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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 2:15 So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/2-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/45_Rom_02_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 2:15 - God's Righteous Judgment" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their 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id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/romans/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/romans/2.htm">New International Version</a> They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) <a href="/nlt/romans/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. <a href="/esv/romans/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them <a href="/bsb/romans/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them <a href="/blb/romans/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> who show the work of the Law, written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending them <a href="/kjv/romans/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) <a href="/nkjv/romans/2.htm">New King James Version</a> who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) <a href="/nasb_/romans/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, <a href="/nasb/romans/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, <a href="/nasb77/romans/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, <a href="/lsb/romans/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> in that they demonstrate the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, <a href="/amp/romans/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts; and their conscience [their sense of right and wrong, their moral choices] bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or perhaps defending them <a href="/csb/romans/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts either accuse or even excuse them <a href="/hcsb/romans/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts will either accuse or excuse them <a href="/asv/romans/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them ); <a href="/cev/romans/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned, <a href="/erv/romans/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> in that they shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them; <a href="/gwt/romans/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They show that some requirements found in Moses' Teachings are written in their hearts. Their consciences speak to them. Their thoughts accuse them on one occasion and defend them on another. <a href="/gnt/romans/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Their conduct shows that what the Law commands is written in their hearts. Their consciences also show that this is true, since their thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them. <a href="/isv/romans/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> They show that what the Law requires is written in their hearts, a fact to which their own consciences testify, and their thoughts will either accuse or excuse them <a href="/msb/romans/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them <a href="/net/romans/2.htm">NET Bible</a> They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, as their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or else defend them, <a href="/nheb/romans/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> since they show the work of the law written on their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them, <a href="/wbt/romans/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing testimony, and their thoughts the mean while accusing, or else excusing one another) <a href="/wey/romans/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> since they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which the Law requires is engraven on their hearts, while their consciences also bear witness to the Law, and their thoughts, as if in mutual discussion, accuse them or perhaps maintain their innocence-- <a href="/web/romans/2.htm">World English Bible</a> in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them) <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> who show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience also witnessing with them, and between one another the thoughts accusing or else defending, <a href="/blb/romans/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> who show the work of the Law, written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending them <a href="/ylt/romans/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> who do shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also witnessing with them, and between one another the thoughts accusing or else defending, <a href="/slt/romans/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Which show the work of the law Written in their hearts, their consciousness testifying together, and between one another thoughts accusing or also excusing;)<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Who shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness to them, and their thoughts between themselves accusing, or also defending one another, <a href="/cpdv/romans/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For they reveal the work of the law written in their hearts, while their conscience renders testimony about them, and their thoughts within themselves also accuse or even defend them, <a href="/nabre/romans/2.htm">New American Bible</a> They show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even defend them <a href="/nrsvce/romans/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they show the work of the law written on their hearts; and their conscience also bears them witness, when their thoughts either rebuke or defend one another, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they show the work of The Written Law written on their heart and their conscience testifies to them, while their reasoning rebukes or defends each one,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For when the Gentiles, who have not a law, do, by nature, the things of the law, these who have not a law, are a law to themselves, <a href="/godbey/romans/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience witnessing, and their thoughts accusing or indeed excusing with one another, <a href="/haweis/romans/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> which exhibit the practice of the law written on their hearts, their conscience also bearing its testimony, and their mutual reasonings at intervals bringing accusations or forming excuses;) <a href="/mace/romans/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for they shew that the duties prescrib'd by the law, are written in their hearts, their consciences bearing witness to it, by their own reasonings alternately accusing and excusing them. <a href="/wey/romans/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> since they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which the Law requires is engraven on their hearts, while their consciences also bear witness to the Law, and their thoughts, as if in mutual discussion, accuse them or perhaps maintain their innocence-- <a href="/worrell/romans/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> who, indeed, show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with it, and between one another their thoughts accusing or even excusing them;) <a href="/worsley/romans/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and shew the work of the law written on their hearts, their conscience witnessing together with it, and their own thoughts either accusing, or excusing them,) <a href="/parallel/romans/2-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=442" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/2.htm">God's Righteous Judgment</a> …14Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15<a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hoitines (RelPro-NMP) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">So they</a> <a href="/greek/1731.htm" title="1731: endeiknyntai (V-PIM-3P) -- To show forth, prove. From en and deiknuo; to indicate.">show that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergon (N-ANS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">work</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">law</a> <a href="/greek/1123.htm" title="1123: grapton (Adj-ANS) -- Written. From grapho; inscribed.">is written</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">on</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardiais (N-DFP) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4893.htm" title="4893: syneidēseōs (N-GFS) -- The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.">consciences</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">also</a> <a href="/greek/4828.htm" title="4828: symmartyrousēs (V-PPA-GFS) -- To bear witness together with. From sun and martureo; to testify jointly, i.e. Corroborate by evidence.">bearing witness,</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlōn (RecPro-GMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">and their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3053.htm" title="3053: logismōn (N-GMP) -- Reasoning, thinking; a conception, device. From logizomai; computation, i.e. reasoning.">thoughts</a> <a href="/greek/3342.htm" title="3342: metaxy (Prep) -- Meanwhile, afterwards, between. From meta and a form of sun; betwixt; as adjective, intervening, or adjoining.">either</a> <a href="/greek/2723.htm" title="2723: katēgorountōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- To accuse, charge, prosecute. From kategoros; to be a plaintiff, i.e. To charge with some offence.">accusing</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/626.htm" title="626: apologoumenōn (V-PPM/P-GMP) -- To give a defense, defend myself (especially in a law court): it can take an object of what is said in defense. ">defending them</a> 16on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/hebrews/10-16.htm">Hebrews 10:16</a> “This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds.” <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">2 Corinthians 3:3</a> It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-18</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. <a href="/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23-25</a> For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. / But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. <a href="/john/8-9.htm">John 8:9</a> When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there. <a href="/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20-21</a> Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. / Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God, <a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4</a> My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24</a> So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Acts 24:16</a> In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a> The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a> I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/deuteronomy/30-14.htm">Deuteronomy 30:14</a> But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may obey it. <a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Isaiah 51:7</a> Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. <a href="/psalms/40-8.htm">Psalm 40:8</a> I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)written.<a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Romans 1:18,19</a> For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; … their conscience, etc.<a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Romans 9:1</a> I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,<a href="/john/8-9.htm">John 8:9</a> And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.<a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1</a> And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.the mean while.<a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Genesis 3:8-11</a> And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden… <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5</a> Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.<a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21,22</a> And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/28-19.htm">Accuse</a> <a href="/acts/23-28.htm">Accusing</a> <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/acts/27-15.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/john/21-24.htm">Bears</a> <a href="/romans/2-3.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm">Consciences</a> <a href="/acts/25-20.htm">Discussion</a> <a href="/romans/2-1.htm">Excuse</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-19.htm">Excusing</a> <a href="/john/2-18.htm">Exhibit</a> <a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/hosea/8-5.htm">Innocence</a> <a href="/romans/2-5.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Law</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/romans/1-12.htm">Mutual</a> <a href="/romans/1-10.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/john/2-18.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Requires</a> <a href="/romans/2-10.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/1-30.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/acts/26-23.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Show</a> <a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Testifying</a> <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/romans/1-13.htm">Time</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/romans/2-7.htm">Work</a> <a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Written</a> <a href="/romans/2-12.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">Accuse</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Accusing</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/romans/8-16.htm">Bears</a> <a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">Consciences</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">Discussion</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Excuse</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Excusing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">Exhibit</a> <a href="/romans/5-5.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Innocence</a> <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Mutual</a> <a href="/romans/5-7.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Requires</a> <a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-15.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/romans/9-15.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Show</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Testifying</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-11.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/romans/3-26.htm">Time</a> <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Work</a> <a href="/romans/2-24.htm">Written</a> <a href="/romans/2-22.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 2</div>1. <a href="/romans/2-1.htm">No excuse for sin.</a> 6. <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">No escape from judgment.</a> 14. <a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Gentiles cannot;</a> 17. <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">nor Jews.