2:17 2:17

Romans 2:18

2:19 2:19

Bible Versions

And knowest [his] will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
And {G2532} knowest {G1097} his will {G2307}, and {G2532} approvest {G1381} the things that are more excellent {G1308}, being instructed {G2727} out of {G1537} the law {G3551};
and know his will and give your approval to what is right, because you have been instructed from the Torah;
if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;
and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,

Romans 2:18 is part of a section where the Apostle Paul addresses the Jewish people, highlighting their unique position and responsibility due to possessing the Law of Moses. This verse describes their understanding and discernment based on that divine instruction.

Context

This verse immediately follows Romans 2:17, where Paul directly addresses someone who identifies as a Jew, rests in the law, and boasts in God. Verses 17-24 lay out the privileges and potential pitfalls associated with having the Law. Romans 2:18 specifically points out that having the law gave them knowledge of God's will and the ability to discern right from wrong, or what is truly valuable and excellent according to divine standards. However, the following verses critique the potential hypocrisy of knowing the law but not living by it, which dishonored God among the Gentiles (Romans 2:24).

Key Themes

  • Knowing God's Will: The verse states they "knowest [his] will," indicating that the Law provided a clear revelation of God's desires and commands for humanity. This knowledge was a significant advantage.
  • Discerning Excellence: To "approvest the things that are more excellent" means they were able to test, discern, or prove what is truly good, valuable, or superior according to God's standards, distinguishing it from lesser things. This discernment came directly from their instruction in the Law.
  • Instruction from the Law: The phrase "being instructed out of the law" emphasizes that their knowledge of God's will and their moral discernment were a direct result of having the Law of Moses as their guide and teacher. The Law served as a source of divine education (the law shows us sin and God's standard).
  • Responsibility of Knowledge: Implicit in the verse is the responsibility that comes with such knowledge. Knowing God's will and discerning excellence places a greater obligation to live accordingly.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "approvest the things that are more excellent" translates the Greek words dokimazo (to test, examine, discern, approve) and diaphero (to differ, excel, be better). It signifies the ability to test or prove things and distinguish what is truly superior or excellent, aligning with God's perspective as revealed in the Law. This is similar to the concept found in Philippians 1:10, urging believers to approve things that are excellent.

Reflection and Application

Romans 2:18 serves as a timeless reminder that possessing spiritual knowledge is not sufficient; it must be accompanied by action and genuine transformation. Just as the Jews had the Law, modern believers have the Bible, which reveals the knowledge of God's will through Christ. We are instructed by God's word, enabling us to discern truth from error and approve what is truly excellent in His sight. The challenge, then and now, is to move beyond mere intellectual assent or boasting in our knowledge, and to live consistently with the truth we have received, allowing it to shape our actions and character. This verse calls us to examine if our lives reflect the divine standards we claim to know and approve.

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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21

    Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

  • James 4:17

    Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

  • Philippians 1:10

    That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

  • Deuteronomy 4:8

    And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

  • Romans 15:4

    For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

  • Luke 12:47

    And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

  • Hebrews 5:14

    But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
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