Romans 2:23
Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Thou
G3739
ὃς
Thou
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
3 of 12
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
9 of 12
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 2:17Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,Romans 3:2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.Romans 9:4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;John 5:45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
Historical Context
Jewish boasting in Torah was pervasive in Second Temple Judaism. Psalms 19, 119 celebrate God's law as perfect, pure, precious. Deuteronomy 4:6-8 taught that Israel's law-keeping would demonstrate God's wisdom to nations. However, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel condemned Israel's hypocrisy—professing covenant loyalty while practicing injustice, oppression, and idolatry. Ezekiel 36:20-23 specifically mentions Israel profaning God's name among Gentiles, the text Paul quotes in verse 24.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas do I 'boast in the law'—biblical knowledge, doctrinal orthodoxy, moral standards—while violating it through disobedience?
- How does my hypocrisy 'dishonor God'—cause unbelievers to blaspheme, discredit the gospel, bring reproach on Christ's name?
- What sins in my life might cause others to conclude that Christianity doesn't transform, or that God is powerless or indifferent?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?—ὃς ἐν νόμῳ καυχᾶσαι, διὰ τῆς παραβάσεως τοῦ νόμου τὸν θεὸν ἀτιμάζεις (hos en nomō kauchasai, dia tēs parabaseōs tou nomou ton theon atimazeis). Καυχάομαι (kauchomai, "boast") recalls verse 17—Jews legitimately celebrated possessing God's law. But παράβασις (parabasis, "transgression/violation") means crossing boundaries God established. Ἀτιμάζω (atimazō, "dishonor/disgrace") is the opposite of glorifying God.
The fifth and final question drives the dagger home: the very law Jews boasted in becomes instrument of God's dishonor when violated by those who possess it. This fulfills verse 24's quotation of Isaiah 52:5 and Ezekiel 36:20-23: God's name is blasphemed among Gentiles because His people misrepresent Him through hypocrisy. Every sin by God's covenant people brings reproach on His character, as if He condones or cannot transform those who bear His name.
Boasting in Torah without obeying it is exponentially worse than never having it. James 4:17 states: "to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Light increases responsibility; privilege intensifies accountability. The tragic irony: the law meant to bring glory to God (Deuteronomy 4:6-8) becomes vehicle for His dishonor when its guardians violate it while proclaiming it.