Romans 2:17

¶ Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

Behold {G2396}, thou {G4771} art called {G2028} a Jew {G2453}, and {G2532} restest {G1879} in the law {G3551}, and {G2532} makest thy boast {G2744} of {G1722} God {G2316},

But if you call yourself a Jew and rest on Torah and boast about God

Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;

But if thou bearest the name of a Jew, and restest upon the law, and gloriest in God,

Commentary

Context

This verse comes in the midst of Paul's powerful argument in the book of Romans, where he systematically lays out the sinfulness of all humanity, both Gentiles and Jews. After addressing the Gentiles who suppressed the truth and engaged in idolatry (Romans 1:18ff), Paul turns his attention to the Jews in chapter 2. He confronts those who judge others while committing the same sins, emphasizing that God shows no partiality. Romans 2:17 begins a specific address to the Jewish people, highlighting their privileged position under the Law and their potential reliance on that privilege rather than genuine obedience and transformation.

Key Themes

  • Religious Identity: The verse starts by acknowledging the identity of "called a Jew," recognizing their unique covenant relationship with God and possession of the Law.
  • Reliance on the Law: The phrase "restest in the law" points to a potential danger of relying solely on having the Law or knowing it, rather than living by it. It suggests finding security or confidence in mere possession or knowledge.
  • Boasting in God: "Makest thy boast of God" indicates a pride taken in their relationship with God, often stemming from being the chosen people and recipients of His revelation. Paul will later challenge the basis of boasting, showing that true boasting is only in the Lord.
  • Setting the Stage for Critique: This verse, while stating facts about Jewish identity and relationship with the Law, serves as a setup for Paul to expose the inconsistency and hypocrisy that can arise when outward identity and knowledge don't align with inward reality and action, as he elaborates in the following verses (Romans 2:21-24).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "restest in the law" uses the Greek word anapauō (ἀναπαύῃ), which means "to cause to cease, to give rest, to find rest, rely upon." Here, it carries the sense of finding one's security or confidence in the possession and knowledge of the Law, perhaps to the exclusion of the deeper spiritual reality it pointed to. "Makest thy boast" comes from kauchaomai (καυχάομαι), meaning "to boast, glory, pride oneself." Paul frequently uses this word when discussing what one finds confidence or pride in, contrasting human achievements or status with the grace of God.

Reflection and Application

Romans 2:17 serves as a timeless warning against relying on external religious identity or privilege. Whether we are "called a Christian," belong to a specific denomination, have extensive biblical knowledge, or are active in church, this verse challenges us to examine where our true confidence lies. Do we "rest" in our affiliation or knowledge, or do we demonstrate genuine faith through transformed lives that bear the fruit of obedience? True boasting is not in our religious status or understanding, but in the grace and work of God in Christ Jesus (Galatians 6:14). This verse encourages introspection: is our faith merely an outward label and intellectual assent, or is it a dynamic, life-changing relationship?

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Cross-References

  • Romans 2:23 (8 votes)

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

  • Micah 3:11 (7 votes)

    The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

  • Isaiah 48:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, [but] not in truth, nor in righteousness.

  • Isaiah 48:2 (4 votes)

    For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

  • Romans 9:32 (3 votes)

    Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

  • Matthew 3:9 (3 votes)

    And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

  • Romans 9:4 (3 votes)

    Who are Israelites; to whom [pertaineth] the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;