God's Impartial Judgment and Conscience
Romans 2:1-16
Rom.2.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Διο: CONJ
- αναπολογητος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ανθρωπε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- πας: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κρινων·εν: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- κρινεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- ετερον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- σεαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- κατακρινεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- γαρ: PART
- αυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- πρασσεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κρινων·: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 7:1-5 (thematic): Jesus warns against judging others and exposes the hypocrisy of condemning another while ignoring one's own greater fault (the 'speck and log' analogy). Closely parallels Paul's point that judging others leads to self-condemnation.
- Luke 6:37-42 (structural): Luke's version of the 'judge not' material parallels Matthew and echoes Romans' theme: do not judge or you will be judged, and remove the plank from your own eye before addressing another's speck.
- John 8:7 (thematic): Jesus' challenge to the accusers of the adulterous woman ('let him who is without sin cast the first stone') confronts self-righteous condemnation and highlights that those who judge may themselves be guilty—resonant with Paul's claim that the judge practices the same things.
- James 4:11-12 (thematic): James forbids speaking evil against or judging a brother, reminding that there is one Lawgiver and Judge, God. Like Romans 2:1, it shifts the act of final judgment away from fellow humans to God and warns against presuming the role of judge.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore you are without excuse, whoever you are who judge another; for in judging another you condemn yourself, because you who judge practice the same things.
- Therefore you have no excuse, every one of you who judges; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you who judge practice the same things.
Rom.2.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οιδαμεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,pl
- δε: CONJ
- οτι: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- κριμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- κατα: PREP
- αληθειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- επι: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- τοιαυτα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- πρασσοντας: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:32 (verbal): Both passages state that people are aware of God's judgment against those who 'practice such things'—the same indictment of sinners and recognition of divine condemnation.
- Romans 2:6 (thematic): Continues the theme that God renders judgment righteously 'to each one according to his deeds,' linking God's just judgment to human actions.
- Romans 2:16 (verbal): Explicitly speaks of 'the righteous judgment of God' (τὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ θεοῦ), echoing Rom 2:2's claim that God's judgment is true/righteous.
- Galatians 6:7 (thematic): Affirms the moral principle underlying divine judgment—God's retributive justice: 'God is not mocked; whatever one sows, that will he also reap,' a consequence-based view of judgment.
- Revelation 20:12–13 (structural): Depicts the final judgment where the dead are judged according to their deeds, paralleling Rom 2:2's emphasis on God's righteous condemnation of wrongdoers.
Alternative generated candidates
- We know that God's righteous judgment is according to truth against those who do such things.
- We know that God's judgment is according to truth against those who do such things.
Rom.2.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- λογιζη: VERB,pres,act,subj,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ανθρωπε: NOUN,m,sg,voc
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κρινων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- τοιαυτα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- πρασσοντας: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ποιων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- αυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- οτι: CONJ
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- εκφευξη: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- κριμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 7:1-2 (thematic): Warning against judging others because the standard and measure you use will be used against you—parallel concern that the judging person will face God’s judgment.
- Matthew 7:3-5 (thematic): Jesus rebukes hypocritical judgment (seeing a speck in another’s eye while ignoring your own plank), echoing Paul’s charge to those who judge yet do the same deeds.
- Luke 18:9-14 (thematic): Parable of the Pharisee who judges others as righteous while God exposes true standing—illustrates self-righteous judging that Romans condemns.
- James 4:11-12 (verbal): James’s rhetorical question 'Who are you to judge your neighbor?' mirrors Paul’s challenge to those who judge yet practice the same sins.
- Matthew 23:25-28 (thematic): Jesus’ denunciation of outwardly clean but inwardly corrupt religious leaders parallels Paul’s indictment of hypocritical judges who do the same deeds.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?
- Do you suppose, O man—whoever you are who judge them—you will escape the judgment of God?
