Romans 2:20

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

Romans 2:20 (KJV)

Context

Romans 2 addresses God’s impartial judgment and His righteous standard. Paul speaks to a Jewish person who relies on the law, boasts in God, knows His will, and approves what is superior because he is instructed by the law (Romans 2:17-18). In verse 19, this person is convinced he is a guide for the blind and a light for those in darkness. Verse 20 continues that description, but it is not a commendation; it is part of Paul’s rhetorical indictment. He is exposing the high self-estimation of someone who has the law and believes he can teach others, while failing to live by it.

Meaning

The Greek word for “instructor” (paideutēn) can mean a tutor or one who corrects and disciplines. The word for “foolish” (aphronōn) refers to those lacking understanding, not necessarily the wicked. “Teacher of babes” (didaskalon nēpiōn) uses a word for infants or little children, indicating those immature in understanding. The phrase “form of knowledge and of the truth in the law” (morphōsin tēs gnōseōs kai tēs alētheias en tō nomō) means having the outward appearance or pattern of knowledge and truth. The law itself is good and contains true knowledge, but the problem is the teacher’s failure to live by it.

Paul acknowledges that these individuals possess a semblance of knowledge and truth in the law. They have a superficial understanding of God’s commandments and can recite them or teach them to others. However, possessing the form of knowledge and truth is not sufficient if it does not translate into a transformed life and true obedience to God’s will.

Biblical connections

The immediate context is crucial: verse 21 asks, “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” This shows Paul’s point is that the one who claims to instruct others is guilty of the same sins. The verse sets up the exposure of hypocrisy. The Jewish teacher’s confidence in the law as the embodiment of knowledge and truth is not the issue; the issue is that he does not practice what he teaches. The law gives a true “form” of knowledge, but it cannot save or justify; it only exposes sin.

Application

Paul’s message serves as a cautionary reminder to those who assume positions of teaching or leadership within the faith community. Mere knowledge of the law or the Scriptures is not enough; it must be accompanied by a genuine understanding and application of God’s truth. True teachers should not only possess knowledge but also live in accordance with the teachings they proclaim. This verse warns against spiritual pride and hypocrisy. It teaches that having the right information about God’s will is not enough; it must be accompanied by obedience. The “foolish” and “babes” are those who need instruction, but the instructor himself stands condemned if he does not follow his own teaching.

Reflection

Romans 2:20 highlights the responsibility of teachers and instructors in the faith community, emphasizing the need for a genuine understanding and application of God’s truth. It encourages humility and reminds us that knowledge alone is insufficient if it doesn’t lead to transformed lives and true obedience to God’s will.