Romans 2:1

KJV

¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G1352} thou art {G1488} inexcusable {G379}, O {G5599} man {G444}, whosoever {G3956} thou art that judgest {G2919}: for {G1063} wherein {G1722}{G3739} thou judgest {G2919} another {G2087}, thou condemnest {G2632} thyself {G4572}; for {G1063} thou that judgest {G2919} doest {G4238} the same things {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, passing judgment; for when you judge someone else, you are passing judgment against yourself; since you who are judging do the same things he does.

Berean Standard Bible

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

American Standard Version

Wherefore thou art without excuse, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest dost practise the same things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 2:1 delivers a stark indictment against hypocrisy, asserting that anyone who presumes to judge another person for their faults simultaneously condemns themselves, for they are guilty of the very same transgressions. This verse serves as a pivotal transition in Paul's argument, shifting focus from the overt sinfulness of pagan society to the subtle, yet equally damning, self-righteousness found even among those who might consider themselves morally superior. It lays the groundwork for Paul's universal declaration of human sinfulness and the necessity of God's grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's profound exposition in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness") concerning the universal suppression of truth and the resulting moral degradation of humanity. Having meticulously detailed the depravity of those who reject God and embrace idolatry and immorality, Paul now turns his attention to a different audience, likely the morally upright, possibly a Jewish audience or even Gentiles who prided themselves on their ethical conduct or adherence to law. [Romans 2:1](/romans/2-1 "Romans 2:1 - The Inexcusable Judge") serves as a direct address, confronting the reader who might have nodded in agreement with the condemnation of others in chapter 1, only to find themselves under the same divine scrutiny. It sets the stage for Paul's argument that God's judgment is impartial and based on truth, not on external status or the ability to condemn others.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, moral philosophy and the critique of others' behavior were common. Within Judaism, there was a strong emphasis on the Mosaic Law and a tendency to distinguish themselves from the "sinners" among the Gentiles. Paul's audience in Rome would have included both Jews and Gentiles, and this verse specifically targets the self-righteousness that could exist within either group. The Jewish people, in particular, often saw themselves as distinct and privileged before God due to their covenantal relationship and possession of the Law. Paul's argument here challenges this assumption, asserting that knowledge of the Law or moral principles does not exempt one from judgment if one fails to live by those principles. This sets the stage for his later arguments regarding the universal need for salvation, regardless of ethnic or religious background, as seen in [Romans 3:9-20](/romans/3-9-20 "Romans 3:9-20 - All Under Sin").
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 2:1](/romans/2-1 "Romans 2:1 - The Inexcusable Judge") introduces and develops several critical themes central to Paul's epistle. The most prominent is **Hypocrisy**, where the act of judging others for sins one commits oneself is exposed as a profound moral and spiritual failing. This leads directly to the theme of **Self-Condemnation**, as the very act of judgment reveals an inherent knowledge of right and wrong, thereby removing any excuse for one's own identical transgressions. This verse also implicitly reinforces the **Universality of Sin**, suggesting that the judge is not an exception to the human condition of sinfulness, but rather a prime example of it. Finally, it foreshadows the overarching theme of **God's Impartial Judgment**, emphasizing that God's standard is applied equally to all, regardless of their perceived moral standing or religious affiliation, a truth further elaborated in [Romans 2:6-11](/romans/2-6-11 "Romans 2:6-11 - God's Impartial Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **inexcusable (Greek, _anapológētos'_):** (G379) This word means "without an excuse," "defenseless," or "having nothing to say in one's own defense." Paul uses it to emphasize that the act of judging another person for a particular sin demonstrates that the judge is fully aware of the moral standard being violated. Therefore, when the judge commits the same sin, they cannot claim ignorance or lack of understanding, rendering their actions utterly indefensible before God.
* **judgest (Greek, _krínō'_):** (G2919) Properly, this verb means "to distinguish," "to decide (mentally or judicially)," and by implication, "to try, condemn, or punish." In this context, it refers to the act of forming a negative opinion or passing a critical verdict on another's actions. The repeated use of this word highlights the central action being condemned by Paul: the human tendency to set oneself up as a moral arbiter over others.
* **condemnest (Greek, _katakrínō'_):** (G2632) This word is a stronger form of _krínō_, meaning "to judge against" or "to sentence." It signifies the act of pronouncing a definitive judgment or condemnation. Paul's powerful point is that in the very act of condemning another, the judging individual is, in essence, pronouncing a sentence upon themselves, because they are guilty of the same offenses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest:"** Paul begins with a strong logical connector, "Therefore" (_dió_), linking this statement directly to the preceding chapter's description of universal sin. The address "O man" (_ō ánthrōpos_) is a direct, emphatic, and universal appeal, encompassing anyone who adopts a judgmental posture. The core assertion is that such a person is "inexcusable" (_anapológētos_), meaning they have no defense or justification for their actions. Their very act of judgment demonstrates their knowledge of right and wrong, thus removing any plea of ignorance for their own sin.
* **"for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself;"** This clause provides the reason (_gár_) for the inexcusability. The act of judging another implies a standard of righteousness. By applying this standard to someone else, the judge implicitly acknowledges its validity and their own awareness of it. Consequently, when the judge is found to be committing the same actions, their own judgment against another becomes a self-condemnation, a verdict pronounced upon their own conduct.
* **"for thou that judgest doest the same things."** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the previous point, providing the ultimate ground for self-condemnation. The word "for" (_gár_) again introduces the explanation. The hypocrisy lies in the fact that the very person who is quick to point out the sins of others is actively "doing the same things" (_prássō autós_). This is not just about isolated acts, but about habitual practice, indicating a fundamental moral inconsistency that renders their judgment hollow and self-incriminating.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [Romans 2:1](/romans/2-1 "Romans 2:1 - The Inexcusable Judge") to deliver his powerful message. The direct address, **Apostrophe**, "O man, whosoever thou art that judgest," creates an immediate and personal confrontation with the reader, pulling them directly into the argument. There is profound **Irony** at play: the very act intended to elevate the judge above the judged becomes the means of their own condemnation. The judge, in seeking to expose another's fault, inadvertently exposes their own. The **Repetition** of the verb "judgest" (_krínō_) three times within the single verse serves to emphasize the central action under scrutiny and to hammer home the self-incriminating nature of such judgment. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Rhetorical Indictment**, presenting a self-evident truth that leaves no room for rebuttal, effectively cornering the self-righteous individual by using their own actions against them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 2:1 is a foundational text for understanding the universal nature of sin and the impartiality of God's judgment. It dismantles any notion of moral superiority based on external observance or the ability to critique others. Theologically, it underscores that knowledge of God's law or moral principles, while valuable, does not exempt one from sin's pervasive reach. Rather, such knowledge increases accountability. The verse highlights that true righteousness is not found in condemning others but in living righteously oneself, a standard no human can perfectly meet. It sets the stage for Paul's later declaration that all, both Jew and Gentile, are "under sin" ([Romans 3:9](/romans/3-9 "Romans 3:9 - All Are Under Sin")) and therefore equally in need of God's grace. This verse challenges believers to cultivate humility, self-awareness, and a non-judgmental spirit, recognizing their own fallenness and reliance on divine mercy.

