Romans 2:20
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
Original Language Analysis
παιδευτὴν
An instructor
G3810
παιδευτὴν
An instructor
Strong's:
G3810
Word #:
1 of 15
a trainer, i.e., teacher or (by implication) discipliner
ἀφρόνων
of the foolish
G878
ἀφρόνων
of the foolish
Strong's:
G878
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving
νηπίων
of babes
G3516
νηπίων
of babes
Strong's:
G3516
Word #:
4 of 15
not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian
ἔχοντα
which hast
G2192
ἔχοντα
which hast
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μόρφωσιν
the form
G3446
μόρφωσιν
the form
Strong's:
G3446
Word #:
7 of 15
formation, i.e., (by implication), appearance (semblance or (concretely) formula)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γνώσεως
of knowledge
G1108
γνώσεως
of knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
9 of 15
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.2 Timothy 1:13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.Romans 6:17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.1 Corinthians 3:1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
Historical Context
Jewish teachers (rabbis) held honored positions, training students in Torah interpretation. The title "teacher" carried authority and respect. Synagogues functioned as schools where Jews—and interested Gentiles—learned Scripture. This educational infrastructure preserved Judaism through dispersion and persecution. However, Jesus condemned teachers who placed heavy burdens on others without lifting a finger (Matthew 23:4), and Paul here echoes that critique: possessing truth's 'form' without its transforming power.
Questions for Reflection
- Do I have 'the form of knowledge and truth' in biblical doctrine without corresponding life transformation—orthodoxy without orthopraxy?
- How can I avoid the tragedy of teaching others truths I don't personally apply?
- In what areas might I be an 'instructor' or 'teacher' in name while remaining spiritually immature myself?
Analysis & Commentary
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes—παιδευτὴν ἀφρόνων, διδάσκαλον νηπίων (paideutēn aphronōn, didaskalon nēpiōn). Παιδευτής (paideutēs, "instructor/disciplinarian") from paideia (education/discipline). Ἄφρων (aphrōn, "foolish/senseless") describes Gentiles as morally undeveloped. Διδάσκαλος (didaskalos, "teacher") addresses νήπιοι (nēpioi, "infants/immature ones"). Jews viewed Gentiles as spiritual children requiring Torah instruction to mature.
Which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law—ἔχοντα τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐν τῷ νόμῳ (echonta tēn morphōsin tēs gnōseōs kai tēs alētheias en tō nomō). Μόρφωσις (morphōsis, "embodiment/formulation") suggests Torah contains γνῶσις (gnōsis, "knowledge") and ἀλήθεια (alētheia, "truth") in structured, systematic form. Jews possessed God's revealed truth in Scripture, not philosophical speculation.
Paul concludes the catalog of Jewish privileges: confident guides, lights in darkness, instructors and teachers, possessors of truth's very blueprint. These are legitimate advantages! But verses 21-24's devastating questions expose the tragedy: teachers who don't teach themselves, preachers who don't practice what they proclaim, guardians of truth who dishonor it. Morphōsis may hint at "mere form"—outward appearance without inward reality (2 Timothy 3:5's "form of godliness, denying the power").