Romans 2:3

KJV

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} thinkest thou {G3049} this {G5124}, O {G5599} man {G444}, that judgest {G2919} them which do {G4238} such things {G5108}, and {G2532} doest {G4160} the same {G846}, that {G3754} thou {G4771} shalt escape {G1628} the judgment {G2917} of God {G2316}?

Complete Jewish Bible

do you think that you, a mere man passing judgment on others who do such things, yet doing them yourself, will escape the judgment of God?

Berean Standard Bible

So when you, O man, pass judgment on others, yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?

American Standard Version

And reckonest thou this, O man, who judgest them that practise such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 2:3 delivers a penetrating rhetorical question, directly challenging the self-righteous individual who condemns others for sins they themselves commit. Paul exposes the profound hypocrisy of such a stance, asserting that no one, regardless of their perceived moral superiority or outward judgment of others, can evade the righteous and impartial judgment of God. This verse serves as a stark warning that attempting to escape divine scrutiny through condemnation of others is a deluded and futile endeavor, setting the stage for Paul's broader argument that all humanity stands guilty before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 2:3 is a pivotal verse within Paul's broader argument concerning universal human sinfulness and the necessity of God's righteousness revealed in the gospel. Following his indictment of Gentile idolatry and immorality in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness"), Paul pivots sharply in [Romans 2:1](/romans/2-1 "Romans 2:1 - The Hypocrisy of Judging") to address those—often understood to be primarily Jewish people or morally upright Gentiles—who judge others while committing similar offenses. This verse specifically targets the flawed reasoning of such a person, directly questioning their assumption of immunity from divine judgment. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent exposition on God's impartial judgment based on truth, not outward appearance or heritage, culminating in the declaration that all, both Jew and Gentile, are under sin in [Romans 3:9-20](/romans/3-9-20 "Romans 3:9-20 - All Under Sin").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Roman society, though diverse, often saw a clear distinction between various moral codes and religious practices. Jewish people, in particular, held a strong sense of moral superiority due to their possession of the Law and the covenant with God. There was a prevailing tendency to condemn the "pagan" practices of the Gentiles, while perhaps overlooking or rationalizing their own moral failings. Paul's challenge in [Romans 2](/romans/2 "Romans 2 - God's Righteous Judgment") directly confronts this cultural and religious self-assurance. He dismantles the idea that adherence to a particular law or tradition, or even the act of judging others, could somehow exempt one from the universal standard of God's righteousness. The concept of divine judgment was well-understood in both Jewish and Greco-Roman thought, but Paul redefines its scope and impartiality, asserting that God judges all according to truth, not according to human distinctions or outward appearances.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans. The primary theme is **God's Impartial Judgment**, emphasizing that God's justice is applied universally and without favoritism, regardless of one's background or perceived moral standing (cf. [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality")). Closely related is the theme of **Hypocrisy**, as Paul exposes the inconsistency of condemning others for sins one also practices (cf. [Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Judging Others")). The verse also reinforces the theme of **Universal Sinfulness**, laying the groundwork for Paul's argument that all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, is in need of God's grace and righteousness, as no one can truly escape the consequences of their own sin through self-righteousness or judging others (cf. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). It underscores the **Futility of Self-Righteousness**, demonstrating that human attempts at establishing one's own righteousness apart from God's provision are ultimately vain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thinkest thou (Greek, _logízomai'_):** This word, derived from G3049, means "to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it highlights a flawed calculation or presumption on the part of the judging individual. It implies a deluded reasoning, a false conclusion drawn from an incorrect premise that their judgment of others somehow exempts them from God's scrutiny.
* **judgest (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919, this verb means "to distinguish, i.e., decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish." Here, it refers to the act of passing moral judgment or condemnation upon others. The use of this word directly links the human act of judging to the divine act of judgment, creating a stark parallel that underpins Paul's argument.
* **escape (Greek, _ekpheúgō'_):** Derived from G1628, meaning "to flee out." This term vividly portrays the vain hope of the hypocritical judge. It suggests an attempt to run away from, avoid, or get out of the inevitable divine reckoning. Paul's rhetorical question underscores that such an escape is utterly impossible when confronted with the omniscient and righteous judgment of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thinkest thou this, O man":** Paul directly addresses the individual, using a rhetorical question to challenge their underlying assumption. The phrase "O man" (ὦ ἄνθρωπε) is a general address, yet it carries a tone of incredulity and direct confrontation, highlighting the absurdity of the thought being entertained.
* **"that judgest them which do such things":** This clause identifies the specific action of the addressed individual: they are passing judgment on others who engage in the very sins Paul has just described in [Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - The Depravity of Humanity"). This establishes the context of their self-righteous condemnation.
* **"and doest the same":** This is the critical pivot, exposing the hypocrisy. The judging individual is not merely observing or discerning; they are actively participating in the very "such things" they condemn in others. This creates a profound moral contradiction.
* **"that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?":** This is the core of the rhetorical question, revealing the deluded expectation of the hypocrite. The implied answer is a resounding "No!" It emphasizes the certainty and inescapability of God's judgment for all who practice sin, regardless of their outward condemnations of others.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 2:3 is masterfully crafted using several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "And thinkest thou this, O man... that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion, compelling the reader to confront the logical absurdity of the hypocrite's position and to draw the obvious conclusion that escape is impossible. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as the very act of judging others, which might be perceived as a sign of righteousness, is revealed to be a damning indictment of the judge themselves when they are guilty of the same offenses. This ironic twist underscores the futility of self-righteousness. Furthermore, Paul employs **Direct Address** ("O man") to create an immediate and personal challenge, pulling the reader directly into the argument and forcing self-examination. The **Juxtaposition** of judging others versus doing the same highlights the glaring inconsistency and moral bankruptcy of the hypocrite, making the argument against their self-deception undeniably clear.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 2:3 profoundly underscores the universal reach of God's righteous judgment and the futility of human hypocrisy. It dismantles any notion that one can earn favor or escape divine scrutiny by merely condemning the sins of others while indulging in similar transgressions. Theologically, this verse establishes a crucial foundation for Paul's argument that all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, is "under sin" ([Romans 3:9](/romans/3-9 "Romans 3:9 - All Are Under Sin")) and therefore in desperate need of God's grace and the righteousness provided through faith in Christ. It highlights God's impartiality, demonstrating that He judges according to truth and deeds, not according to external religious affiliation or self-proclaimed moral superiority. This verse serves as a sober reminder that true righteousness comes from an inward transformation and alignment with God's will, not from outward condemnation.

