Romans 2:21-24
you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul uses pointed questions here to highlight the hypocrisy he sees. It's not just about knowing the rules; it's about whether the teachers themselves are practicing what they preach, especially concerning sins that carried a particular shame or notoriety among them.
Paul directly confronts those who pride themselves on knowing God's law but fail to live by it. He challenges Jewish teachers, specifically, by pointing out their hypocrisy: they preach against stealing and adultery, yet their actions often contradict their words, bringing shame upon God's name. This sets up a powerful argument that outward observance and boasting in the law are meaningless if not accompanied by genuine obedience.
Paul levels a direct, piercing question at those who teach others. What is the core of his accusation?
Paul points out the glaring hypocrisy of those who claim to teach God's ways but don't live them. He uses rhetorical questions, not to seek information, but to expose a shameful reality. The assumption is that a teacher should embody the lessons they preach.
The Disconnect
Those who fancied themselves spiritual guides, especially the religious leaders of the Jews, were accused of teaching against sins like stealing while secretly practicing them. This isn't about a minor slip-up; it's about a fundamental disconnect between public profession and private practice.
The Impact
This hypocrisy didn't just damage their own souls; it brought the name of God into disrepute among the Gentiles. When those who claim to represent God live contrary to His law, it makes God's name seem like it condones such behavior.
Paul isn't just talking about avoiding outward actions. What deeper truth is he hinting at regarding God's law?
The Jewish leaders prided themselves on knowing and teaching the Law. However, Paul exposes their failure not just in outward actions, but in their understanding and application of the Law.
Empty Boasting
Their 'boasting in the law' was hollow because they broke it. They focused on external rules, perhaps even thinking adherence to certain rituals or pronouncements was enough. But Paul shows that true adherence involves the heart and consistent practice. Knowing the law intellectually is one thing; being transformed by it is another.
Sin Against God
While the text mentions sins against neighbors (stealing, adultery), it also strongly implies sins against God, such as sacrilege and not giving God the glory due Him. This points to a core issue: a failure to honor God Himself, despite their privileged position as teachers of His law.
Understand the original words
didaskeis · Greek Verb
The act of instructing or providing guidance, often involving the transmission of moral or religious truth. In a biblical context, it implies the responsibility of the teacher to embody the truth they impart.
kērussōn · Greek Verb
To publicly proclaim or herald a message. In Scripture, it often refers to the proclamation of God's word or moral exhortation.
klepteis · Greek Verb
The act of taking the property of another without permission; in the Mosaic Law, it is explicitly forbidden as a violation of one's neighbor and of God's command.
moichaai · Greek Verb
Sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse; it is a serious violation of the marriage covenant and God’s standard of holiness.
Paul's sharp critique in Romans 2:21 wasn't just theoretical; it was a direct challenge to the widespread hypocrisy he and Jesus had observed among Jewish religious leaders, who often claimed to uphold the Law while living corrupt lives, especially during the turbulent period before and during the Roman occupation.
c. 500 BC
Post-Exilic Return to Jerusalem
Following the Babylonian exile, Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem and began rebuilding the Temple and their society. This period saw a renewed emphasis on the Law, with religious leaders and teachers gaining prominence.
c. 400 BC
Malachi's Rebuke of Corruption
The prophet Malachi confronts the post-exilic community, particularly the priests, for their corruption, sacrilege, and neglect of God's law. This sets a precedent for later accusations of hypocrisy against Jewish leaders.
c. 1st Century BC - 1st Century AD
Growing Corruption in Priesthood
In the centuries leading up to Paul's writing, the Jewish priesthood and religious leadership became increasingly characterized by corruption, simony (buying and selling of religious offices), and a disregard for the Law they taught.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees
During His ministry, Jesus strongly condemned the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, accusing them of neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness while outwardly appearing righteous. He directly challenged their self-serving interpretations of the Law.
Jesus directly confronts the teachers of the law for their hypocrisy, stating 'Whatever they tell you to observe, that you shall observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.'
