Romans 2:18
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
approvest the things that are excellent--"triest the things that differ" (Margin). Both senses are good, and indeed the former is but the result of the latter action. (See on Phi 1:10).
Open source ↗The scope of the first two chapters of this epistle may be gathered from Rom 3:9, "We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin." This we have proved upon the Gentiles (ch. 1), now in this chapter he proves it upon the Jews, as appears by Rom 2:17, "thou art called a Jew." I. He proves in general that Jews and Gentiles stand upon the same level before the justice of God, to Rom 2:11. II. He shows more particularly what sins the Jews were guilty of, notwithstanding their profession and vain pretensions (Rom 2:17 to the end).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.
so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?
For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,
The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.