Romans 2:2

KJV

But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} we are sure {G1492} that {G3754} the judgment {G2917} of God {G2316} is {G2076} according {G2596} to truth {G225} against {G1909} them which commit {G4238} such things {G5108}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We know that God’s judgment lands impartially on those who do such things;

Berean Standard Bible

And we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

American Standard Version

And we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against them that practise such things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 2:2 asserts the foundational truth that God's judgment is absolute, impartial, and perfectly aligned with reality, standing in stark contrast to the often hypocritical and superficial judgments of humanity. This verse serves as a critical warning to those who condemn others while engaging in similar sins, establishing the certainty and righteousness of divine accountability for all actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 2:2 is strategically placed by the Apostle Paul immediately following his extensive indictment of the Gentile world's sinfulness in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness"). Having established the universal guilt of those who suppress the truth, Paul now pivots to address those who, while perhaps outwardly moral or religiously observant, engage in the very act of judging others for the same sins they themselves commit. This transition is marked by the opening "Therefore" in [Romans 2:1](/romans/2-1 "Romans 2:1 - The Hypocrisy of Judgment"), indicating a logical progression from the previous chapter. Verse 2 solidifies the basis for this coming judgment, emphasizing its divine origin and unerring nature, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent arguments about the futility of external markers (like circumcision) without internal transformation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's primary audience for this section of Romans is likely the Jewish community within Rome, or at least those who identify with a privileged religious status. In the first century, many Jews believed their covenant relationship with God, marked by the Law and circumcision, exempted them from the judgment that would befall Gentiles. There was a strong tendency to look down upon and condemn the perceived moral failings of the pagan world. Paul confronts this self-righteousness head-on, dismantling the notion that ethnic or religious identity provides immunity from God's scrutiny. The Greco-Roman world also had its own systems of justice, often influenced by social status, rhetoric, and personal bias, making God's "judgment according to truth" a radical and challenging concept for both Jewish and Gentile listeners.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans. Firstly, it underscores the **universality of sin and judgment**, a core tenet Paul develops throughout the first three chapters, culminating in the declaration that [all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Secondly, it highlights **God's impartiality**, demonstrating that His judgment is not swayed by human distinctions or outward appearances, as further elaborated in [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality"). Thirdly, it introduces the critical concept of **judgment based on truth and deeds**, not merely on knowledge of the Law or religious affiliation, which Paul expands upon in [Romans 2:13](/romans/2-13 "Romans 2:13 - Doers of the Law Justified") and [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done"). Finally, the phrase "we are sure" emphasizes the **certainty of divine retribution**, a theme powerfully introduced with the revelation of God's wrath in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sure (Greek, _eídō'_):** From the root meaning "to see," this word, used here in its perfect tense, carries the strong implication of "to know" or "to be aware." It denotes a settled, experiential knowledge or conviction. Paul is not expressing a mere opinion or hope, but a deep-seated certainty, a conviction based on divine revelation and the observable reality of God's character. This certainty undergirds the entire argument that follows.
* **judgment (Greek, _kríma'_):** This term refers to a decision, a verdict, or a sentence, whether for or against someone. It carries the weight of a judicial pronouncement, the outcome of a legal process. In this context, it signifies God's authoritative and final determination regarding human actions and character. It is not merely an opinion but a binding, consequential decree.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** This word signifies reality, fact, sincerity, or the state of being true. It stands in opposition to falsehood, deception, or pretense. When applied to God's judgment, it means His evaluation is based on things as they truly are, without illusion, bias, or incomplete information. God's verdict is perfectly aligned with the objective reality of human deeds and motives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But we are sure":** The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast or a continuation, here serving to pivot from the general indictment to a specific, certain truth. "We are sure" signifies a collective, unwavering conviction, shared by Paul and his readers who understand God's nature. This is not a speculative statement but a firm declaration of an established reality.
* **"that the judgment of God is":** This clause identifies the subject of the certainty: God's judgment. It emphasizes that this is a divine prerogative, not a human one. The verb "is" (G2076, _estí_) asserts the present reality and ongoing nature of this divine characteristic. God's judgment is an active, inherent aspect of His being and governance.
* **"according to truth":** This phrase (G2596, _katá_ G225, _alḗtheia_) specifies the standard and nature of God's judgment. It is not arbitrary, influenced by external status, or based on outward appearance, but precisely aligned with reality, fact, and sincerity. God sees and judges things exactly as they are, penetrating beyond human pretense or self-deception.
* **"against them which commit such things":** This final clause identifies the recipients and the basis of God's judgment. It is directed "against" (G1909, _epí_) those who "commit" (G4238, _prássō_) the "such things" (G5108, _toioûtos_) – referring back to the sinful actions detailed in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness") and implicitly, those sins that the self-righteous judgers themselves practice. The verb "commit" (G4238, _prássō_) often implies habitual or repeated practice, highlighting that God judges not just isolated acts but patterns of behavior and underlying character.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [Romans 2:2](/romans/2-2 "Romans 2:2 - God's Judgment According to Truth"). The verse functions as an **Aphorism**, a concise, pithy statement of a general truth, intended to convey a moral principle. Its directness and declarative tone ("But we are sure...") lend it an authoritative quality. There is also a strong element of **Antithesis** at play, implicitly contrasting God's judgment with human judgment. While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the preceding and following verses make it clear that human judgment is often hypocritical and superficial, whereas God's judgment is "according to truth." This sets up a profound moral and theological distinction. Furthermore, the phrase "judgment of God" employs **Metonymy**, where "God" stands for His divine character and attributes, emphasizing that this judgment flows from His very nature as righteous and just. The certainty expressed by "we are sure" also creates a sense of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the inevitable and inescapable accountability that Paul will continue to expound upon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 2:2 lays a cornerstone for understanding divine justice, establishing that God's judgment is neither arbitrary nor swayed by human distinctions, but is perfectly aligned with His own righteous character and objective truth. This truth undergirds the entire biblical narrative of accountability and redemption. It dismantles any notion of special privilege or immunity from divine scrutiny based on outward religious observance or ethnic identity. Instead, it asserts that God's evaluation penetrates to the core of one's actions and character, revealing the universal need for a different kind of righteousness—one not based on human performance or judgment of others, but on divine grace. This verse sets the stage for Paul's grand argument for justification by faith, demonstrating that since all are subject to God's impartial and true judgment, salvation must come through a means outside of human merit.