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts This phrase suggests an innate moral understanding present in all people, indicating that God's law is not only external but internalized. This concept aligns with the Old Testament prophecy in <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people. It reflects the idea that even those without the Mosaic Law have an inherent sense of right and wrong, a universal moral compass given by God. This internal law is a testament to God's creation of humanity in His image, as seen in <a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Genesis 1:27</a>, implying a shared moral framework across cultures and times.their consciences also bearing witness The conscience acts as an internal witness to the moral law written on the heart. In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of conscience was understood as an inner voice or guide, a notion that resonates with the biblical understanding of the conscience as a God-given faculty. This aligns with <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a>, which speaks of a good conscience as part of a sincere faith. The conscience serves as a moral compass, affirming or condemning actions, and is a critical aspect of human accountability before God.and their thoughts either accusing or defending them This phrase highlights the role of human thoughts in moral judgment. The internal dialogue of thoughts can either accuse or defend one's actions, reflecting the ongoing moral evaluation within a person. This aligns with the biblical theme of self-examination and accountability, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">2 Corinthians 13:5</a>, which encourages believers to test themselves. The dual role of thoughts in accusation and defense underscores the complexity of human morality and the need for divine grace, as human judgment is often flawed. This internal process points to the ultimate judgment by God, who knows the thoughts and intents of the heart, as stated in <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. 2. <a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a> Non-Jewish people who are being addressed in this passage, highlighting their innate understanding of God's law. 3. <a href="/topical/c/conscience.htm">Conscience</a> The inner sense of right and wrong that Paul describes as bearing witness to the law written on the heart. 4. <a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a> The city where the recipients of the letter reside, a diverse hub of culture and religion. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a> Refers to God's moral law, which Paul argues is inherently known by all people, not just those who have received the Mosaic Law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_god's_law.htm">The Universality of God's Law</a> God's moral law is not limited to those who have received the written law; it is universal and accessible to all through the conscience. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_conscience.htm">The Role of Conscience</a> Our conscience acts as a witness to God's law, guiding us in moral decisions and holding us accountable. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination_and_accountability.htm">Self-Examination and Accountability</a> Believers are encouraged to examine their thoughts and actions, allowing their conscience to guide them in alignment with God's law. <a href="/topical/t/the_inner_witness_of_the_spirit.htm">The Inner Witness of the Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit works within believers to affirm the law written on their hearts, leading them towards righteousness. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_law.htm">Living Out the Law</a> Christians are called to live out the law written on their hearts, demonstrating God's truth through their actions and decisions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 2</a> <a href="/q/is_your_conscience_aligned_with_god.htm">Does your conscience align with God's teachings?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'for_conscience_sake'_mean.htm">What does "For Conscience Sake" mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_faith_aid_in_life's_challenges.htm">Does your conscience align with God's teachings?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_christianity_cause_guilt.htm">Why does Christianity make people feel guilty?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Which.--Rather, Inasmuch as they.The work of the law.--The practical effect or realisation of the law--written in their hearts as the original Law was written upon the tables of stone, (Comp. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm" title="But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, said the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.">Jeremiah 31:33</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm" title="For as much as you are manifestly declared to be the letter of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.">2Corinthians 3:3</a>.)Also bearing witness.--Or, witnessing with them, as margin. There is a double witness; their actions speak for them externally, and conscience speaks for them internally.The mean while.--Rather, literally, as margin, between themselves--i.e., with mutual interchange, the thoughts of the heart or different motions of conscience sometimes taking the part of advocate, sometimes of accuser.This seems, on the whole, the best way of taking these two words, though some commentators (among them Meyer) regard this quasi personification of "the thoughts" as too strong a figure of speech, and take "between themselves" as referring to the mutual intercourse of man with man. But in that mutual intercourse it is not the thoughts that accuse or defend, but the tongue. The Apostle is speaking strictly of the private tribunal of conscience. <a href="/commentaries/romans/2-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[since] they οἵτινες (hoitines) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. show [that] ἐνδείκνυνται (endeiknyntai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1731.htm">Strong's 1731: </a> To show forth, prove. From en and deiknuo; to indicate. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. work ἔργον (ergon) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. is written γραπτὸν (grapton) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1123.htm">Strong's 1123: </a> Written. From grapho; inscribed. on ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. hearts, καρδίαις (kardiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. consciences συνειδήσεως (syneidēseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4893.htm">Strong's 4893: </a> The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness. also καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. bearing witness, συμμαρτυρούσης (symmartyrousēs) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4828.htm">Strong's 4828: </a> To bear witness together with. From sun and martureo; to testify jointly, i.e. Corroborate by evidence. [and] their ἀλλήλων (allēlōn) Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another. thoughts λογισμῶν (logismōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3053.htm">Strong's 3053: </a> Reasoning, thinking; a conception, device. From logizomai; computation, i.e. reasoning. either μεταξὺ (metaxy) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3342.htm">Strong's 3342: </a> Meanwhile, afterwards, between. From meta and a form of sun; betwixt; as adjective, intervening, or adjoining. accusing κατηγορούντων (katēgorountōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2723.htm">Strong's 2723: </a> To accuse, charge, prosecute. From kategoros; to be a plaintiff, i.e. To charge with some offence. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. defending [them]. ἀπολογουμένων (apologoumenōn) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_626.htm">Strong's 626: </a> To give a defense, defend myself (especially in a law court): it can take an object of what is said in defense. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">NT Letters: Romans 2:15 In that they show the work (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/2-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 2:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 2:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/2-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 2:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 2:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>