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◄ Romans 2:20►

New International Version
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

New Living Translation
You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.

English Standard Version
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

Berean Standard Bible
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

Berean Literal Bible
an instructor ofthe foolish, a teacher of infants, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth--

King James Bible
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

New King James Version
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.

New American Standard Bible
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, possessing in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth—

NASB 1995
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,

NASB 1977
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,

Legacy Standard Bible
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,

Amplified Bible
and [that you are] a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the [spiritually] childish, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth—

Christian Standard Bible
an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and truth in the law—

Holman Christian Standard Bible
an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the full expression of knowledge and truth in the law—

American Standard Version
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth;

Contemporary English Version
And since there is knowledge and truth in God's Law, you think you can instruct fools and teach young people.

English Revised Version
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
an instructor of ignorant people, and a teacher of children because you have the full content of knowledge and truth in Moses' Teachings.

Good News Translation
an instructor for the foolish, and a teacher for the ignorant. You are certain that in the Law you have the full content of knowledge and of truth.

International Standard Version
an instructor of ignorant people, and a teacher of infants because you have the full content of knowledge and truth in the Law—

NET Bible
an educator of the senseless, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the essential features of knowledge and of the truth--

New Heart English Bible
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth.

Webster's Bible Translation
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, who hast the form of knowledge, and of the truth in the law:

Weymouth New Testament
a schoolmaster for the dull and ignorant, a teacher of the young, because in the Law you possess an outline of real knowledge and an outline of the truth:

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth.

World English Bible
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
a corrector of foolish ones, a teacher of babies, having the form of the knowledge and of the truth in the Law.

Berean Literal Bible
an instructor ofthe foolish, a teacher of infants, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth--

Young's Literal Translation
an instructor of foolish ones, a teacher of babes, having the form of the knowledge and of the truth in the law.

Smith's Literal Translation
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of the inexperienced, having the form of knowledge and of truth in the law.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, having the form of knowledge and of truth in the law.

Catholic Public Domain Version
an instructor to the foolish, a teacher to children, because you have a type of knowledge and truth in the law.

New American Bible
that you are a trainer of the foolish and teacher of the simple, because in the law you have the formulation of knowledge and truth—

New Revised Standard Version
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, you are the semblance of knowledge and of truth as embodied in the law.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And an instructor of those lacking understanding and a teacher of children, and you have a model of knowledge and of the truth in The Written Law,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
an instructor of the simple, a teacher of the unlearned, because you have the form of true knowledge in the law;

Godbey New Testament
a teacher of the juveniles, having a form of knowledge and truth in the law;

Haweis New Testament
an instructor of the uninformed, a teacher of babes, holding the form of knowledge and of truth in the law.

Mace New Testament
an instructer of the ignorant, a teacher to the weak, because you have a clear view of the true meaning of the law.

Weymouth New Testament
a schoolmaster for the dull and ignorant, a teacher of the young, because in the Law you possess an outline of real knowledge and an outline of the truth:

Worrell New Testament
an instructor ofthe foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth;

Worsley New Testament
a light to them that are in the darkness, an instructor of the simple, a teacher of babes, having the form of the knowledge and of the truthwhich is in the law.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Jews and the Law
…19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,20an instructor of the foolish,a teacher of infants,because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Matthew 23:24
You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 3:18-20
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 5:12-14
Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! / For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. / But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

John 9:34
They replied, “You were born in utter sin, and you are instructing us?” And they threw him out.

1 Corinthians 8:1-2
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. / The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1 John 2:27
And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.

Isaiah 29:14
Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”

Jeremiah 8:8-9
How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? / The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Psalm 119:98-100
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. / I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.

Treasury of Scripture

An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which have the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

a teacher.

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

1 Corinthians 3:1
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal,even as unto babes in Christ.

Hebrews 5:13
For every one that useth milkis unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

the form.

Romans 6:17
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

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Romans 2

1.No excuse for sin.
6.No escape from judgment.
14.Gentiles cannot;
17.nor Jews.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

an instructor of the foolish
This phrase highlights the role of a teacher or guide to those lacking wisdom or understanding. In the biblical context, "foolish" often refers to those who are spiritually ignorant or morally misguided (Proverbs 1:7). The Jewish leaders, to whom Paul is speaking, considered themselves wise and capable of instructing others, particularly Gentiles, whom they viewed as lacking the knowledge of God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of wisdom and folly, where true wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).

a teacher of infants
The term "infants" here symbolizes those who are immature in their understanding of spiritual matters. In Jewish culture, teaching was a revered profession, and the Jewish leaders prided themselves on their ability to instruct others, including new converts or those young in faith. This phrase can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual infancy, as seen in1 Corinthians 3:1-2, where Paul refers to the Corinthians as infants in Christ, needing milk rather than solid food.

because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—
The law, referring to the Torah, was considered the ultimate source of divine wisdom and truth by the Jewish people. It was seen as God's revelation to humanity, providing guidance for righteous living. The phrase underscores the belief that the law encapsulates God's knowledge and truth, a theme echoed inPsalm 19:7, which states that the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. This also points to the idea that the law was a precursor to the ultimate revelation of truth in Jesus Christ, who is described as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome.

2.Jewish Teachers
The primary audience in this passage, who prided themselves on their knowledge of the Law.

3.The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish life and religious practice.

4.Rome
The city where the recipients of the letter resided, a diverse and influential center of the ancient world.

