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Romans 2:18 if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;
<!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 2:18 if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/2-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/45_Rom_02_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 2:18 - The Jews and the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;" /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/2-17.htm" title="Romans 2:17">◄</a> Romans 2:18 <a href="/romans/2-19.htm" title="Romans 2:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and you know <i>His</i> will and approve the things being superior, being instructed out of the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And knowest <i>his</i> will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />and know <i>His</i> will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and know <i>His</i> will and distinguish the things that matter, being instructed from the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and know <i>His</i> will, and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and know <i>His</i> will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and [if you claim to] know His will and approve the things that are essential <i>or</i> have a sense of what is excellent, based on your instruction from the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and know his will, and approve the things that are superior, being instructed from the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />know His will, and approve the things that are superior, being instructed from the law, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />By reading the Scriptures you learn how God wants you to behave, and you discover what is right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />know what he wants, and distinguish right from wrong because you have been taught Moses' Teachings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />you know what God wants you to do, and you have learned from the Law to choose what is right; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and know his will, and approve of what is best because you have been instructed in the Law; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and know his will and approve the superior things because you receive instruction from the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and know the supreme will, and can test things that differ--being a man who receives instruction from the Law--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and know the will, and approve the distinctions, being instructed out of the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and you know <i>His</i> will and approve the things being superior, being instructed out of the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and dost know the will, and dost approve the distinctions, being instructed out of the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And knowest the will, and triest things differing, being sounded out of the law;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And knowest his will, and approvest the more profitable things, being instructed by the law, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and you have known his will, and you demonstrate the more useful things, having been instructed by the law:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and know his will and are able to discern what is important since you are instructed from the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and know his will and determine what is best because you are instructed in the law,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And because you know his will, and know the things which must be observed, which you have learned from the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />You who know his will and discern what is right, you who are taught from The Written Law,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />and know his will, and approve what is excellent, being instructed by the law:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />and know his will, and approve the things which are excellent, being taught by the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and knowest the will of God, and bringest to the test the things that are different, being instructed out of the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />you know the divine will, and what is contrary thereto, having been educated in the law:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and know the supreme will, and can test things that differ--being a man who receives instruction from the Law--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />and understand <i>His</i> will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and knowest <i>his</i> will, and approvest things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=468" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/2.htm">The Jews and the Law</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17</span>Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">if you</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskeis (V-PIA-2S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">know</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.">His</a> <a href="/greek/2307.htm" title="2307: thelēma (N-ANS) -- An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.">will</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1381.htm" title="1381: dokimazeis (V-PIA-2S) -- From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.">approve</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of what</a> <a href="/greek/1308.htm" title="1308: diapheronta (V-PPA-ANP) -- From dia and phero; to bear through, i.e. transport; usually to bear apart, i.e. to toss about; subjectively, to differ, or surpass.">is superior</a> <a href="/greek/2727.htm" title="2727: katēchoumenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To instruct orally, teach, inform. From kata and echos; to sound down into the ears, i.e. to indoctrinate or to apprise of.">because you are instructed</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</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.">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> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-66.htm">Psalm 119:66</a></span><br />Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-27.htm">Psalm 119:27</a></span><br />Make clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-34.htm">Psalm 119:34</a></span><br />Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-125.htm">Psalm 119:125</a></span><br />I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-144.htm">Psalm 119:144</a></span><br />Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-169.htm">Psalm 119:169</a></span><br />May my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-8.htm">Deuteronomy 4:8</a></span><br />And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6</a></span><br />Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-13.htm">Nehemiah 9:13</a></span><br />You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-21.htm">Isaiah 42:21</a></span><br />The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Isaiah 51:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-24.htm">Jeremiah 9:24</a></span><br />But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-17.htm">John 7:17</a></span><br />If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And know his will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;</p><p class="hdg">knowest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-8.htm">Deuteronomy 4:8</a></b></br> And what nation <i>is there so</i> great, that hath statutes and judgments <i>so</i> righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/9-13.htm">Nehemiah 9:13,14</a></b></br> Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/147-19.htm">Psalm 147:19,20</a></b></br> He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Philippians 1:10</a></b></br> That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a></b></br> Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Hebrews 5:14</a></b></br> But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, <i>even</i> those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.</p><p class="hdg">being instructed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></b></br> For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-8.htm">Psalm 19:8</a></b></br> The statutes of the LORD <i>are</i> right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD <i>is</i> pure, enlightening the eyes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-98.htm">Psalm 119:98-100,104,105,130</a></b></br> Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they <i>are</i> ever with me… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Approve</a> <a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Differ</a> <a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Different</a> <a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Distinctions</a> <a href="/acts/27-34.htm">Essential</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/acts/1-2.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/romans/2-16.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Law</a> <a href="/acts/10-43.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/john/15-20.