Rom.2.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πλουτου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χρηστοτητος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ανοχης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- μακροθυμιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- καταφρονεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- αγνοων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- χρηστον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- μετανοιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- αγει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 2 Peter 3:9 (verbal): States God is patient and not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance—a near verbal and theological parallel to Romans 2:4's link between God's patience/kindness and repentance.
- Titus 3:4-5 (verbal): Speaks of the appearance of God's kindness and love that brings salvation (not by works), echoing Romans 2:4's emphasis on God's kindness/forbearance as directed toward saving/turning people.
- Acts 14:16-17 (thematic): Paul's speech in Lystra highlights God's forbearance and ongoing goodness toward nations (giving rain/food) rather than immediate retribution—paralleling Romans' theme of divine patience and kindness.
- Ezekiel 18:23 (thematic): God asks whether He desires the death of the wicked or rather that they turn and live—an Old Testament expression of God's preference for repentance rather than punishment behind Romans 2:4.
- Isaiah 55:7 (thematic): Invites the wicked to return to the Lord with the promise of compassion and abundant pardon—reflecting the motif that God's mercy invites and effects repentance found in Romans 2:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
- Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Rom.2.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- κατα: PREP
- δε: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- σκληροτητα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- και: CONJ
- αμετανοητον: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- καρδιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- θησαυριζεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- σεαυτω: PRON,dat,sg,2
- οργην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- οργης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- αποκαλυψεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- δικαιοκρισιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:18 (verbal): Both speak of God’s wrath being revealed — Rom 1:18 declares that God’s wrath is revealed against ungodliness, echoing Rom 2:5’s language of storing up wrath to be revealed.
- Colossians 3:6 (verbal): Uses similar wording about God’s wrath coming on the disobedient, paralleling Rom 2:5’s link between sinful/hard hearts and impending divine wrath.
- John 3:36 (thematic): Both present the consequence of unbelief/disobedience as God’s wrath remaining on a person; Rom 2:5 stresses wrath stored up for the day of judgment, John 3:36 stresses wrath that remains on those who reject the Son.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 (thematic): Describes the eschatological revelation of God’s righteous judgment and retribution on the unrighteous on the day of the Lord, closely paralleling Rom 2:5’s ‘day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.’
- Matthew 13:41-42 (allusion): Portrays an end-time execution of divine judgment (furnace of fire, weeping and gnashing) similar in theme and imagery to Rom 2:5’s impending day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment is revealed.
Alternative generated candidates
- But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
- But because of your hard and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of God's righteous judgment,
Rom.2.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- αποδωσει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- εκαστω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εργα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- αυτου·: PRON,gen,sg,3
Parallels
- Psalm 62:12 (61:13 LXX) (verbal): LXX and MT language closely parallels Romans 2:6 — God 'will repay each one according to his deeds,' a near verbal source for Paul's saying.
- Proverbs 24:12 (verbal): Proverbial expression asking whether God will 'repay man according to his work' parallels the judicial principle stated in Rom 2:6.
- Matthew 16:27 (verbal): Jesus declares the Son of Man 'will repay each person according to what he has done,' echoing the same retributive formula used by Paul.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 (thematic): Paul teaches all must appear before Christ's judgment seat to receive recompense for deeds done in the body, developing the same judgment-by-works theme.
- Revelation 22:12 (verbal): The risen Lord: 'I am coming soon... to repay each one for what he has done' — a direct apocalyptic reiteration of the 'repay according to works' motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- who will render to each person according to his deeds:
- who will render to each person according to his deeds:
Rom.2.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- μεν: PART
- καθ᾽υπομονην: PREP+NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εργου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- αγαθου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- τιμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- αφθαρσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ζητουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ζωην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αιωνιον·: ADJ,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Rom.2.10 (verbal): Nearest verbal parallel in the same context: both speak of 'glory and honor' (Romans 2:10) as the reward for doing good, echoing the language of glory and honor in 2:7.
- Gal.6:9 (thematic): Encourages perseverance in doing good ('let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap') — parallels Romans 2:7's stress on endurance in good works leading to a future reward.