5.Gentile Believers
Secondary audience, who were also part of the Roman church and learning about the faith.

Teaching Points

The Responsibility of Knowledge
Knowledge of the Law brings with it the responsibility to live according to its teachings. It is not enough to simply know the Law; one must embody it in action.

The Danger of Hypocrisy
Teaching others while failing to apply the same standards to oneself leads to hypocrisy. True instruction requires integrity and consistency.

The Role of the Law
The Law serves as a guide to understanding God's truth and knowledge. It is a tool for teaching and instructing others in righteousness.

Humility in Teaching
Those who teach must do so with humility, recognizing that knowledge alone can lead to pride. Love and humility should accompany instruction.

Living Out the Truth
Believers are called to be examples of the truth they profess, demonstrating the transformative power of God's Word in their lives.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Romans 2:20?

2.How can we be "instructor of the foolish" in today's society?

3.What does it mean to have "the embodiment of knowledge and truth"?

4.How does Romans 2:20 connect with Proverbs 1:7 about wisdom?

5.In what ways can we apply this verse to our daily teaching?

6.How does this verse challenge our understanding of spiritual maturity?

7.How does Romans 2:20 define being a "teacher of infants" in spiritual terms?

8.What does Romans 2:20 imply about the responsibility of those with knowledge of the law?

9.How does Romans 2:20 challenge the authenticity of one's faith and practice?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 2?

11.Can the law justify? (Romans 3:20 vs. Romans 2:13)

12.If Romans 2:17-24 rebukes hypocrisy among religious people, why do so many faith communities still appear to act inconsistently with their teachings?

13.In James 3:1, why single out teachers for stricter judgment, seemingly contradicting passages like Romans 2:11 that imply all are judged equally?

14.What is the definition of cataphatic theology?

What Does Romans 2:20 Mean

An instructor of the foolish

Paul addresses those who “rely on the Law” (Romans 2:17) and consider themselves guides for people who lack spiritual understanding.

• Scripture assumes there really are “foolish” (Psalm 14:1) who wander in darkness (Ephesians 4:18).

• Israel was meant to shine light to the nations (Deuteronomy 4:6-8;Isaiah 42:6).

• Yet the verse quietly warns that possessing the right manual does not ensure the right manner of life (Matthew 23:3-4).

• The plain sense is that God’s Word equips a believer to correct folly, but the instructor must first submit to that same Word (James 1:22-24).

A teacher of infants

The claim moves from correcting blatant folly to nurturing spiritual beginners.

• “Infants” pictures those needing basic, gentle instruction (1 Corinthians 3:1-2;Hebrews 5:12-13).

• God commends patiently passing truth to the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7;2 Timothy 3:14-15).

• The image also exposes hypocrisy: if one is proud of teaching toddlers yet refuses elementary obedience himself, he nullifies the lesson (Matthew 18:6).

Because you have in the law

The privilege behind the claims: God entrusted His written revelation to Israel (Romans 3:1-2;Psalm 147:19-20).

• “Have” is literal possession—scrolls, memorized passages, public readings (Nehemiah 8:1-8).

• With possession comes accountability (Luke 12:48). The text implies, “You know better, therefore live better.”

• The Law still speaks authoritatively today, revealing sin and pointing to Christ (Galatians 3:24;1 Timothy 1:8-11).

The embodiment of knowledge and truth

God’s Law doesn’t merely teach about truth; it is truth incarnate in written form (Psalm 19:7-9;John 17:17).

• “Embodiment” stresses concreteness—divine wisdom you can read, recite, and practice (Joshua 1:8).

• The Law is comprehensive: knowledge (what is right) and truth (what is real) unite in its commands (Psalm 119:142, 160).

• Ultimately, that embodiment finds fulfillment in Jesus, “the Word made flesh” (John 1:14) who perfectly lived the Law (Matthew 5:17).

summary

Romans 2:20 exposes the tension between privilege and practice. Having God’s Law equips a believer to guide the foolish and nurture the immature, because the Law is the very shape of divine knowledge and truth. Yet the verse also hints that mere possession without obedience breeds hypocrisy. The faithful response is to let Scripture instruct us first, then humbly pass on its light to others.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(20)The form of knowledge and of the truth.--As we might say, "the presentation of knowledge and of truth." Here not form as opposed to substance, but as implying substance--"presentation," or "embodiment."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

an instructor
παιδευτὴν(paideutēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3810:An instructor, trainer; almost: a chastiser. From paideuo; a trainer, i.e. Teacher or discipliner.

of [the] foolish,
ἀφρόνων(aphronōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 878:Senseless, foolish, inconsiderate. Properly, mindless, i.e. Stupid, ignorant, egotistic, rash, or unbelieving.

a teacher
διδάσκαλον(didaskalon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320:A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

of infants,
νηπίων(nēpiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3516:From an obsolete particle ne- and epos; not speaking, i.e. An infant; figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian.

[because] you have
ἔχοντα(echonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

in
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ(tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Law
νόμῳ(nomō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551:From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

the
τὴν(tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

embodiment
μόρφωσιν(morphōsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3446:Form, outline, semblance. From morphoo; formation, i.e., appearance (concretely) formula).

of knowledge
γνώσεως(gnōseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1108:Knowledge, doctrine, wisdom. From ginosko; knowing, i.e. knowledge.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

truth—
ἀληθείας(alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.

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NT Letters: Romans 2:20 A corrector of the foolish a teacher (Rom. Ro)