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Supreme</a> <a href="/acts/22-29.htm">Test</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Approve</a> <a href="/romans/6-12.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Differ</a> <a href="/romans/3-22.htm">Different</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">Distinctions</a> <a href="/acts/27-34.htm">Essential</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/romans/2-27.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/romans/2-20.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Supreme</a> <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Test</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/2-1.htm">No excuse for sin.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/2-6.htm">No escape from judgment.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Gentiles cannot;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/2-17.htm">nor Jews.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>if you know His will</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of understanding God's desires and commands. In the Jewish context, knowing God's will was closely tied to the study of the Torah, which was seen as the ultimate guide for living a life pleasing to God. The concept of knowing God's will is also echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17</a>, where believers are encouraged to understand what the Lord's will is. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but involves a deep, personal relationship with God, as seen in the life of Jesus, who perfectly knew and fulfilled the Father's will (<a href="/john/6-38.htm">John 6:38</a>).<p><b>and approve of what is superior</b><br>Approving what is superior involves discerning and choosing what is best according to God's standards. This echoes <a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Philippians 1:10</a>, where Paul prays for believers to discern what is best. In the historical context, Jewish leaders often debated what was superior in terms of law and tradition, striving to uphold the highest standards of righteousness. This phrase challenges believers to not only know God's will but to actively choose and endorse what aligns with His perfect nature, reflecting the wisdom and discernment that comes from a life transformed by the Spirit.<p><b>because you are instructed by the law;</b><br>The law here refers to the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish life and identity. Being instructed by the law implies a deep familiarity with the Scriptures, as the law was taught from a young age in Jewish culture. This instruction was not just about legalistic adherence but was intended to guide the people into a covenant relationship with God. The law served as a tutor to lead to Christ (<a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24</a>), pointing to the need for a Savior and the fulfillment of the law in Jesus. The phrase underscores the privilege and responsibility of those who have been given God's revelation, highlighting the expectation that they live according to its teachings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the Jewish believers in Rome, emphasizing the importance of living according to God's will as revealed in the law.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jewish_believers_in_rome.htm">Jewish Believers in Rome</a></b><br>The primary audience of this letter, they are familiar with the law and are being reminded of their responsibility to live by it.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a></b><br>Refers to the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites and serves as a guide for righteous living.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_will.htm">God's Will</a></b><br>The divine purpose and commandments that believers are called to understand and follow.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a></b><br>The city where the recipients of this letter reside, a place of significant cultural and religious diversity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_will.htm">Understanding God's Will</a></b><br>As believers, it is crucial to seek a deep understanding of God's will through diligent study of the Scriptures and prayer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/approving_what_is_superior.htm">Approving What is Superior</a></b><br>We are called to discern and choose what is excellent and aligns with God's standards, rejecting what is inferior or contrary to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/instruction_by_the_law.htm">Instruction by the Law</a></b><br>The law serves as a tutor, guiding us in righteousness. We should embrace its teachings and allow them to shape our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_our_knowledge.htm">Living Out Our Knowledge</a></b><br>Knowledge of God's will is not enough; we must actively apply it in our daily lives, demonstrating our faith through our actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>While the law instructs us, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God's will, transforming our hearts and minds.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_essence_of_the_ragamuffin_gospel.htm">What is the essence of The Ragamuffin Gospel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_christian_freedom.htm">What defines Christian freedom?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_faith_communities_act_hypocritically.htm">If Romans 2:17-24 rebukes hypocrisy among religious people, why do so many faith communities still appear to act inconsistently with their teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_lying_for_god_negate_free_will.htm">(Romans 3:7) If a lie can enhance God's truth, why are we still held responsible for sin, and doesn't this contradict free will?</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>(18) <span class= "bld">His will.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">the will</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> "the supreme will."<p><span class= "bld">Approvest the things that are more excellent.</span>--Probably rightly given in the Authorised version, though the marginal rendering also is possible, "triest the things that differ"--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>"art able to discriminate between good and evil."<p><span class= "bld">Being instructed.</span>--With reference to the constant reading of the Law in the synagogue.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent</span> (<span class="greek">δοκιμάζεις τὰ διαφέροντα</span>, a phrase capable also of the meaning, "provest the things which differ," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> distinguishest between right and wrong; for <span class="greek">δοκιμάζειν</span> may mean either "to prove," or "to approve" after trial, and <span class="greek">τὰ διαφέροντα</span> either "things which differ," or "things which surpass." Exactly the same expression occurs in <a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Philippians 1:10</a>, with the same uncertainty of meaning. The difference is unimportant, both interpretations coming to the same thing), being instructed (<span class="greek">κατηχούμενος</span>, which implies regular training, whether catechetically in youth, or through rabbinical and synagogic teaching) out of the Law. So far the Jew's own claims on the ground of his own position have been touched on; what follows expresses his attitude with regard to others. We may observe throughout a vein of irony. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[if you]</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="grk">γινώσκεις</span> <span class="translit">(ginōskeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[His]</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλημα</span> <span class="translit">(thelēma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2307.htm">Strong's 2307: </a> </span><span class="str2">An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">approve</span><br /><span class="grk">δοκιμάζεις</span> <span class="translit">(dokimazeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1381.htm">Strong's 1381: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of what</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰ</span> <span class="translit">(ta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is superior</span><br /><span class="grk">διαφέροντα</span> <span class="translit">(diapheronta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1308.htm">Strong's 1308: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dia and phero; to bear through, i.e. transport; usually to bear apart, i.e. to toss about; subjectively, to 'differ', or surpass.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because you are instructed</span><br /><span class="grk">κατηχούμενος</span> <span class="translit">(katēchoumenos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2727.htm">Strong's 2727: </a> </span><span class="str2">To instruct orally, teach, inform. From kata and echos; to sound down into the ears, i.e. to indoctrinate or to apprise of.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Law;</span><br /><span class="grk">νόμου</span> <span class="translit">(nomou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/2-18.htm">Romans 2:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/2-18.htm">NT Letters: Romans 2:18 And know his will and approve (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 2:19" /></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>