- Rev.2:10 (thematic): Promises a reward for faithfulness ('be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life'), paralleling the idea that perseverance in good brings immortal life/honorable reward.
- Matt.25:21 (thematic): Parable language of reward for faithful service ('Well done... enter into the joy of your master') corresponds to seeking glory/honor/eternal life as the outcome of faithful, persevering obedience.
- Rom.6:23 (thematic): States that the gift of God is eternal life — connects to Romans 2:7's focus on eternal life as the ultimate reward sought by those who persist in doing good.
Alternative generated candidates
- to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life;
- to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory and honor and incorruptibility, eternal life;
Rom.2.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- εξ: PREP
- εριθειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- απειθουσι: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αληθεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- πειθομενοις: PART,pres,mid,dat,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αδικια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- οργη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- θυμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:18 (thematic): Both verses announce God's wrath directed against ungodliness and unrighteousness; Romans 2:8 applies that wrath explicitly to those who are selfishly ambitious and disobedient to the truth, resonating with the theme of 1:18.
- Colossians 3:6 (verbal): Close wording and idea: Colossians says 'because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience,' paralleling Romans 2:8's link between disobedience/unrighteousness and divine wrath.
- Ephesians 5:6 (verbal): Echoes the same formula as Colossians—'the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience'—reinforcing Romans 2:8's association of disobedience and God's anger.
- James 3:14-16 (thematic): Identifies 'bitter jealousy and selfish ambition' (εριθεία) as roots of disorder and every vile practice; parallels Romans 2:8's condemnation of those motivated by selfish ambition.
- Galatians 5:19-21 (thematic): Lists works of the flesh and warns of exclusion from God's kingdom for those who practice them—a related theme of moral disobedience producing serious divine judgment, like Romans 2:8's wrath against the disobedient.
Alternative generated candidates
- but to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth, obeying unrighteousness—there will be wrath and indignation.
- but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
Rom.2.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- θλιψις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- στενοχωρια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- επι: PREP
- πασαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- ψυχην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ανθρωπου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κατεργαζομενου: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,gen,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- κακον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- Ιουδαιου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τε: CONJ
- πρωτον: ADV
- και: CONJ
- Ελληνος·: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:16 (verbal): Paul’s recurring phrase “to the Jew first and also to the Greek” appears verbatim here; both verses contrast God’s dealings (gospel/ judgment) with the ordering ‘Jew first, Greek next.’
- Romans 2:6 (structural): Immediate context in Romans: 2:6–11 teaches divine retribution 'to each according to his deeds,' providing the logical basis for 'tribulation and distress' on evildoers in 2:9.
- Psalm 62:12 (verbal): 'He will repay man according to his work' (Ps 62:12) echoes the principle of recompense for deeds that underlies Paul’s statement about trouble coming on those who do evil.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:6–9 (thematic): Describes God repaying 'affliction' to those who afflict the church and bringing punishment to evildoers—parallel theme of divine retribution and tribulation for the wicked.
- Matthew 25:41–46 (thematic): Jesus’ portrayal of final judgment—punishment for the wicked according to their deeds—parallels Paul’s warning of distress coming upon those who do evil.
Alternative generated candidates
- Tribulation and distress will come upon every human being who practices evil, the Jew first and also the Greek;
- There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek;
Rom.2.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δοξα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- τιμη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ειρηνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- εργαζομενω: VERB,pres,mp,ptc,dat,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αγαθον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- Ιουδαιω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τε: CONJ
- πρωτον: ADV
- και: CONJ
- Ελληνι·: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 2:7 (verbal): Similar wording and idea: those who persevere in doing good seek/receive glory and honor (reward for good works).
- Romans 2:11 (structural): Immediate contextual complement: God shows no partiality, explaining the scope ‘to Jew first and also to Greek.’
- Acts 10:34-35 (thematic): Peter’s declaration that God shows no partiality and accepts people from every nation who fear him and do right parallels the universality of reward for doing good.
