Romans 2:15

Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

Which {G3748} shew {G1731} the work {G2041} of the law {G3551} written {G1123} in {G1722} their {G846} hearts {G2588}, their {G846} conscience {G4893} also bearing witness {G4828}, and {G2532} their thoughts {G3053} the mean while accusing {G2723} or {G2228} else {G2532} excusing {G626} one another {G3342}{G240};)

For their lives show that the conduct the Torah dictates is written in their hearts. Their consciences also bear witness to this, for their conflicting thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them

So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them

in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them);

Romans 2:15 (KJV): Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

Context

The Apostle Paul, in Romans chapter 2, continues his argument from chapter 1, demonstrating that all humanity, both Gentiles (who did not have the written Mosaic Law) and Jews (who did), are accountable before God. He is building the case for why the Gospel is necessary for everyone. In verses 12-16, Paul specifically addresses the state of those without the written law, showing that they are not without a standard of judgment. This verse explains how God's moral requirements are evident even to those who never received the Ten Commandments at Sinai.

Key Themes

  • The Law Written on the Heart: This is a core concept, suggesting a universal moral sense or innate understanding of right and wrong placed within humanity by the Creator. It's not the specific Mosaic code, but the underlying moral principles it represents. This idea echoes Old Testament prophecies about a future covenant where God's law would be written on hearts.
  • Conscience as a Witness: The "conscience" (Greek: syneidēsis) acts as an internal witness, either approving or disapproving of one's actions. It testifies to the moral standard written within.
  • Internal Accusation or Excusing: The accompanying thoughts demonstrate the conscience at work, evaluating behavior and motives. This internal dialogue reflects the individual's awareness of their own adherence to, or failure to meet, this innate moral standard.
  • Universal Accountability: Paul uses this to show that Gentiles, despite not having the Mosaic Law, possess an internal standard by which they can be judged, just as Jews will be judged by the written law (see Romans 2:12).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "written in their hearts" points to an inherent, not acquired, knowledge of moral principles. The Greek word for "conscience," syneidēsis, literally means "co-knowledge" – a knowledge shared with oneself, an internal awareness of one's actions and their moral quality. This internal witness is crucial to understanding the human condition as described by Paul.

Reflection

Romans 2:15 is a powerful statement about the innate moral capacity and accountability of all people. It suggests that deep within every individual lies a sense of right and wrong, a conscience that bears witness to a moral order. This doesn't mean everyone perfectly understands or follows this internal law, but it explains the widespread human experience of guilt, shame, or even approval regarding their actions. It underscores God's fairness in judgment, as He has provided a standard, internal or external, by which all are measured. Ultimately, it reinforces the need for the Gospel, as even this internal law demonstrates humanity's failure to live up to God's righteous standard.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:11

    Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

  • Romans 1:18

    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

  • Romans 1:19

    ¶ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    ¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • Job 27:6

    My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach [me] so long as I live.

  • Titus 1:15

    Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

  • 1 Timothy 4:2

    Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

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