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Romans 2:11

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For there is no respect of persons with God.

For {G1063} there is {G2076} no {G3756} respect of persons {G4382} with {G3844} God {G2316}.

For God does not show favoritism.

For God does not show favoritism.

for there is no respect of persons with God.

Commentary

The King James Version (KJV) of Romans 2:11 declares, "For there is no respect of persons with God." This powerful statement is foundational to understanding God's character and the nature of His judgment.

Context

This verse comes within a section (Romans 2:1-16) where the Apostle Paul is laying out the principle of God's righteous judgment. He has just warned against judging others while committing the same sins (Romans 2:1). He emphasizes that God's judgment is according to truth (Romans 2:2), based on deeds (Romans 2:6), and will judge both Jews and Gentiles. Verse 11 serves as the basis for this impartial judgment – God does not show favoritism based on nationality, status, or any other external factor.

Key Themes

  • God's Impartiality: The central theme is that God does not show favoritism. He judges everyone by the same standard, based on their actions and the truth they possess (whether through law or conscience). This principle of God's impartiality is a key aspect of His justice.
  • Righteous Judgment: Because God is impartial, His judgment is inherently righteous and fair. Everyone stands before Him on equal footing.
  • Equality Before God: This verse underscores the biblical truth that all people, regardless of background, status, or privilege, are equal in the eyes of God when it comes to accountability and salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "respect of persons" translates the Greek word prosōpolēmpsia (προσωπολημψία). This compound word literally means "a receiving of the face" or "face-taking." It describes the act of judging or favoring someone based on their outward appearance, social status, wealth, or other superficial characteristics, rather than on their true character or the merits of the case. Paul states emphatically that God does not engage in this kind of favoritism.

Reflection and Application

This verse has significant implications for believers today. If God shows no partiality, neither should His followers. It calls us to:

  • Avoid showing favoritism in our relationships, churches, and workplaces (see James 2:1-4).
  • Trust in the fairness of God's judgment, knowing that He sees the heart and judges justly.
  • Recognize the inherent dignity and equality of all people, as they are all equally accountable to and loved by the same impartial God.

Understanding that there is no respect of persons with God should lead us to live with integrity and treat others with fairness and love, reflecting His own character.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 10:34 (31 votes)

    ¶ Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

  • Deuteronomy 10:17 (30 votes)

    For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

  • Galatians 2:6 (18 votes)

    But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed [to be somewhat] in conference added nothing to me:

  • 2 Chronicles 19:7 (18 votes)

    Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do [it]: for [there is] no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

  • Galatians 6:7 (18 votes)

    Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

  • Galatians 6:8 (18 votes)

    For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

  • Job 34:19 (17 votes)

    [How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.