- Galatians 3:28 (thematic): Affirms the breaking down of Jew–Gentile distinctions in Christ (‘neither Jew nor Greek’), related to the impartial address ‘to Jew first and also to Greek.’
- 1 Peter 2:12 (thematic): Encourages honorable behavior so that outsiders may see your good deeds and glorify God—resonates with reward/glory tied to doing good.
Alternative generated candidates
- but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.
- but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.
Rom.2.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- προσωπολημψια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- παρα: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 10:34 (verbal): Peter’s declaration uses nearly identical wording—'God shows no partiality'—applying the same principle to Gentile inclusion (direct verbal parallel).
- Deuteronomy 10:17 (allusion): Old Testament statement that God 'shows no partiality and accepts no bribe' is a background source for the theological claim of divine impartiality in Romans 2:11.
- Job 34:19 (verbal): Affirms that God shows no partiality toward princes or the powerful, echoing the same assertion about God’s impartial justice.
- James 2:1 (thematic): Warns Christians against showing favoritism, reflecting the ethical implication of the theological claim that God is impartial.
- Leviticus 19:15 (thematic): Commands impartiality in judgment—'do not show partiality'—providing legal/ethical precedent for the New Testament insistence on God's and human impartiality.
Alternative generated candidates
- For God shows no partiality.
- For God shows no partiality.
Rom.2.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Οσοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- ανομως: ADV
- ημαρτον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- ανομως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- απολουνται·και: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,pl
- οσοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- νομω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ημαρτον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- δια: PREP
- νομου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- κριθησονται·: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Romans 2:13 (verbal): Immediate parallel in context: contrasts those who hear the law and those who do the law — continues Paul’s distinction between sinning without the law and being judged by the law.
- Romans 2:6 (structural): Same pericope theme of divine judgment ‘according to works’ — establishes the principle that God will repay each person based on their deeds, which underlies 2:12’s distinction.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 (thematic): Paul’s broader teaching that all must appear before Christ’s judgment seat to receive according to what they have done parallels the idea of judgment according to one’s relation to the law and deeds.
- Galatians 6:7 (thematic): Principle of moral retribution (‘whatever one sows, that will he also reap’) resonates with 2:12’s idea that transgressions lead to corresponding judgment.
- James 2:10 (allusion): James’ point that breaking one part of the law makes one guilty of all connects to Paul’s distinction about sin relative to the law — both address the law’s condemning force and consequences for transgression.
Alternative generated candidates
- For all who have sinned without the law will perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
- For all who sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
Rom.2.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- ακροαται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- νομου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δικαιοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- παρα: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- αλλ᾽οι: CONJ
- ποιηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- νομου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δικαιωθησονται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- James 1:22 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: both contrast mere hearing/knowing with doing — 'be doers of the word, and not hearers only' echoes 'not the hearers... but the doers... justified.'
- James 2:24 (thematic): Shared theme of justification by deeds: 'a person is justified by works and not by faith alone' parallels Paul's emphasis here that doers of the law will be declared righteous.
- Deuteronomy 6:25 (allusion): Old Testament antecedent: 'it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment' provides the background for the claim that obedience results in righteousness.
- Matthew 7:21 (thematic): Jesus distinguishes mere profession from obedience: entering the kingdom belongs to those who do the Father's will, paralleling the stress on doing rather than merely hearing.
- Romans 3:20 (structural): Paul elsewhere qualifies the role of 'works of the law' ('no one will be justified in God's sight by the works of the law'), presenting a tension within Paul's argument that situates Rom 2:13 as part of a larger argument about law, works, and justification.
Alternative generated candidates
- For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.
- For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.
Rom.2.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οταν: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- εθνη: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- μη: PART
- νομον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εχοντα: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,n
- φυσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νομου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ποιωσιν: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- ουτοι: PRO,nom,pl,m
- νομον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μη: PART
- εχοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- εαυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- νομος·: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 2:15 (verbal): Immediate literary continuation: Paul explains that conscience and the ‘‘law written on their hearts’’ testify when Gentiles do what the law requires—directly develops 2:14’s claim.
