We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "according to truth" here doesn't just mean God's judgment is fair; it emphasizes that God judges based on absolute reality, not mere outward appearances or religious status. This means He sees the heart and hidden actions, so even those who condemn others while secretly practicing the same sins can't escape His accurate and discerning judgment.
We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing those who judge others for their wrongdoings, particularly the Jews who prided themselves on their law while often not following it. He's establishing a universal principle: God's judgment is fair and impartial, falling on anyone who practices sin, regardless of their background or self-righteousness. This sets up the argument that no one, not even the privileged Jew, can escape God's righteous verdict by pointing fingers at others.
Paul starts this section with a bold declaration: 'We know...' What does it mean that God's judgment is not a maybe, but a definite, coming reality?
Paul begins Romans 2:2 with 'We know.' This isn't just Paul's opinion; it's a truth he assumes his readers, both Jew and Gentile, already acknowledge.
Paul declares God's judgment is 'according to truth.' What does this mean for how God evaluates us, especially when people tend to judge based on appearances?
The phrase 'according to truth' is key here. It means God's judgment isn't swayed by external factors but is based on reality and integrity.
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Understand the original words
krima · Greek Noun
The standard by which God evaluates human conduct, actions, and hearts; it is inherently truthful, impartial, and aligned with His holy character. Divine judgment is unavoidable for all who transgress His moral law.
Paul's message in Romans is spoken into a world under Roman imperial rule, where divine judgment is contrasted with human authority, and the hypocrisy of those claiming righteousness is exposed.
c. 20 BC - 15 BC
Roman Occupation of Judea
Rome consolidates its rule over Judea, appointing Herod the Great as client king. This period brings Roman law and administration into the region, influencing local governance and societal structures.
c. 4 BC
Death of Herod the Great
Herod's death leads to a division of his kingdom among his sons, causing political instability and increasing direct Roman involvement in Judean affairs.
AD 6
Establishment of Roman Prefecture
Judea is placed under direct Roman rule with the appointment of a prefect (later procurator), further intensifying Roman presence and authority.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
The central event in Christian faith occurs in Jerusalem under Roman jurisdiction, profoundly shaping the early Christian movement and its message.
c. AD 50s— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul likely writes his letter to the Romans from Corinth during this period, addressing the theological and practical issues of the early church.
AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
The fire devastates Rome, leading Emperor Nero to persecute Christians, whom he falsely accused of starting the blaze. This marks a significant escalation of Roman persecution.
This passage speaks of God examining hearts and minds to bring righteous judgment, echoing the idea in Romans 2:2 that God's judgment is according to truth and internal reality, not just outward actions.
Psalm 96:13It declares that God will judge the world with righteousness, highlighting the 'according to truth' aspect of God's judgment which is impartial and based on reality, not outward appearances.
Matthew 7:2Jesus directly links judgment with being judged, showing the reciprocal principle that how we judge others, especially by condemning them for actions we also commit, means God's judgment on us will be similarly 'according to truth' concerning our own hypocrisy.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse emphasizes that God sees not as man sees, as man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. This directly supports Romans 2:2's assertion that God's judgment is 'according to truth,' meaning He judges the inner reality.
Romans 1:32This verse, immediately preceding Romans 2:2, lists the things that incur God's righteous judgment. Romans 2:2 then confirms that God's judgment is indeed 'according to truth' against those who practice these very things.
meyerRomans 2:2: "But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things."
Romans 2:2 . Οἴδαμεν ] Paul means to pronounce it as in his own view and that of his readers an undoubted truth (comp Romans 3:19 ), that the judicial decision which God will one day pronounce, etc. The δέ carries on the discourse, and the entire sentence forms the propositio major to what is now ( Romans 2:3 ) to be proved, namely, that the person judging (the Jew), who yet makes…
clarkeRomans 2:2: "But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things."
We are sure that the judgment of God, etc. - God is impartial, and will punish sin wheresoever he finds it. Transgression in a Jew is not less criminal than iniquity in a Gentile.
The phrase "according to truth" here doesn't just mean God's judgment is fair; it emphasizes that God judges based on absolute reality, not mere outward appearances or religious status. This means He sees the heart and hidden actions, so even those who condemn others while secretly practicing the same sins can't escape His accurate and discerning judgment.
Paul is addressing those who judge others for their wrongdoings, particularly the Jews who prided themselves on their law while often not following it. He's establishing a universal principle: God's judgment is fair and impartial, falling on anyone who practices sin, regardless of their background or self-righteousness. This sets up the argument that no one, not even the privileged Jew, can escape God's righteous verdict by pointing fingers at others.
Paul is addressing those who judge others for their wrongdoings, particularly the Jews who prided themselves on their law while often not following it. He's establishing a universal principle: God's judgment is fair and impartial, falling on anyone who practices sin, regardless of their background or self-righteousness. This sets up the argument that no one, not even the privileged Jew, can escape God's righteous verdict by pointing fingers at others.
"We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things." — The phrase "according to truth" here doesn't just mean God's judgment is fair; it emphasizes that God judges based on absolute reality, not mere outward appearances or religious status. This means He…
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Last reviewed October 2026