Romans 2:12

Authorized King James Version

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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;

Original Language Analysis

ὅσοι as many as G3745
ὅσοι as many as
Strong's: G3745
Word #: 1 of 15
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀνόμως without law G460
ἀνόμως without law
Strong's: G460
Word #: 3 of 15
lawlessly, i.e., (specially) not amenable to (the jewish) law
ἥμαρτον have sinned G264
ἥμαρτον have sinned
Strong's: G264
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
ἀνόμως without law G460
ἀνόμως without law
Strong's: G460
Word #: 5 of 15
lawlessly, i.e., (specially) not amenable to (the jewish) law
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπολοῦνται perish G622
ἀπολοῦνται perish
Strong's: G622
Word #: 7 of 15
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅσοι as many as G3745
ὅσοι as many as
Strong's: G3745
Word #: 9 of 15
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 10 of 15
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
νόμου the law G3551
νόμου the law
Strong's: G3551
Word #: 11 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ἥμαρτον have sinned G264
ἥμαρτον have sinned
Strong's: G264
Word #: 12 of 15
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
διὰ by G1223
διὰ by
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 13 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
νόμου the law G3551
νόμου the law
Strong's: G3551
Word #: 14 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
κριθήσονται· shall be judged G2919
κριθήσονται· shall be judged
Strong's: G2919
Word #: 15 of 15
by implication, to try, condemn, punish

Analysis & Commentary

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law—ὅσοι γὰρ ἀνόμως ἥμαρτον (hosoi gar anomōs hēmarton), literally "as many as sinned lawlessly." Ἀνόμως (anomōs) refers to Gentiles without Torah's written revelation. The future ἀπολοῦνται (apolountai, "will perish") indicates final destruction. Paul's point: ignorance of Mosaic Law doesn't create immunity; Gentiles face judgment based on the moral knowledge they possess (1:19-20, 2:14-15).

And as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law—ὅσοι ἐν νόμῳ ἥμαρτον (hosoi en nomō hēmarton) describes Jews who possess Torah. Διὰ νόμου κριθήσονται (dia nomou krithēsontai, "will be judged through/by law"). Possessing God's law intensifies accountability rather than excusing transgression. The law becomes witness for the prosecution, not the defense, since none keep it perfectly (3:20, Galatians 3:10).

The symmetry is devastating: Gentiles perish despite lacking Torah; Jews are condemned precisely because they have it yet violate it. Neither group escapes—one judged by natural revelation and conscience, the other by written scripture. This anticipates 3:9's conclusion: "both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin." The only escape is Christ's righteousness imputed by faith (3:21-26).

Historical Context

Jewish theology debated Gentile salvation. Some rabbis taught righteous Gentiles observing Noahide laws could be saved; others believed all Gentiles were condemned. Most Jews saw Torah as privilege ensuring salvation if observed. Paul collapses both views: Torah doesn't save (it condemns lawbreakers), and Gentiles aren't automatically lost (they're judged by the light they have). This neutralizes Jewish presumption while maintaining moral accountability for all.

Questions for Reflection