Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Thou that sayest {G3004} a man should {G3431} not {G3361} commit adultery {G3431}, dost thou commit adultery {G3431}? thou that abhorrest {G948} idols {G1497}, dost thou commit sacrilege {G2416}?
Saying, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? Detesting idols, do you commit idolatrous acts?
You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou rob temples?
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Malachi 3:8
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. -
Matthew 12:39
But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: -
Jeremiah 7:9
Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; -
Jeremiah 7:10
And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? -
Acts 19:37
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. -
Malachi 1:8
And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, [is it] not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, [is it] not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. -
Mark 11:17
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
This verse is part of Paul's strong argument in Romans chapter 2, where he addresses those who judge others while committing the very same sins. Specifically, he seems to be speaking to those within Judaism who prided themselves on having the Law but failed to keep it themselves.
Context
Paul is dismantling the idea that merely possessing or knowing the Law is enough for righteousness. He argues that God's judgment is based on deeds, not on identity or privilege (Romans 2:6). In verses 17-24, he directly confronts those who boast in the Law and in God, yet dishonor God by their actions. Verse 22 highlights specific examples of this hypocrisy, challenging their self-righteousness. This passage sets the stage for his later argument that all, both Jews and Gentiles, are under sin and need the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word translated "sacrilege" (Greek: hierosyléō) means "to rob temples" or "to commit sacrilege." While they "abhorred idols" (detested pagan images or worship), Paul implies some were involved in actions that dishonored God's sacred things, perhaps through dishonesty related to the temple or offerings, or treating sacred things profanely. This stark contrast underscores the depth of their inconsistency – outwardly against idolatry, yet inwardly disrespecting the divine or sacred in their own context.
Reflection and Application
Romans 2:22 serves as a timeless mirror for all believers. It challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that our actions align with our words and beliefs. Do we condemn certain sins in others while tolerating similar behaviors in ourselves? Paul's sharp questions about adultery and sacrilege highlight that outward religious observance or moral pronouncements mean little if our private lives or less visible actions contradict them. This verse calls us to examine ourselves and pursue genuine integrity, recognizing that true righteousness comes not from judging others, but from God through faith in Jesus Christ.