King James Version

What Does Romans 2:17 Mean?

Romans 2:17 in the King James Version says “Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,” — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 2:17 · KJV

Context

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

19

And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, thou art called a Jew—Ἴδε σὺ Ἰουδαῖος ἐπονομάζῃ (ide sy Ioudaios eponomazē). Ἐπονομάζω (eponomazō, "are named/called") emphasizes identity claim—bearing the honored title "Jew" (Judean, praised one, from Judah). Paul now shifts from general argument (1:18-2:16) to direct address, confronting Jewish presumption head-on. The vocative Ἴδε (ide, "behold/look") arrests attention. And restest in the law—ἐπαναπαύῃ νόμῳ (epanapaēē nomō), "repose/rely on the law." False security, treating Torah possession as guarantee rather than responsibility.

And makest thy boast of God—καυχᾶσαι ἐν θεῷ (kauchasai en theō, "boast in God"). Legitimate boasting (Jeremiah 9:23-24, 1 Corinthians 1:31), corrupted into ethnic pride. Jews rightly celebrated knowing the true God versus Gentile idolatry, but twisted privilege into presumption. Paul himself once boasted in Jewish pedigree (Philippians 3:4-6) until Christ shattered it, counting it as σκύβαλα (skybala, "rubbish/dung").

Verses 17-20 catalog Jewish privileges—name, law, relationship with God, knowledge, confident leadership—then verses 21-24 devastate with hypocrisy accusations. The structure mirrors Jesus's Matthew 23 woes against scribes and Pharisees. Paul's rhetoric shifts from third-person argument to second-person indictment, personalizing the confrontation. This isn't anti-Jewish polemic but internal critique from a devout Jew addressing fellow Jews (Paul's self-description: Romans 11:1, Philippians 3:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jews wore the title "Jew" with immense pride, distinguishing themselves from Gentile ethnē (nations). Post-exilic Judaism developed strong ethnic identity centered on Torah, temple, and territorial claims. The Maccabean revolt (167-160 BC) intensified this, celebrating Jewish resistance to Hellenization. By Paul's era, many Jews viewed their covenant status as guaranteeing divine favor, treating God as tribal deity rather than universal Creator who judges impartially.

Reflection Questions

  1. What religious identity or title do I 'rest in'—Christian, church member, baptized—treating it as guarantee rather than calling?
  2. How do I 'boast in God'—celebrating privilege in knowing Him, or presuming on relationship without transformation?
  3. In what ways might I be trusting my spiritual heritage (Christian family, biblical knowledge) instead of personal faith in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Ἴδε1 of 12
G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

σὺ2 of 12

“thou”

G4771

thou

Ἰουδαῖος3 of 12

“a Jew”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἐπονομάζῃ4 of 12

“art called”

G2028

to name further, i.e., denominate

καὶ5 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπαναπαύῃ6 of 12

“restest”

G1879

to settle on; literally (remain) or figuratively (rely)

τῷ7 of 12
G3588

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

νόμῳ8 of 12

“in 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

καὶ9 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καυχᾶσαι10 of 12

“makest thy boast”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ἐν11 of 12

“of”

G1722

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

θεῷ12 of 12

“God”

G2316

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

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 2:17 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 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:23Micah 3:11Isaiah 48:1-2Revelation 2:9Romans 9:32John 5:45

Test Your Knowledge

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

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