* [Psalm 96:13](/psalm/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - God Judges with Righteousness and Truth")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - Judgment According to Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 2:2 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to examine our own hearts and motivations rather than focusing on the perceived failings of others. The "we are sure" implies a shared, undeniable reality: God's judgment is utterly reliable and based on truth. This should instill a healthy fear of God, not a paralyzing dread, but a reverent awe that motivates us to live authentically before Him. If God judges according to truth, then pretense, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness are futile. We are called to humility, acknowledging that our own lives, too, are open books before the divine Judge. This verse challenges us to abandon the critical spirit that often seeks to elevate ourselves by demeaning others, and instead to cultivate a spirit of self-examination and repentance. It reminds us that true righteousness is not about outward conformity or condemning others, but about an inward transformation that aligns our lives with God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be guilty of judging others for "such things" that I, too, commit or struggle with?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment "according to truth" impact my understanding of personal accountability?**
* **What practical steps can I take to shift from a critical spirit towards others to a spirit of humble self-examination and genuine repentance?**

### FAQ
**What does "judgment of God is according to truth" mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that God's evaluation and verdict are perfectly aligned with objective reality, fact, and sincerity. Unlike human judgments, which can be swayed by bias, incomplete information, or outward appearances, God sees things exactly as they are, penetrating to the heart and true motives. His judgment is based on the actual deeds and character of individuals, without deception or pretense. It signifies the absolute righteousness and impartiality of divine justice, as highlighted in [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality").

**Who are "them which commit such things" in this verse?**

Answer: This phrase refers broadly to anyone who practices the sinful behaviors that Paul has been describing, particularly those detailed in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness"). Crucially, in the immediate context of [Romans 2:1](/romans/2-1 "Romans 2:1 - The Hypocrisy of Judgment"), Paul is specifically addressing those who judge others for these very sins, implying that the "such things" are also committed by the judgers themselves. It underscores the universal nature of sin and the hypocrisy of condemning others while being guilty of similar transgressions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 2:2, with its declaration of God's judgment "according to truth," powerfully sets the stage for the necessity of Christ. If God's judgment is perfectly true and impartial, then no human being, regardless of their moral standing or religious affiliation, can escape its scrutiny based on their own merits. This verse, therefore, highlights the universal predicament of humanity under a righteous God, a predicament that only a divine solution can address. The "truth" by which God judges ultimately points to the perfect righteousness of Christ, who alone lived a life fully "according to truth" and without sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). In Jesus, God's truth and justice are not compromised but perfectly fulfilled and satisfied. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the judgment that was "according to truth" against us ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Thus, the certainty of God's true judgment in Romans 2:2 compels us to seek refuge and righteousness not in our own works or self-righteous judgment, but in the atoning work of Christ, through whom we can stand justified before a holy God ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")).

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

Psalms 9:7

But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.

Psalms 9:8

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

Zephaniah 3:5

The just LORD [is] in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

Psalms 145:17

The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

Jeremiah 12:1

¶ Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

Psalms 98:9

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Psalms 96:13

Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.