Romans 3:2
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
Original Language Analysis
πολὺ
Much
G4183
πολὺ
Much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 13
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
κατὰ
every
G2596
κατὰ
every
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
2 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τρόπον
way
G5158
τρόπον
way
Strong's:
G5158
Word #:
4 of 13
a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character
μὲν
because
G3303
μὲν
because
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
G1063
γὰρ
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐπιστεύθησαν
unto them were committed
G4100
ἐπιστεύθησαν
unto them were committed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
9 of 13
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 7:38This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: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;Hebrews 5:12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.1 Corinthians 9:17For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Historical Context
Israel's possession of written Scripture was unique in the ancient world. While pagan oracles were ambiguous utterances requiring priestly interpretation, Israel had clear, propositional revelation. Paul's contemporaries understood this advantage—Josephus and Philo boasted of Jewish possession of divine law. Yet Paul will argue (v. 19-20) that this very law condemns its possessors.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians who possess "the oracles of God" avoid the presumption Paul warns against?
- What does it mean to be entrusted with Scripture rather than merely informed by it?
- How does Israel's stewardship of revelation point toward the church's mission to the nations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. Paul's emphatic answer: poly kata panta tropon (πολὺ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον, "much in every way"). The primary advantage—proton (πρῶτον, "first" or "chiefly")—is that Israel was entrusted with ta logia tou theou (τὰ λόγια τοῦ θεοῦ, "the oracles of God"), referring to the entirety of Old Testament revelation, not merely the Decalogue.
The passive episteuthēsan (ἐπιστεύθησαν, "were entrusted") emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in covenant making. Israel's advantage was not inherent merit but divine election—they were stewards, not owners, of revelation. This "much every way" balances Paul's critique: Jewish privilege is real and significant, but it is privilege for mission, not immunity from judgment. The tragedy is that those entrusted with God's words rejected the living Word (John 1:11).