Romans 2:22
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγων
Thou that sayest
G3004
λέγων
Thou that sayest
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βδελυσσόμενος
thou that abhorrest
G948
βδελυσσόμενος
thou that abhorrest
Strong's:
G948
Word #:
7 of 10
to be disgusted, i.e., (by implication) detest (especially of idolatry)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jewish abhorrence of idolatry was fundamental identity marker, distinguishing them from pagan neighbors. The Maccabean revolt began over forced idol worship. By Paul's era, Jews refused even to handle coins with Caesar's image or enter buildings with statues. However, some Jews evidently engaged in temple robbery—perhaps acquiring valuable pagan artifacts to sell, or trafficking in idol paraphernalia. Acts 19:37 shows Paul's companions were accused of being "robbers of temples," an accusation he denies, suggesting this was known Jewish practice.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'adultery' might I commit while condemning sexual immorality—lustful thoughts, emotional affairs, pornography?
- Do I 'abhor idols' (materialism, success, comfort) publicly while secretly serving them?
- How do I commit 'sacrilege'—robbing God of glory, profaning His name through hypocrisy, defiling the temple (my body, the church)?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?—ὁ λέγων μὴ μοιχεύειν μοιχεύεις (ho legōn mē moicheuein moicheueis). The seventh commandment, violated by those who proclaim it. Μοιχεύω (moicheuō, "commit adultery") could be literal sexual infidelity or the spiritual adultery Israel committed through idolatry (Jeremiah 3:8-9, Ezekiel 16, Hosea). Jesus expanded adultery to include lustful looking (Matthew 5:27-28), making this commandment's violation nearly universal.
Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?—ὁ βδελυσσόμενος τὰ εἴδωλα ἱεροσυλεῖς (ho bdelyssomenos ta eidōla hierosyleis). Βδελύσσομαι (bdelyssomai, "abhor/detest") describes visceral revulsion—Jews rightly despised idolatry. But ἱεροσυλέω (hierosyleō, "commit sacrilege/rob temples") could mean literally plundering pagan temples (acquiring idols or valuables) or metaphorically defiling God's temple (the people, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17) through sin.
The irony is thick: those who abhor idols engage in temple robbery—either literal (acquiring pagan artifacts for profit, Acts 19:37 mentions this accusation) or spiritual (robbing God of glory due Him by hypocritical living). Some Jews may have trafficked in idols they claimed to detest, profiting from Gentile idolatry while condemning it. Deeper still, hypocrisy itself is sacrilege—profaning God's name and temple (His people) while claiming to honor Him.