Ezekiel 36:23This prophetic passage speaks to God's desire to sanctify His name among the nations, a name that was profaned because of Israel's actions, echoing Paul's concern that the Jews' behavior brought shame upon God.
Luke 18:9-14The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the danger of self-righteousness and pride in one's own perceived adherence to the law, contrasting it with genuine humility and reliance on God's mercy.
Titus 1:16This verse describes those who profess to know God but deny Him by their actions, fitting the pattern of hypocrisy Paul is rebuking in Romans 2.
bensonRomans 2:21: "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?"
Romans 2:21-24 . Thou therefore which teachest another — And valuest thyself upon thy ability to do it, trusting therein for acceptance with God; teachest thou not thyself? — He does not teach himself, who does not practise what he teaches. This, and what follows, is mentioned, to show that the knowledge, which the scribes and doctors pretended to derive…
pulpitRomans 2:21: "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?"
Verse 21. - Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? The οῦν here does not involve an anacoluthon after the reading εἴ δὲ in ver. 17, though St. Paul would not have much cared if it had been so. It serves only to sum up the lengthened protasis, and introduce the apodosis: "If... dost thou then," etc.? In what follows it is not, o…
Paul uses pointed questions here to highlight the hypocrisy he sees. It's not just about knowing the rules; it's about whether the teachers themselves are practicing what they preach, especially concerning sins that carried a particular shame or notoriety among them.
Paul directly confronts those who pride themselves on knowing God's law but fail to live by it. He challenges Jewish teachers, specifically, by pointing out their hypocrisy: they preach against stealing and adultery, yet their actions often contradict their words, bringing shame upon God's name. This sets up a powerful argument that outward observance and boasting in the law are meaningless if not accompanied by genuine obedience.
Paul directly confronts those who pride themselves on knowing God's law but fail to live by it. He challenges Jewish teachers, specifically, by pointing out their hypocrisy: they preach against stealing and adultery, yet their actions often contradict their words, bringing shame upon God's name. This sets up a powerful argument that outward observance and boasting in the law are meaningless if not accompanied by genuine obedience.
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bdelussomenos · Greek Verb
To hate, detest, or regard with extreme repugnance. Theologically, it describes the necessary attitude toward that which God rejects, particularly false gods.
eidōla · Greek Noun
Images or physical objects worshipped as gods; idolatry is the fundamental sin of substituting the creature or created things for the Creator.
hierosyleis · Greek Verb
To take something by force or theft. Here, it refers to the sacrilegious act of plundering pagan shrines, implying an ironic contradiction for those who claim to despise idols.
kauchasai · Greek Verb
To take pride or glory in something. Biblically, boasting is only valid when it is in the Lord and His works, rather than in self or one's own religious status.
nomon · Greek Noun
The divine instruction or moral code given by God, primarily to Israel, to reveal His holiness and man's need for redemption.
atimazeis · Greek Verb
To treat with lack of respect or to shame. When directed toward God, it involves conduct that misrepresents His character or contradicts His revealed will.
blasphēmeitai · Greek Verb
To speak reproachfully, irreverently, or abusively against God or sacred things, bringing shame upon God's character and reputation.
ethnē · Greek Noun
Literally 'nations'; refers to all people groups other than Israel. In the New Testament, it often highlights the missionary context of the gospel going beyond the Jewish people.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Early Ministry and Writings
The apostle Paul traveled widely, establishing churches and writing letters. His ministry often involved confronting the pride and hypocrisy of those who relied on outward observance of the Law rather than genuine faith.
c. AD 50s— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
While in Corinth or perhaps en route to Jerusalem, Paul penned his letter to the Roman church. He systematically lays out his gospel, addressing the implications of the Law for both Jews and Gentiles.
"you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law…" — Paul uses pointed questions here to highlight the hypocrisy he sees. It's not just about knowing the rules; it's about whether the teachers themselves are practicing what they preach, especially…
