King James Version

What Does Romans 2:21 Mean?

Romans 2:21 in the King James Version says “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?”

Romans 2:21 · KJV

Context

19

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

20

An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

21

Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

22

Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

23

Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?—ὁ οὖν διδάσκων ἕτερον σεαυτὸν οὐ διδάσκεις (ho oun didaskōn heteron seauton ou didaskeis). The particle οὖν (oun, "therefore") pivots from privilege (vv. 17-20) to hypocrisy. Paul fires five rhetorical questions (vv. 21-23) like arrows, each exposing contradiction between profession and practice. The verb διδάσκω (didaskō, "teach") appears twice, emphasizing the irony: teachers not teaching themselves.

Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?—ὁ κηρύσσων μὴ κλέπτειν κλέπτεις (ho kēryssōn mē kleptein klepteis). Κηρύσσω (kēryssō, "preach/proclaim") suggests public, authoritative proclamation of the eighth commandment. Κλέπτω (kleptō, "steal") could be literal theft or violating the spirit through exploitation, fraud, or cheating (Malachi 3:8-10 accuses Israel of robbing God). Jewish leaders enriched themselves through temple commerce (Matthew 21:12-13) and devouring widows' houses (Mark 12:40).

This verse devastates religious hypocrisy: proclaiming God's law while violating it. Jesus condemned identical duplicity in Matthew 23:3: "they say, and do not." James 3:1 warns that teachers face stricter judgment precisely because they instruct others. The question format convicts rather than merely stating accusation—Paul forces his audience to render self-verdict. The pattern anticipates modern therapeutic insight: we condemn in others what we secretly practice ourselves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish teachers held positions of authority and respect. However, some exploited their status for financial gain. Temple corruption was rampant—money changers and sellers in the Court of Gentiles, priestly families controlling lucrative sacrificial market. Jesus's temple cleansing (John 2:13-17) directly addressed this. Additionally, some teachers imposed heavy financial burdens on followers while living luxuriously. Paul here confronts systemic hypocrisy where Torah knowledge created pride and opportunity for exploitation rather than holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What biblical truth do I teach or proclaim to others while violating it in my private life?
  2. In what ways might I be 'stealing'—dishonesty in business, cheating on taxes, exploiting others, robbing God of tithes or time?
  3. How does awareness that teachers face stricter judgment (James 3:1) affect my willingness to instruct others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ὁ1 of 12

“which”

G3588

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

οὖν2 of 12

“Thou therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

διδάσκεις3 of 12

“teachest”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἕτερον4 of 12

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

σεαυτὸν5 of 12

“thyself”

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

οὐ6 of 12

“not”

G3756

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

διδάσκεις7 of 12

“teachest”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ὁ8 of 12

“which”

G3588

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

κηρύσσων9 of 12

“thou that preachest”

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

μὴ10 of 12

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κλέπτεις11 of 12

“a man should”

G2813

to filch

κλέπτεις12 of 12

“a man should”

G2813

to filch

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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9:27Matthew 23:3-28Luke 12:47Micah 3:11Titus 2:1-7Luke 11:46

Test Your Knowledge

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

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