Romans 2:20

An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

An instructor {G3810} of the foolish {G878}, a teacher {G1320} of babes {G3516}, which hast {G2192} the form {G3446} of knowledge {G1108} and {G2532} of the truth {G225} in {G1722} the law {G3551}.

an instructor for the spiritually unaware and a teacher of children, since in the Torah you have the embodiment of knowledge and truth;

an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth;

Commentary

This verse is part of Paul's argument in Romans chapter 2, where he addresses those who rely on their knowledge of the Law and their religious identity, specifically speaking to his Jewish audience. He highlights the potential hypocrisy of teaching God's standard while failing to live by it.

Context

Paul has been establishing that both Gentiles (who sin against conscience and natural law) and Jews (who sin against the written Law) are under God's judgment (Romans 2:12). In the verses immediately preceding Romans 2:20, he describes someone who boasts in the Law, knows God's will, approves the things that are excellent, and is confident that they are a guide to the blind and a light to those in darkness (Romans 2:17-19). Verse 20 continues this description, emphasizing their role as teachers.

Key Themes

  • The Role of the Teacher: The verse describes someone who sees themselves as an "instructor of the foolish" and a "teacher of babes." This reflects the perceived spiritual superiority of those possessing the Law over those who do not understand it.
  • Possessing the Form of Knowledge: The phrase "the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law" is significant. The Greek word for "form" (morphosis) can mean an outline, pattern, or external shape. It suggests having the blueprint or structure of true knowledge and truth, but not necessarily the internal reality or transformative power.
  • Law as a Source of Truth: Paul acknowledges that the Law indeed contains truth and knowledge about God and righteousness. The issue isn't with the Law itself, but with the person's reliance on merely possessing and teaching it without genuine obedience.
  • Potential for Hypocrisy: This verse sets up Paul's subsequent indictment in Romans 2:21-24, where he asks if the teacher fails to teach themselves, stealing while forbidding stealing, committing adultery while forbidding adultery, and dishonoring God while boasting in the Law.

Linguistic Insights

The term "instructor" (katēchētēs) is where we get our word "catechist," someone who gives instruction, often in foundational principles. "Foolish" (aphrōn) implies lacking understanding or sense, while "babes" (nēpios) refers to infants or those immature in understanding. Having the "form of knowledge" (morphōsin tēs gnōseōs) in the Law implies having the external structure or pattern of understanding God's truth, rather than a deep, internal grasp or living reality of it. This contrasts having mere head knowledge with truly knowing and living the truth.

Reflection

Romans 2:20 serves as a powerful reminder that possessing religious knowledge, even knowledge of God's perfect Law or the truth of the Gospel, does not automatically equate to spiritual maturity or righteousness. It's easy to fall into the trap of relying on our understanding or ability to teach others, while neglecting our own obedience and transformation. This verse challenges us to examine whether we merely have the "form" or outline of truth, or if that truth has genuinely taken root and is producing fruit in our lives. True knowledge of God leads not just to teaching, but to humble and sincere living according to that knowledge, as Paul elaborates in the verses that follow, highlighting the importance of the circumcision of the heart rather than just outward observance.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 3:5 (6 votes)

    Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

  • Titus 1:16 (5 votes)

    They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

  • 2 Timothy 1:13 (4 votes)

    Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

  • Romans 6:17 (3 votes)

    But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ.

  • Hebrews 5:13 (2 votes)

    For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

  • 1 Peter 2:2 (2 votes)

    As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: