What does Romans 2:23 mean?

Explanation

Romans 2:23 is a verse that addresses the issue of hypocrisy among those who uphold the law but fail to follow it themselves.

The Apostle Paul is speaking to the Jews who pride themselves on having the law of Moses and sees themselves as guides to others.

The "law" here refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which includes not only legal prescriptions but also narrative and prophecy.

The verse implies a critical question: How can you boast about the law if your actions violate its principles? It suggests that boasting about possessing the law is meaningless if one does not adhere to it.

Breaking the law while claiming to uphold it results in dishonoring God because it reflects poorly on God's instructions and character, as conveyed through the law.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, during his third missionary journey.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, a diverse group comprised of both Jews and Gentiles.

At this time, tension existed between Jewish Christians, who had a heritage of following the Mosaic Law, and Gentile Christians, who were not bound by these laws.

The Jewish Christians perhaps boasted about their special status as God’s chosen people who received the law directly. Paul addresses this issue by challenging the notion that possession of the law or knowledge of God is sufficient for righteousness.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Romans 2:23 touches upon several concepts:

• The Law and Sin: According to Christian theology, the law serves to reveal sin, but it does not provide salvation (Romans 3:20).

Only through Jesus Christ can one be justified (Romans 3:24).

• Boasting in the Law: Paul undermines the idea that one can boast in having the law since it's the practice, not the possession, that matters (Romans 2:13).
• Hypocrisy: The verse points out the hypocritical nature of claiming adherence to a moral or religious standard while personally violating it.
• God's Honor: Ultimately, one's behavior reflects on God.

Dishonoring the law is, by extension, dishonoring God.

Practical Applications

• Self-Reflection: The verse cautions against self-righteousness and encourages believers to examine their own lives for inconsistencies between belief and behavior.
• Authentic Witness: Believers are called to live in a way that honors God, not just by following rules but by embodying the values of the faith, providing an authentic witness to others.
• Accountability: It emphasizes the need for accountability within a faith community, to help members live in accordance with their stated beliefs.

Cross-References

• Matthew 23:27 – Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, similar to Paul's rebuke in Romans.
• James 1:22 – The exhortation to be doers of the word, not hearers only, echoing Paul's sentiment.
• Romans 3:20 – "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

Language Study

The key term in this verse is "boast" (καυχάομαι), which can be understood as taking pride in or glorifying in something.

The word "law" (νόμος) here specifically refers to the Mosaic Law, a central aspect of Jewish identity and practice.

The phrase "breaking the law" (παραβάτης νόμου) implies acting as a transgressor or violator. Lastly, "dishonourest" (ἀτιμάζεις) means to bring shame or dishonor.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural context, the idea of hypocrisy and integrity was addressed in many ancient philosophies, including Stoicism and Confucianism, which emphasized living in harmony with one's values.

Religiously, the concept of law and divine standards exists in different forms in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with each faith group grappling with the tension between the law's ideals and human behavior.

Scientific Perspectives

While Romans 2:23 does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, modern psychology might provide insights into the cognitive dissonance experienced when one's beliefs and actions do not align, a theme relevant to the verse's criticism of hypocrisy.

Commentaries

Commentators generally agree on the interpretation that Romans 2:23 is a critique of Jewish hypocrisy at that time.

For instance, John Stott emphasizes that the Jews' knowledge of the law increased their responsibility to live by it.

F.F.

Bruce notes that Jewish privilege in having the law entails a greater obligation.

Matthew Henry comments on the dishonor brought to God when those who teach the law do not follow it themselves.