    But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
    Romans 7:6
    But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
    2 Corinthians 3:6
    Who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
  41. Cross References
    Romans 9:6 - 8
    But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel.
    Galatians 6:15
    For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
  42. Cross References
    Romans 2:17
    But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God
  43. Cross References
    1 Peter 3:4
    But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
  44. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 10:16
    Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart...
    Deuteronomy 30:6
    And the Lord your God will circumcise your hear...
    Jeremiah 4:4
    Circumcise yourselves to the Lord ; remove the ...
    Acts 7:51
    You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart...
    Philippians 3:3
    For we are the circumcision, who worship by the...
    Colossians 2:11
    In him also you were circumcised with a circumc...
  45. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 10:18
    For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
    1 Thessalonians 2:4
    But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
    Galatians 1:10
    For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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