Romans 2:18

Authorized King James Version

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And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γινώσκεις knowest G1097
γινώσκεις knowest
Strong's: G1097
Word #: 2 of 12
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα his will G2307
θέλημα his will
Strong's: G2307
Word #: 4 of 12
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 5 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοκιμάζεις approvest G1381
δοκιμάζεις approvest
Strong's: G1381
Word #: 6 of 12
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαφέροντα the things that are more excellent G1308
διαφέροντα the things that are more excellent
Strong's: G1308
Word #: 8 of 12
to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe
κατηχούμενος being instructed G2727
κατηχούμενος being instructed
Strong's: G2727
Word #: 9 of 12
to sound down into the ears, i.e., (by implication) to indoctrinate ("catechize") or (genitive case) to apprise of
ἐκ out of G1537
ἐκ out of
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 10 of 12
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου the law G3551
νόμου the law
Strong's: G3551
Word #: 12 of 12
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

Analysis & Commentary

And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law—γινώσκεις τὸ θέλημα καὶ δοκιμάζεις τὰ διαφέροντα κατηχούμενος ἐκ τοῦ νόμου (ginōskeis to thelēma kai dokimazeis ta diapheronta katēchoumenos ek tou nomou). Γινώσκω (ginōskō, "know") indicates intimate knowledge of God's will through Torah. Δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, "test/approve/discern") means critically evaluating to determine what's superior. Τὰ διαφέροντα (ta diapheronta, "the things that differ/excel") could mean distinguishing between options or recognizing what's superior.

Being instructed out of the law—κατηχούμενος ἐκ τοῦ νόμου (katēchoumenos ek tou nomou). Κατηχέω (katēcheō, "instruct/teach") gives us "catechism." Jews received systematic Torah instruction from childhood, learning to distinguish clean/unclean, sacred/profane, ethical/unethical. This was genuine privilege (Romans 3:1-2, 9:4-5), but knowledge without obedience becomes condemnation rather than commendation.

Paul acknowledges legitimate Jewish advantages: knowing God's will through Scripture, ability to discern moral excellence, comprehensive religious education. These aren't fabrications but real benefits of covenant status. However, verses 21-24 will expose the tragedy: possessing truth without living it, teaching righteousness while practicing sin, bearing God's name while blaspheming it through hypocrisy. Knowledge increases accountability (Luke 12:47-48); to whom much is given, much is required.

Historical Context

Jewish education emphasized Torah from childhood. Boys attended synagogue schools learning Hebrew, memorizing Scripture, studying rabbinic interpretation. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) commanded teaching children diligently. By Jesus's era, Jews prided themselves on superior moral knowledge versus Gentile ignorance. Jesus confronted this in John 5:39-40: searching scriptures while rejecting the One they testified about. Knowledge became end rather than means, fostering pride instead of humility.

Questions for Reflection