Devine Scripture

Romans 2:24

What does Romans 2:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 2:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 2:24 means

Paul cites Scripture’s rebuke: because of the sins of God’s people, His name is blasphemed among the Gentiles. When those who claim to represent God live in contradiction to His Law, outsiders conclude that God is not holy or powerful. The failure of the covenant people does not tarnish God’s character, but it does distort His reputation among the nations. This verse underscores the missionary purpose of obedience and the scandal of hypocrisy: the world hears our theology through our lives. Where there should have been light, there was offense, confirming the charge that privilege without obedience is destructive.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, even as it is written.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, even as it is written.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the name of God is shamed among the Gentiles because of you, as it is said in the holy Writings.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the name of God because of you is evil spoken of among the nations, according as it hath been written.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

(For the name of God through you is blasphemed among the Gentiles, as it is written.)

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For the name ofGod is blasphemed on your account among the nations, according as it is written.

Context

Verse 24 grounds Paul’s accusation in the witness of Scripture, strengthening the case against hypocrisy. With God’s name publicly dishonored, Paul turns in verses 25–29 to the sign of the covenant—circumcision—to show that outward marks are meaningful only when matched by obedience. This continues the theme that identity badges (Law, circumcision) cannot substitute for a heart aligned with God’s will.

v.23thou who gloriest in the law, through thy transgression of the law dishonorest thou God?

v.24This passage

v.25For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.

Cross references

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

  • Titus 2:8

    sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.

  • 2 Samuel 12:14

    Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of Jehovah to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

  • 2 Peter 2:2

    And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of.

  • Lamentations 2:15

    All that pass by clap their hands at thee; They hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men called The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

  • Ezekiel 36:20

    And when they came unto the nations, whither they went, they profaned my holy name; in that men said of them, These are the people of Jehovah, and are gone forth out of his land.

  • Isaiah 52:5

    Now therefore, what do I here, saith Jehovah, seeing that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them do howl, saith Jehovah, and my name continually all the day is blasphemed.

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