Romans 2:21

Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

Thou therefore {G3767} which {G3588} teachest {G1321} another {G2087}, teachest thou {G1321} not {G3756} thyself {G4572}? thou that preachest {G2784} a man should {G2813} not {G3361} steal {G2813}, dost thou steal {G2813}?

then, you who teach others, don’t you teach yourself? Preaching, “Thou shalt not steal,” do you steal?

you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

thou therefore that teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

Commentary

This verse, Romans 2:21 in the King James Version, is a direct and challenging question posed by the Apostle Paul. It is part of a larger argument where Paul confronts those who outwardly profess adherence to God's law but fail to live by its standards.

Context

Romans chapter 2 addresses those who judge others based on the Law, specifically targeting Jewish individuals who relied on their knowledge of the Law and their covenant status. Paul argues that merely possessing or teaching the Law is not enough; obedience is required. He has just stated that God's judgment is based on truth and deeds (Romans 2:2), and that those who judge others while doing the same are without excuse (Romans 2:1). Verse 21 begins a series of rhetorical questions aimed at exposing the hypocrisy of teaching the Law but not practicing it, suggesting that such behavior brings reproach upon God's name among the Gentiles (Romans 2:24).

Key Themes

  • Hypocrisy: The central theme is the stark contradiction between teaching righteous principles and failing to live by them.
  • Integrity and Consistency: The verse underscores the importance of a life that aligns with one's words and teachings.
  • Accountability of Teachers: It highlights the particular responsibility placed upon those who instruct others in matters of faith and morality.
  • The Law and Practice: It shows that knowledge of the Law is useless, or even detrimental, if it does not lead to obedience.

Linguistic Insights

Paul uses strong, direct rhetorical questions ("teachest thou not thyself?", "dost thou steal?"). These are designed to provoke introspection and reveal the inconsistency in the lives of his audience. The structure is confrontational, forcing the listener/reader to consider their own actions in light of their teaching. The specific example of "stealing" references a direct commandment from the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:15), making the hypocrisy particularly stark for someone claiming to uphold the Law.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless challenge to anyone in a position of teaching or influence – whether a pastor, parent, teacher, or leader. It calls for authenticity and integrity. Our lives should be consistent with the truths we proclaim. Hypocrisy not only damages personal credibility but, more significantly, can discredit the message itself and the God we represent. The challenge is to apply the standards we teach to our own lives first, living out our faith authentically.

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 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

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27 (9 votes)

    But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

  • Matthew 23:3 (8 votes)

    All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

  • Matthew 23:28 (8 votes)

    Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

  • Micah 3:11 (5 votes)

    The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

  • Luke 12:47 (5 votes)

    And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

  • Titus 2:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

  • Titus 2:7 (4 votes)

    In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,