King James Version
Romans 2:14 in the King James Version says “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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:”
Romans 2:14 · KJV
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;
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
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:
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
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“when”
G3752whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
“For”
G1063properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
“the Gentiles”
G1484a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
“not”
G3361(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
“a law”
G3551law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
“have”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
“by nature”
G5449growth (by germination or expansion), i.e., (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native
“a law”
G3551law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
“a law”
G3551law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
“not”
G3361(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
“have”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
“unto themselves”
G1438(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
“a law”
G3551law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
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.
Romans 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Romans 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge