Romans 2:12

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

For {G1063} as many as {G3745} have sinned {G264} without law {G460} shall {G622} also {G2532} perish {G622} without law {G460}: and {G2532} as many as {G3745} have sinned {G264} in {G1722} the law {G3551} shall be judged {G2919} by {G1223} the law {G3551};

All who have sinned outside the framework of Torah will die outside the framework of Torah; and all who have sinned within the framework of Torah will be judged by Torah.

All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.

For as many as have sinned without the law shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law;

Commentary

Romans 2:12 (KJV): "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;"

This verse from Romans chapter 2 is a pivotal statement in Paul's argument about God's universal and impartial judgment. It directly addresses the different groups of people in Paul's audience – primarily Gentiles ("without law") and Jews ("in the law") – and asserts that sin leads to condemnation for everyone, regardless of whether they possessed the written Mosaic Law or not.

Context

In Romans 1, Paul establishes the guilt of the Gentiles, who suppressed the truth about God revealed in creation. Chapter 2 continues by confronting those who might judge the Gentiles (often understood as Jews) but are guilty of the same sins. Paul insists that God's judgment is based on truth and deeds, not on outward status or possessing the Law (Romans 2:6) and that there is no respect of persons with God (Romans 2:11). Verse 12 explains *how* different groups will be judged.

Key Themes

  • Impartial Judgment: God judges all humanity. Those without the Mosaic Law are accountable based on the knowledge they do have (often understood as conscience and natural law, as discussed in Romans 2:14-15), and sinning against that knowledge leads to ruin ("perish without law"). Those under the written Law are judged strictly by its standards, and sinning against it leads to judgment ("judged by the law").
  • Universal Accountability: The verse underscores that no one is outside of God's jurisdiction or accountability for sin. Ignorance of the written Law does not grant immunity from the consequences of sin.
  • The Law's Function: For those under the Law, it serves as a standard that reveals sin and brings judgment. It doesn't save, but rather highlights the need for salvation by demonstrating humanity's inability to keep it perfectly (Romans 3:20).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "without law" translates the Greek word anomōs (ἀνόμως), meaning "without law" or "lawlessly," referring to those who did not have the specific, written Mosaic Law. "In the law" translates en nomō (ἐν νόμῳ), indicating being under or within the sphere of the Mosaic Law. The word "perish" (ἀπολοῦνται - apolountai) signifies ruin, destruction, or being lost, pointing to the dire consequences of sin in the face of God's judgment.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that everyone, everywhere, is accountable to God. Whether we have extensive scriptural knowledge or less, our actions and choices have eternal consequences. It highlights the universal nature of sin and the need for a solution that applies to all – not through perfect law-keeping (which is impossible), but through God's grace offered in Jesus Christ. It levels the playing field, showing that both the religious insider and the outsider are equally in need of salvation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 9:21 (7 votes)

    To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

  • Romans 2:14 (6 votes)

    For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

  • Romans 2:16 (6 votes)

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

  • Galatians 3:10 (6 votes)

    For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

  • Acts 17:30 (4 votes)

    And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

  • Acts 17:31 (4 votes)

    Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

  • Galatians 2:16 (4 votes)

    Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.