Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. New Living Translation When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. English Standard Version For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. Berean Standard Bible All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. Berean Literal Bible For as many as have sinned without the law will also perish without the law; and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law, King James Bible For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; New King James Version For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law New American Standard Bible For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; NASB 1995 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; NASB 1977 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law; and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; Legacy Standard Bible For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law. Amplified Bible For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without [regard to] the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged and condemned by the Law. Berean Annotated Bible All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. Christian Standard Bible For all who sin without the law will also perish without the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. Holman Christian Standard Bible All those who sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all those who sinned under the law will be judged by the law. American Standard Version For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law; Contemporary English Version Those people who don't know about God's Law will still be punished for what they do wrong. And the Law will be used to judge everyone who knows what it says. English Revised Version For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned under law shall be judged by law; GOD'S WORD® Translation Here's the reason: Whoever sins without having laws from God will still be condemned to destruction. And whoever has laws from God and sins will still be judged by them. Good News Translation The Gentiles do not have the Law of Moses; they sin and are lost apart from the Law. The Jews have the Law; they sin and are judged by the Law. International Standard Version For all who have sinned apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law. NET Bible For all who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. New Heart English Bible For as many as have sinned without the law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. Webster's Bible Translation For as many as have sinned without law, shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law, Weymouth New Testament For all who have sinned apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law, and all who have sinned whilst living under the Law, will be judged by the Law. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAll who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. World English Bible For as many as have sinned without the law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor as many as sinned without law, will also perish without law, and as many as sinned in law, through law will be judged, Berean Literal Bible For as many as have sinned without the law will also perish without the law; and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law, Young's Literal Translation for as many as without law did sin, without law also shall perish, and as many as did sin in law, through law shall be judged, Smith's Literal Translation For as many as sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor whosoever have sinned without the law, shall perish without the law; and whosoever have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. Catholic Public Domain Version For whoever had sinned without the law, will perish without the law. And whoever had sinned in the law, will be judged by the law. New American Bible All who sin outside the law will also perish without reference to it, and all who sin under the law will be judged in accordance with it. New Revised Standard Version All who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor those who have sinned without law, shall also perish without law: and those who have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law, Aramaic Bible in Plain English For those who have sinned without The Written Law are also destroyed without The Written Law, and those who sinned with The Written Law will be judged by The Written Law. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor as many as have sinned without law, shall also perish without law; and as many as have sinned under law, shall be judged by law, Godbey New Testament For so many as sinned without law will also perish without law; and so many as sinned under the law shall be judged by the law; Haweis New Testament For as many as have sinned without the law, shall perish also without the law: and as many as have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law; Mace New Testament For as many as have sinned without the law, shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned under the law, shall be condemned by the law, Weymouth New Testament For all who have sinned apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law, and all who have sinned whilst living under the Law, will be judged by the Law. Worrell New Testament for as many as sinned without law shall also perish without law; and as many as sinned under law shall be judged by law; Worsley New Testament For as many as have sinned without the law shall also perish without the law; and as many as have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God's Righteous Judgment…11For God does not show favoritism. 12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.… Cross References All who sin apart from the law 1 Corinthians 9:21 To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. Romans 5:13 For sin was in the world before the law was given; but sin is not taken into account when there is no law. Acts 14:16 In past generations, He let all nations go their own way. will also perish apart from the law, Luke 13:3 No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish. John 8:24 That is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. / They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, and all who sin under the law Deuteronomy 27:26 ‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Galatians 3:10 All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” James 2:10 Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. will be judged by the law. Romans 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope. James 2:12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom. James 4:17 Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin. Galatians 3:10 All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 1 Corinthians 9:21 To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. Acts 17:30 Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. Treasury of Scripture For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; For. Romans 2:14,15 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: … Romans 1:18-21,32 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; … Ezekiel 16:49,50 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy… in the law. Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Romans 3:19,20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God… Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Jump to Previous Apart Destruction Judged Law Perish Punishment Sin Sinned Whilst WrongJump to Next Apart Destruction Judged Law Perish Punishment Sin Sinned Whilst WrongRomans 2 1. No excuse for sin.6. No escape from judgment. 14. Gentiles cannot; 17. nor Jews. All who sin apart from the law This phrase addresses Gentiles who do not have the Mosaic Law. In the context of Romans, Paul is emphasizing that ignorance of the law does not exempt one from accountability. Historically, Gentiles were not given the Law of Moses, which was a covenant specifically with Israel. However, Paul argues that they still have a moral law written on their hearts (Romans 2:14-15), which holds them accountable. This reflects the universal nature of sin and the need for redemption through Christ. will also perish apart from the law and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, emphasizing the universality of sin and the need for salvation through Christ. 