Devine Scripture

Romans 2:17

What does Romans 2:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 2:17 means

Paul addresses the one who bears the name of a Jew, relies on the Law, and boasts in God. These are not bad things in themselves; they are privileges. But they can become a false refuge when they replace humble obedience. To “rest upon the law” suggests security derived from possession of revelation rather than conformity to it. To “glory in God” can slide into pride if it is mere identity rather than reverence and trust. Paul is preparing to test these claims by asking whether this confidence corresponds to an obedient life or masks hypocrisy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But as for you who have the name of Jew, and are resting on the law, and take pride in God,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Lo, thou art named a Jew, and dost rest upon the law, and dost boast in God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if thou art named a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast inGod,

Context

Having shown universal accountability, Paul narrows his focus to Jews who take pride in their privileged position (verses 17–20). He will then expose inconsistency (verses 21–24). Verse 17 opens by listing the grounds of Jewish confidence. Verses 18–20 will expand the picture of knowledge and calling, before the searching questions of verses 21–23 reveal failure to live up to the very Law that gives them identity.

v.16in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.

v.17This passage

v.18and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,

Cross references

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

  • Zephaniah 3:11

    In that day shalt thou not be put to shame for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me; for then I will take away out of the midst of thee thy proudly exulting ones, and thou shalt no more be haughty in my holy mountain.

  • Revelation 3:9

    Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

  • Matthew 8:11

    And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:

  • Luke 10:28

    And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

  • Jeremiah 7:4

    Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, are these.

  • John 8:33

    They answered unto him, We are Abraham’s seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

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