King James Version

What Does Romans 2:13 Mean?

Romans 2:13 in the King James Version says “(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”

Romans 2:13 · KJV

Context

11

For there is no respect of persons with God.

12

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

13

(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

14

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

15

Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another ;) their conscience: or, the conscience witnessing with them the mean: or, between themselves

Read Romans 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified—οὐ γὰρ οἱ ἀκροαταὶ νόμου δίκαιοι παρὰ θεῷ (ou gar hoi akroatai nomou dikaioi para theō), "not the hearers of law are righteous before God." Ἀκροατής (akroatēs, "hearer") describes one who listens but doesn't obey. Δίκαιος (dikaios, "righteous/just") refers to standing before God's judgment seat. Ποιηταὶ νόμου δικαιωθήσονται (poiētai nomou dikaiōthēsontai, "doers of law will be justified").

This verse seems to contradict 3:20 ("by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified") and 3:28 ("justified by faith without the deeds of the law"). The resolution: Paul here states the standard of judgment (perfect obedience) to show no one meets it (3:10-18), driving all to justification by faith. He's not prescribing how to be justified but exposing the futility of mere Torah knowledge without transformation. James 1:22-25 makes the identical argument against self-deceiving hearers.

The future dikaiōthēsontai ("will be justified") is eschatological—at final judgment, doers are vindicated. But Paul will show this comes only through faith in Christ, who perfectly 'did' the law (Matthew 5:17), imputing His obedience to believers (Romans 5:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21). Perfect law-keeping justifies, but only Christ achieved it; believers receive it as gift.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism emphasized Torah study and synagogue attendance. Many Jews equated hearing scripture read and expounded with righteousness. Jesus condemned this in Matthew 7:21-27 (hearing versus doing) and Matthew 23 (scribes and Pharisees who say but don't do). Paul here echoes Jesus: possession and knowledge of God's word without obedience brings condemnation, not salvation. This would shock hearers who viewed Torah study as inherently meritorious.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas am I a 'hearer' of God's word—familiar with biblical teaching—but not a 'doer' who obeys it?
  2. How does this verse drive me to Christ, recognizing I cannot justify myself by doing the law perfectly?
  3. What biblical commands do I mentally assent to without allowing them to transform my behavior?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οὐ1 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ2 of 16

“(For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οἱ3 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκροαταὶ4 of 16

“the hearers”

G202

a hearer (merely)

τοῦ5 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμου6 of 16

“of the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

δίκαιοι7 of 16

“are just”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

παρὰ8 of 16

“before”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τῷ9 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ10 of 16

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἀλλ'11 of 16

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οἱ12 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποιηταὶ13 of 16

“the doers”

G4163

a performer; specially, a "poet"

τοῦ14 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμου15 of 16

“of the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

δικαιωθήσονται16 of 16

“shall be justified”

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:22-251 John 3:7James 2:21-25Romans 2:25Galatians 2:16Romans 10:5

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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