- Jeremiah 31:33 (allusion): Prophecy that God will put his law within people and write it on their hearts; Paul echoes this idea to explain how Gentiles can function as a law to themselves.
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 (allusion): Promise of a new heart and Spirit enabling obedience to God’s statutes; parallels Paul’s notion of inward moral capacity enabling Gentiles to fulfill the law’s demands.
- Acts 10:34-35 (thematic): Peter’s declaration that God accepts anyone who fears him and does what is right (including Gentiles) parallels Paul’s observation that Gentiles can do the law’s requirements apart from the Mosaic code.
- Galatians 5:14 (thematic): Paul’s statement that the whole law is fulfilled in loving one’s neighbor links to the idea that Gentiles ‘‘doing the law’’ enact the law’s moral intent (love/justice) even without the Mosaic law.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, these, though they do not have the law, are a law to themselves,
- For when Gentiles who do not have the law by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves,
Rom.2.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οιτινες: PRO,rel,nom,pl,m
- ενδεικνυνται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,pl
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- εργον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νομου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- γραπτον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- καρδιαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- συμμαρτυρουσης: PART,pres,act,gen,sg,f
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- συνειδησεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- μεταξυ: PREP
- αλληλων: PRON,gen,pl,u
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- λογισμων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- κατηγορουντων: PART,pres,act,gen,pl,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- απολογουμενων: PART,pres,mid/pass,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Jeremiah 31:33 (quotation): OT source for the phrase 'written in their hearts' — God promises to put his law within and write it on hearts, which Paul echoes as the law written in human hearts.
- Hebrews 8:10 (quotation): Directly cites Jeremiah 31:33 ('I will put my laws in their mind, and write them in their hearts'), paralleling Paul's idea of the law written on the heart and internal moral testimony.
- Acts 24:16 (verbal): Paul's claim to 'always have a conscience void of offence toward God and men' parallels Romans 2:15's emphasis on conscience bearing witness and moral self-scrutiny.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 (verbal): Paul speaks of the 'testimony of our conscience' as a mark of sincerity before God, echoing Romans 2:15's language of conscience bearing witness and accusing or defending.
Alternative generated candidates
- showing the work of the law written on their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or defending them;
- showing the work of the law written on their hearts, while their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts either accuse or defend them on that day.
Rom.2.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- οτε: CONJ
- κρινει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- κρυπτα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- κατα: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- δια: PREP
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 17:31 (verbal): Paul explicitly says God “fixed a day” to judge the world in righteousness by a man (Jesus) — closely parallels Rom 2:16’s judgment on an appointed day through Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 (verbal): Speaks of all appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, echoing Rom 2:16’s emphasis that God will judge through Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 (verbal): Paul warns that the Lord will bring to light hidden things and disclose the heart’s motives — parallels Rom 2:16’s language of judging the secrets of men.
- Romans 14:10 (thematic): Affirms that all will stand before God’s judgment seat, thematically reinforcing Rom 2:16’s claim about divine judgment on the decisive day.
- John 12:48 (allusion): Jesus says his word will judge people on the last day, connecting the idea of judgment carried out ‘by Christ’ and ‘according to’ his message/gospel as in Rom 2:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.
- On the day when God will judge the secrets of men through Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge another; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you who judge do the same things.
We know that God’s righteous judgment, which is according to truth, falls against those who practice such things.
Do you suppose, then, when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?
Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and the revelation of God’s righteous judgment,
when God will repay each one according to his works:
eternal life to those who, by perseverance in doing good, seek glory and honor and immortality;
but wrath and fury to those who are self-seeking and who obey unrighteousness rather than truth.
There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;
but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good—first for the Jew, then for the Greek.
For God shows no partiality.
For all who sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.
For when Gentiles, who do not possess the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves,
showing the work of the law written on their hearts, while their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or defend them on that day.
on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.