Romans 2:14

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

For {G1063} when {G3752} the Gentiles {G1484}, which {G3588} have {G2192} not {G3361} the law {G3551}, do {G4160} by nature {G5449} the things {G3588} contained in the law {G3551}, these {G3778}, having {G2192} not {G3361} the law {G3551}, are {G1526} a law {G3551} unto themselves {G1438}:

For whenever Gentiles, who have no Torah, do naturally what the Torah requires, then these, even though they don’t have Torah, for themselves are Torah!

Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.

(for when Gentiles that have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves;

Commentary

This verse is part of Paul's argument in Romans chapters 1 and 2 concerning God's judgment on both Gentiles and Jews. He has established that Gentiles are accountable for their sin based on their suppression of the truth known through creation (Romans 1:19-20). Here, he addresses the seeming advantage of the Jew who possesses the written Law of Moses.

Context

Paul is building his case that all people, Jew and Gentile, are under sin and in need of salvation through faith in Christ. In Romans 2, he confronts the Jew who might judge the Gentile while committing the same sins (Romans 2:1-3). He argues that God's judgment is impartial and based on deeds (Romans 2:6), not merely on possessing the Law. This verse specifically explains how Gentiles, who did not receive the Mosaic Law, are nonetheless accountable because they *naturally* (by innate moral sense) demonstrate an understanding of moral principles contained within that Law, thus acting as if they have "a law unto themselves."

Key Themes

  • Natural Law/Innate Morality: The idea that God has inscribed basic moral understanding onto the human heart, accessible even without written scripture.
  • Gentile Accountability: Gentiles are responsible before God, not because they broke the Mosaic Law they didn't have, but because they failed to live up to the moral standard they instinctively knew.
  • Conscience: Although not explicitly named in this verse, the following verse (Romans 2:15) clarifies that their conscience and thoughts either accuse or excuse them, serving as this internal "law."
  • God's Impartial Judgment: God judges both Jew and Gentile fairly, according to the light and knowledge they have received.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "by nature" (Greek: physei) suggests something inherent or inborn, not learned from the Mosaic Law. "A law unto themselves" (Greek: eautois eisin nomos) signifies that their own actions, guided by their innate moral sense and conscience, function as a standard or law for them, demonstrating that God's moral requirements are not entirely alien to them.

Reflection and Application

This verse highlights God's universal standard of righteousness and shows that no one is without some form of moral accountability. It underscores the role of conscience as a witness to God's moral order within every person. For Christians today, it reminds us that while we have the fuller revelation of God's will in scripture and Christ, the basic moral truths are universally accessible, demonstrating the fairness of God's judgment. It also points to the fact that even living up to this internal "law" is impossible in our own strength, ultimately leading to the conclusion in Romans that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, necessitating salvation through grace by faith.

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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

  • Romans 2:12 (9 votes)

    For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

  • Romans 1:19 (9 votes)

    ¶ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.

  • Romans 1:20 (9 votes)

    For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

  • Romans 2:27 (8 votes)

    And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

  • Acts 10:35 (6 votes)

    But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

  • Ephesians 2:12 (6 votes)

    That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

  • Psalms 147:19 (6 votes)

    He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.