King James Version

What Does Romans 2:16 Mean?

Romans 2:16 in the King James Version says “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”

Romans 2:16 · KJV

Context

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

16

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

17

Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

18

And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; approvest: or, triest the things that differ

Read Romans 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel—ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὅτε κρίνει ὁ θεὸς τὰ κρυπτὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου (en hēmera hote krinei ho theos ta krypta tōn anthrōpōn dia Iēsou Christou kata to euangelion mou). Τὰ κρυπτά (ta krypta, "the hidden things/secrets") indicates God's judgment penetrates beyond actions to motives, thoughts, and secret sins (Ecclesiastes 12:14, 1 Corinthians 4:5).

By Jesus Christ—διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (dia Iēsou Christou) identifies Christ as judge. John 5:22, 27 and Acts 17:31 confirm God appointed the Son as eschatological judge. The Judge is the crucified Savior, making judgment both terrifying (He knows all) and merciful (He bore the wrath we deserved). According to my gospel—κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου links judgment to Paul's message. The gospel includes both salvation and judgment, grace and wrath, justification and condemnation.

This verse concludes verses 12-15's argument: all face judgment (Gentiles by natural law, Jews by Torah), and that judgment occurs at Christ's tribunal, exposing every secret. The phrase "secrets of men" demolishes religious hypocrisy—God judges hearts, not reputations. Nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13); all will be revealed (Luke 12:2-3). Only those clothed in Christ's righteousness escape condemnation (Romans 8:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish eschatology expected a final judgment day (Yom YHWH), often focusing on Gentile nations. Paul Christianizes this: Jesus Christ is judge, and judgment evaluates response to the gospel. The 'day' references Daniel 7:13-14's vision of the Son of Man receiving dominion and judgment. Early Christians intensely anticipated Christ's return as judge (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Paul here integrates this eschatological judgment into his argument about universal human accountability.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'secrets'—hidden sins, unconfessed motives, private thoughts—would God's judgment expose in my life?
  2. How does knowing Jesus Christ is my judge both terrify me (He knows all) and comfort me (I'm justified by faith in Him)?
  3. Do I live with awareness of the coming 'day' of judgment, or does pragmatic atheism govern my daily choices?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἐν1 of 17

“In”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἡμέρᾳ2 of 17

“the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ὅτε3 of 17

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

κρίνει4 of 17

“shall judge”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ὁ5 of 17
G3588

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

θεὸς6 of 17

“God”

G2316

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

τὰ7 of 17
G3588

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

κρυπτὰ8 of 17

“the secrets”

G2927

concealed, i.e., private

τῶν9 of 17
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπων10 of 17

“of men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

κατὰ11 of 17

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ12 of 17
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιόν13 of 17

“gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

μου14 of 17

“to my”

G3450

of me

διὰ15 of 17

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

Ἰησοῦ16 of 17

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ17 of 17

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

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 2:16 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 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 12:141 Corinthians 4:5Acts 17:31Acts 10:42Luke 8:17John 5:22-29

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 2 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes