King James Version

What Does Romans 2:3 Mean?

Romans 2:3 in the King James Version says “And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the ju...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?”

Romans 2:3 · KJV

Context

1

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

2

But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

3

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? The Greek λογίζῃ (logizē, "reckon/calculate") carries ironic force—do you really 'reckon' or reason this way? Paul personalizes the rhetorical question with ὦ ἄνθρωπε (ō anthrōpe, "O man"), echoing prophetic confrontation (Micah 6:8). The verb ἐκφεύγω (ekpheugō, "escape from") appears in judicial contexts of fleeing prosecution.

The question drips with incredulity: how can the judge who commits identical sins possibly imagine he'll evade God's courtroom? This confronts the twisted logic of religious pride, which assumes doctrinal orthodoxy or ritual observance creates immunity. Jesus satirized this mentality in Luke 18:9-14's parable of the Pharisee and tax collector.

Paul's argument builds toward the devastation of 3:9-20: both Jews and Gentiles stand condemned. The rhetorical question format indicts the reader before stating the verdict, making the conclusion inescapable. No one escapes judgment—the only question is whether we face it in Christ (justification by faith) or in ourselves (condemnation by works).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish eschatology expected a "day of the Lord" when God would judge the nations and vindicate Israel. This fueled nationalistic theology that saw judgment as primarily for Gentiles. Paul here deconstructs that false security, insisting God's judgment applies to behavior, not ethnicity. The Dead Sea Scrolls show similar sectarian thinking where Qumran community members believed their elect status ensured escaping God's wrath directed at outsiders.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual privilege do I falsely assume will exempt me from accountability—baptism, church membership, theological knowledge?
  2. How do I respond when Scripture's mirror shows me committing sins I condemn in others?
  3. Am I fleeing to Christ for justification or relying on religious performance to 'escape' judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
λογίζῃ1 of 21

“thinkest thou”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦτο3 of 21

“this”

G5124

that thing

ὦ4 of 21

“O”

G5599

as a sign of the vocative case, o; as a note of exclamation, oh

ἄνθρωπε5 of 21

“man”

G444

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

ὁ6 of 21
G3588

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

κρίνων7 of 21

“that judgest”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

τοὺς8 of 21
G3588

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

τὰ9 of 21
G3588

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

τοιαῦτα10 of 21

“such things”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

πράσσοντας11 of 21

“them which do”

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

καὶ12 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

ποιῶν13 of 21

“doest”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτά14 of 21

“the same”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι15 of 21

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

σὺ16 of 21

“thou”

G4771

thou

ἐκφεύξῃ17 of 21

“shalt escape”

G1628

to flee out

τὸ18 of 21
G3588

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

κρίμα19 of 21

“the judgment”

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

τοῦ20 of 21
G3588

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

θεοῦ21 of 21

“of 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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 16:5Luke 12:14Romans 1:32-2:1Matthew 23:33Ezekiel 17:15Luke 22:58

Test Your Knowledge

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

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