Romans 2:24
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὄνομα
the name
G3686
ὄνομα
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
3 of 13
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
δι'
through
G1223
δι'
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 52:5Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.2 Peter 2:2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Historical Context
Isaiah 52:5 addressed Babylonian exile—Gentiles mocked God as weak, unable to defend Israel. Ezekiel 36:20-23 addressed the same: Israel's dispersion profaned God's holy name, as if He couldn't keep covenant promises. By Paul's era, Roman occupation raised similar questions about God's power. But Paul pivots the application: the real blasphemy comes not from Israel's oppression but from their hypocrisy—claiming God's favor while living no differently than pagans, teaching righteousness while practicing sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does my hypocrisy—professing Christianity while living worldly—cause unbelievers to blaspheme God?
- In what ways might my behavior discredit the gospel, making people conclude that Christian faith doesn't genuinely transform?
- What would change in my life if I consistently asked: 'Will this action honor or dishonor God's name among those watching?'
Analysis & Commentary
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written—τὸ γὰρ ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ δι᾽ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, καθὼς γέγραπται (to gar onoma tou theou di' hymas blasphēmeitai en tois ethnesin, kathōs gegraptai). Paul quotes Isaiah 52:5 and Ezekiel 36:20-23, where Israel's exile caused Gentiles to mock God's inability to protect His people. Here the application shifts: hypocritical Jewish behavior causes Gentiles to βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō, "blaspheme/revile") God's character.
Δι᾽ ὑμᾶς (di' hymas, "through/because of you") assigns causation—Gentiles blaspheme God specifically because of Jewish hypocrisy. When God's covenant people violate the standards they proclaim, it discredits God Himself in observers' eyes. This isn't primarily about Gentile hostility but legitimate reproach: if God's law and people don't produce righteousness, why believe in Him? Hypocrisy is functional atheism—professing God while denying His transforming power (2 Timothy 3:5).
The phrase as it is written (καθὼς γέγραπται, kathōs gegraptai) Paul's standard formula for citing Scripture, demonstrates this isn't new criticism but longstanding prophetic indictment. Israel's history repeated cycles of covenant unfaithfulness leading to God's name being profaned among nations. Paul now applies this to first-century Jewish presumption, but the principle extends to Christian hypocrisy today (1 Peter 2:12).