* [Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Do Not Judge")
* [Luke 6:37](/luke/6-37 "Luke 6:37 - Judge Not")
* [James 4:12](/james/4-12 "James 4:12 - One Lawgiver and Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 2:3 is a piercing mirror held up to the human heart, exposing the insidious nature of self-righteousness and hypocrisy. It challenges us to look inward with brutal honesty before daring to cast judgment outward. The person who condemns others for their faults while harboring similar sins within their own life is operating under a dangerous delusion, believing they can somehow escape God's righteous judgment by pointing fingers. This verse calls us to a profound humility, reminding us that our own sinfulness is just as real and just as deserving of God's judgment as anyone else's. Instead of focusing on the speck in our brother's eye, we are called to first examine the log in our own, recognizing our desperate need for God's mercy and grace. True spiritual maturity is marked not by a critical spirit towards others, but by a contrite heart before God, acknowledging our own fallenness and embracing the transformative power of the Gospel. It compels us to live lives of integrity, where our outward pronouncements align with our inward practices, reflecting the character of the God who is both just and merciful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be quick to judge others, while perhaps overlooking similar faults in myself?**
* **How does my understanding of God's impartial judgment impact my view of myself and others?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and self-examination, rather than self-righteousness?**
* **How does the realization that I cannot escape God's judgment lead me to repentance and reliance on His grace?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean we should never judge anyone?**

Answer: Romans 2:3, alongside other passages like [Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Do Not Judge"), does not prohibit all forms of discernment or evaluation. Rather, it condemns hypocritical judgment – judging others for sins that one is also committing, or judging with a self-righteous attitude that assumes one's own immunity from God's standard. The Bible encourages believers to exercise wise discernment (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:12](/1_corinthians/5-12 "1 Corinthians 5:12 - Judging Those Inside")), but this must always be done with humility, self-awareness, and a recognition of one's own fallibility and need for grace. The focus is on the *spirit* of judgment: whether it stems from pride and hypocrisy, or from a desire for truth and restoration, born out of love and humility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 2:3, by exposing the futility of human self-righteousness and the inescapability of God's judgment, powerfully sets the stage for the necessity of Christ. The "man" who judges others while doing the same is trapped in a cycle of condemnation, unable to escape the divine reckoning by his own efforts. This highlights humanity's universal predicament: all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Jesus Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled the Law and lived a sinless life, becoming the only one truly qualified to judge. Yet, in His boundless love, He did not come to condemn the world, but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save")). He bore the judgment that we deserved, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Thus, for those who are "in Christ," there is no condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")), not because they have escaped judgment by their own merit or by judging others, but because Christ Himself has absorbed that judgment on the cross. Our escape from judgment is found not in our own works or self-righteousness, but solely in the perfect work of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Proverbs 16:5

¶ Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD: [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Romans 1:32

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 2:1

¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Luke 12:14

And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Psalms 50:21

These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.

Daniel 10:19

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.