2. Jewish Believers Those who are "under the law," meaning they have received the Mosaic Law and are judged by it. 3. Gentile Believers Those who are "apart from the law," meaning they have not received the Mosaic Law but are still accountable for their actions. 4. Rome The city where the recipients of this letter reside, a diverse community of Jews and Gentiles. 5. The Law Refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, which serves as a standard for judgment. Teaching Points Universality of SinBoth Jews and Gentiles are under sin, whether they have the law or not. This highlights the need for a Savior for all humanity. Accountability Before God Everyone is accountable to God, whether they have the law or not. This calls for a personal examination of one's life in light of God's standards. The Role of the Law The law reveals sin but cannot save. It points to the need for grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Judgment and Grace God's judgment is impartial. Understanding this should lead to humility and reliance on God's grace rather than self-righteousness. Living by Faith Believers are called to live by faith, trusting in Christ's righteousness rather than their own ability to keep the law. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Romans 2:12?2. How does Romans 2:12 highlight the importance of knowing God's law? 3. What consequences are mentioned for those "without the law" in Romans 2:12? 4. How can we apply Romans 2:12 to our understanding of sin and judgment? 5. How does Romans 2:12 connect with James 4:17 about knowing and doing good? 6. In what ways can Romans 2:12 encourage us to share God's law with others? 7. How does Romans 2:12 address the fate of those without the law? 8. What does Romans 2:12 imply about God's judgment on Gentiles? 9. How does Romans 2:12 relate to the concept of original sin? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 2? 11. What does the Bible say about ignorance of sin? 12. What is the Bible's perspective on judgment? 13. What happens to those who never heard the Gospel? 14. In James 3:1, why single out teachers for stricter judgment, seemingly contradicting passages like Romans 2:11 that imply all are judged equally? What Does Romans 2:12 Mean All who sin apart from the lawPaul begins by speaking of those who never received the written Mosaic Law—primarily the Gentiles. Sin is still sin, whether or not a person holds a scroll of commandments in hand. Creation itself testifies to God’s righteous standards (Romans 1:18-20), so no one can plead total ignorance. Even without Sinai’s tablets, the conscience bears witness (Romans 2:14-15). Think of Cornelius before meeting Peter—devout, yet still a sinner in need of the gospel (Acts 10). will also perish apart from the law “Perish” is sobering: eternal separation from God, not mere physical death (John 3:18; Romans 6:23). The absence of a written code does not grant immunity. Just as a driver ignorant of the speed limit can still be ticketed for reckless driving, so the Gentile faces real accountability. Revelation 20:12-15 pictures all the dead, great and small, judged by what is written in God’s books—not by personal claims of unawareness. and all who sin under the law Now Paul turns to those who possess the Law—Israel. • They enjoy covenant privileges (Psalm 147:19-20). • They hear the commandments weekly in synagogue (Acts 15:21). • They are therefore “under the Law” (Romans 3:19-20). Yet privilege heightens responsibility. Like a student given the answer key, failure to solve the problem leaves no excuse. will be judged by the law The same Law that was a lamp to their feet (Psalm 119:105) becomes the standard at the bar of divine justice. Break one point, and guilt floods in (James 2:10-11). Paul will later write, “All who rely on the works of the Law are under a curse” (Galatians 3:10; cf. Deuteronomy 27:26). The Law exposes sin, silences boasting, and drives us to Christ, who alone fulfilled it perfectly (Romans 8:3-4). summary Romans 2:12 establishes two parallel truths: Gentiles without the written Law and Jews with it are alike sinners; both groups face judgment according to the light they have received. Possessing Scripture offers no escape, and lacking it grants no exemption. Only the gospel—“the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16)—rescues either group from perishing or being condemned by the Law. (12) Jew and Gentile alike will be judged, each by the method proper to his case; the Jew by the written Law against which he has sinned, the Gentile by the unwritten law of conscience against which he too has sinned. The mere hearing of the Law will bring no exemption to the Jew; and, on the other hand, the Gentile, who, at the dictates of conscience, acts as if he were subject to law, shall have the full benefit that law can give him. In fact, his conscience is to him a law. He undergoes precisely the same conflict of self- condemnation and self-acquittal as one who has a written law to refer to. All this will be done, this strict measure of justice will be applied, at the last great day of judgment.In the law.--Rather, in law. Here, as in the phrases which follow, "by law," "the hearers of law," "the doers of law," "the Gentiles which have not law," &c., the article is wrongly inserted by the Authorised version. Its absence shows that the Apostle Lad in mind, not the particular Mosaic law, but the abstraction of law. "Behind the concrete representation--the Mosaic law itself--St. Paul sees an imperious principle, an overwhelming presence, antagonistic to grace, to liberty, to spirit, and (in some aspects) even to life--abstract law, which, though the Mosaic ordinances are its most signal and complete embodiment, nevertheless is not exhausted therein, but exerts its crushing power over the conscience in diverse manifestations. The one, the concrete and special, is ? ?????; the other, the abstract and universal, is ?????" (Lightfoot). Verse 12. - For as many as have sinned without Law (ἀνόμως) shall also perish without Law (ἀνόμως). Their perdition, if it ensues, will not be due to transgression of a code they had not, but to sin against such light as they had; if without knowledge of Law they sinned, without reference to Law their doom will he, And as many as have sinned in Law (or, under Law. Ἐν νόμῳ denotes the condition in which they were; cf. ἐν περιτομῇ and ἐν ὀκροβυστίᾳ, Romans 4:10) shall be judged by Law. The requirements of the Law which they knew they will be held accountable for transgressing - κριθήσονται here, instead of ἀπολοῦνται, because a definite standard of judgment is supposed (cf. Psalm 1.).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek All whoὍσοι (Hosoi) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3745: How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As. sin ἥμαρτον (hēmarton) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 264: Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin. apart from the Law ἀνόμως (anomōs) Adverb Strong's 460: Without law, lawlessly. Adverb from anomos; lawlessly, i.e. not amenable to law. will also perish ἀπολοῦνται (apolountai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 622: From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively. apart from the Law, ἀνόμως (anomōs) Adverb Strong's 460: Without law, lawlessly. Adverb from anomos; lawlessly, i.e. not amenable to law. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. all who ὅσοι (hosoi) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3745: How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As. sin ἥμαρτον (hēmarton) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 264: Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin. under ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Law νόμῳ (nomō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. will be judged κριθήσονται (krithēsontai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish. by διὰ (dia) Preposition Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [the] Law. νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. Links Romans 2:12 NIVRomans 2:12 NLT Romans 2:12 ESV Romans 2:12 NASB Romans 2:12 KJV Romans 2:12 BibleApps.com Romans 2:12 Biblia Paralela Romans 2:12 Chinese Bible Romans 2:12 French Bible Romans 2:12 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without (Rom. Ro) |
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