New Testament

Romans 2:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Paul addresses those who identify as Jews, emphasizing their reliance on the law and their pride in their relationship with God.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

Now, you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God,

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul addresses those who identify as Jews, emphasizing their reliance on the law and their pride in their relationship with God. The term 'Jew' signifies not just ethnicity but also a commitment to the covenant and the law given by God. By stating they 'rest in the law,' Paul highlights their confidence in the law as a means of righteousness. However, this reliance can lead to complacency, as they may believe that their identity and knowledge of the law automatically grant them favor with God. Paul is setting the stage for a deeper discussion about true righteousness and the dangers of hypocrisy, as mere outward identity and knowledge do not equate to genuine faith or obedience. This verse serves as a reminder that true relationship with God goes beyond labels and requires a heartfelt commitment to His ways.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 2:17 to your life

This verse challenges us to examine our own identities and what we rely on for our standing with God. It encourages us to move beyond mere labels and to ensure that our faith is genuine, rooted in a true relationship with God rather than just knowledge or tradition.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 2:17 mean?

Romans 2:17 addresses those who identify as Jews, highlighting their reliance on the law and their pride in their relationship with God. It suggests that merely having the law and being called a Jew does not guarantee righteousness or favor with God.

What is the meaning of 'rest in the law' in Romans 2:17?

'Rest in the law' means to have confidence in the law as a source of righteousness. Paul warns that this reliance can lead to complacency, as it may create a false sense of security in one's standing with God.

How does Romans 2:17 relate to hypocrisy?

Romans 2:17 highlights the danger of hypocrisy by showing that knowing the law and identifying as a Jew does not automatically mean one is living in accordance with God's will. It calls for a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.

What themes are present in Romans 2:17?

Key themes in Romans 2:17 include identity, law, pride, hypocrisy, covenant, and righteousness. The verse encourages reflection on what truly defines one's relationship with God beyond labels.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

Premium

Unlock the full Romans summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Romans — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Romans summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.

← Verse 16 Verse 18 →