King James Version

What Does Romans 2:22 Mean?

Romans 2:22 in the King James Version says “Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commi...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 2:22 · KJV

Context

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?

24

For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?—ὁ λέγων μὴ μοιχεύειν μοιχεύεις (ho legōn mē moicheuein moicheueis). The seventh commandment, violated by those who proclaim it. Μοιχεύω (moicheuō, "commit adultery") could be literal sexual infidelity or the spiritual adultery Israel committed through idolatry (Jeremiah 3:8-9, Ezekiel 16, Hosea). Jesus expanded adultery to include lustful looking (Matthew 5:27-28), making this commandment's violation nearly universal.

Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?—ὁ βδελυσσόμενος τὰ εἴδωλα ἱεροσυλεῖς (ho bdelyssomenos ta eidōla hierosyleis). Βδελύσσομαι (bdelyssomai, "abhor/detest") describes visceral revulsion—Jews rightly despised idolatry. But ἱεροσυλέω (hierosyleō, "commit sacrilege/rob temples") could mean literally plundering pagan temples (acquiring idols or valuables) or metaphorically defiling God's temple (the people, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17) through sin.

The irony is thick: those who abhor idols engage in temple robbery—either literal (acquiring pagan artifacts for profit, Acts 19:37 mentions this accusation) or spiritual (robbing God of glory due Him by hypocritical living). Some Jews may have trafficked in idols they claimed to detest, profiting from Gentile idolatry while condemning it. Deeper still, hypocrisy itself is sacrilege—profaning God's name and temple (His people) while claiming to honor Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish abhorrence of idolatry was fundamental identity marker, distinguishing them from pagan neighbors. The Maccabean revolt began over forced idol worship. By Paul's era, Jews refused even to handle coins with Caesar's image or enter buildings with statues. However, some Jews evidently engaged in temple robbery—perhaps acquiring valuable pagan artifacts to sell, or trafficking in idol paraphernalia. Acts 19:37 shows Paul's companions were accused of being "robbers of temples," an accusation he denies, suggesting this was known Jewish practice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'adultery' might I commit while condemning sexual immorality—lustful thoughts, emotional affairs, pornography?
  2. Do I 'abhor idols' (materialism, success, comfort) publicly while secretly serving them?
  3. How do I commit 'sacrilege'—robbing God of glory, profaning His name through hypocrisy, defiling the temple (my body, the church)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὁ1 of 10
G3588

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

λέγων2 of 10

“Thou that sayest”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

μὴ3 of 10

“not”

G3361

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

μοιχεύεις4 of 10

“a man should”

G3431

to commit adultery

μοιχεύεις5 of 10

“a man should”

G3431

to commit adultery

ὁ6 of 10
G3588

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

βδελυσσόμενος7 of 10

“thou that abhorrest”

G948

to be disgusted, i.e., (by implication) detest (especially of idolatry)

τὰ8 of 10
G3588

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

εἴδωλα9 of 10

“idols”

G1497

an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such

ἱεροσυλεῖς10 of 10

“dost thou commit sacrilege”

G2416

to be a temple-robber (figuratively)

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 2:22 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 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 3:8Matthew 12:39Matthew 16:4Malachi 1:14Malachi 1:8Ezekiel 22:11

Test Your Knowledge

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

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