Romans 2:13
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
(For
G1063
γὰρ
(For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
of the law
G3551
νόμου
of the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
6 of 16
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
δίκαιοι
are just
G1342
δίκαιοι
are just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
7 of 16
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
παρὰ
before
G3844
παρὰ
before
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 John 3:7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.Romans 2:25For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.Luke 8:21And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.Galatians 2:16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.1 John 2:29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.Romans 10:5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.Acts 13:39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.Psalms 143:2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.Romans 3:30Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism emphasized Torah study and synagogue attendance. Many Jews equated hearing scripture read and expounded with righteousness. Jesus condemned this in Matthew 7:21-27 (hearing versus doing) and Matthew 23 (scribes and Pharisees who say but don't do). Paul here echoes Jesus: possession and knowledge of God's word without obedience brings condemnation, not salvation. This would shock hearers who viewed Torah study as inherently meritorious.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas am I a 'hearer' of God's word—familiar with biblical teaching—but not a 'doer' who obeys it?
- How does this verse drive me to Christ, recognizing I cannot justify myself by doing the law perfectly?
- What biblical commands do I mentally assent to without allowing them to transform my behavior?
Analysis & Commentary
For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified—οὐ γὰρ οἱ ἀκροαταὶ νόμου δίκαιοι παρὰ θεῷ (ou gar hoi akroatai nomou dikaioi para theō), "not the hearers of law are righteous before God." Ἀκροατής (akroatēs, "hearer") describes one who listens but doesn't obey. Δίκαιος (dikaios, "righteous/just") refers to standing before God's judgment seat. Ποιηταὶ νόμου δικαιωθήσονται (poiētai nomou dikaiōthēsontai, "doers of law will be justified").
This verse seems to contradict 3:20 ("by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified") and 3:28 ("justified by faith without the deeds of the law"). The resolution: Paul here states the standard of judgment (perfect obedience) to show no one meets it (3:10-18), driving all to justification by faith. He's not prescribing how to be justified but exposing the futility of mere Torah knowledge without transformation. James 1:22-25 makes the identical argument against self-deceiving hearers.
The future dikaiōthēsontai ("will be justified") is eschatological—at final judgment, doers are vindicated. But Paul will show this comes only through faith in Christ, who perfectly 'did' the law (Matthew 5:17), imputing His obedience to believers (Romans 5:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21). Perfect law-keeping justifies, but only Christ achieved it; believers receive it as gift.