Devine Scripture

Romans 2:16

What does Romans 2:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 2:16 means

There is a definite day when God will judge the secrets of all people by Jesus Christ, in line with the gospel Paul proclaims. Judgment will not stop at outward behavior; hidden motives, concealed sins, and private righteousness will all be brought to light. The mention of Jesus Christ shows that God has entrusted final judgment to the risen Lord. The gospel includes both the promise of salvation and the certainty of judgment. This verse therefore calls for integrity before God, who sees the heart, and points forward to Christ as the appointed Judge whose verdict will be perfectly righteous.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In the day when God will be a judge of the secrets of men, as it says in the good news of which I am a preacher, through Jesus Christ.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my good news, through Jesus Christ.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

in [the] day whenGod shall judge the secrets of men, according to my glad tidings, by Jesus Christ.

Context

After discussing accountability under Law and conscience (verses 12–15), Paul returns to the larger horizon: the coming judgment. Verse 16 concludes the section by naming the Judge—Jesus Christ—and emphasizing that even secrets will be assessed. With accountability established for Jew and Gentile alike, Paul now turns (verses 17–24) to challenge Jewish reliance on privilege, showing how hypocrisy dishonors God and causes His name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles.

v.15in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them);

v.16This passage

v.17But if thou bearest the name of a Jew, and restest upon the law, and gloriest in God,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 18:25

    That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, that so the righteous should be as the wicked; that be far from thee: shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

  • Ecclesiastes 3:17

    I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

  • 2 Peter 2:9

    the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;

  • Psalms 98:9

    Before Jehovah; for he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with equity.

  • Galatians 1:11

    For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man.

  • Psalms 96:13

    Before Jehovah; for he cometh, For he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with his truth.

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