* [Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Do Not Judge")
* [Luke 6:37](/luke/6-37 "Luke 6:37 - Judge Not, and You Shall Not Be Judged")
* [James 4:11-12](/james/4-11-12 "James 4:11-12 - Do Not Speak Evil of One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 2:1 serves as a profound mirror, calling every individual to a deep and honest self-examination before presuming to critique others. It challenges the inherent human tendency to find fault outside oneself, often as a means of deflecting attention from one's own shortcomings. The verse teaches us that true spiritual maturity begins not with an outward gaze of condemnation, but with an inward gaze of confession and repentance. When we are quick to point out the "speck" in our brother's eye, we must first confront the "log" in our own ([Matthew 7:3-5](/matthew/7-3-5 "Matthew 7:3-5 - The Speck and the Log")). This doesn't negate the need for discernment or righteous judgment in appropriate contexts, but it absolutely condemns self-righteous, hypocritical judgment. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that we all stand equally in need of God's grace and forgiveness. Our primary focus should be on our own walk with God, striving for obedience and extending the same mercy and understanding to others that we ourselves desperately require.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I quick to judge others, and might I be guilty of similar faults?**
* **How does my tendency to judge others reveal my own insecurities or areas where I need to grow?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to replace a judgmental attitude with a spirit of humility and grace?**
* **How does understanding my own inexcusability before God deepen my appreciation for His mercy?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 2:1 mean Christians should never make any judgments about right and wrong?**

Answer: No, this verse does not forbid all forms of judgment or discernment. The Bible clearly calls believers to exercise discernment ([Philippians 1:9-10](/philippians/1-9-10 "Philippians 1:9-10 - Discernment and Purity")) and even to judge within the church regarding moral issues or false teaching ([1 Corinthians 5:12](/1_corinthians/5-12 "1 Corinthians 5:12 - Judging Those Inside the Church"); [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")). Romans 2:1 specifically condemns hypocritical judgment—that is, judging others for sins of which one is guilty oneself, or adopting a posture of moral superiority. It's about the spirit and motive of judgment, warning against self-righteous condemnation that ignores one's own sinfulness and the universal need for grace.

**What does Paul mean by "doest the same things"? Does it have to be the exact same sin?**

Answer: "The same things" refers to the underlying principle of sinfulness and rebellion against God's standards. While it can certainly mean committing the identical act, it more broadly encompasses falling short of God's righteousness in similar ways, or having the same sinful heart attitudes (e.g., pride, lust, greed) that manifest in different outward behaviors. Paul's point is that no one is perfectly righteous; everyone falls short of God's glory ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). The judge, despite their moral condemnation of others, is still a sinner in need of grace, just like those they judge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 2:1, with its stark declaration of universal inexcusability, powerfully underscores humanity's profound need for a Savior. The judge, caught in their own hypocrisy, stands condemned by their own standards, revealing that no human effort—whether through adherence to law or moral critique of others—can establish righteousness before God. This universal indictment of self-righteousness points directly to the unique and indispensable work of Jesus Christ. He alone is the one who "knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")), the only truly righteous judge who could justly condemn sin. Yet, in an act of unparalleled grace, instead of condemning us, He became the condemned, bearing the judgment we deserved on the cross ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")). Therefore, our hope lies not in our ability to judge others or to keep the law, but in the perfect righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law's demands and the answer to our inexcusable condition, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who turn to Him, transforming us from self-condemning judges into recipients of His boundless mercy ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 6:37

¶ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Romans 2:3

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

John 8:7

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

John 8:9

And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Romans 2:21

Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

Romans 2:23

Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

Matthew 7:1

¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.