Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

ROMANS 2:1KJV
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Romans 2:1 (KJV)

What does Romans 2:1 mean?

Romans 2:1 says that anyone who judges others is without excuse, because by judging another person, they are actually condemning themselves—they are guilty of doing the same kinds of things. This verse warns against hypocrisy and self-righteousness, reminding people that judging others does not make them innocent.

Paul, the writer of Romans, is addressing people who might feel morally superior, especially those who criticize others for their sins. In the context of his letter, Paul has just described the sins of the Gentile world in chapter 1, and now he turns to those who might be quick to judge, possibly Jewish readers or anyone who thinks themselves better. Paul’s point is that everyone falls short, and judging others does not excuse one’s own wrongdoings.

The Greek behind Romans 2:1

  • ἀναπολόγητος (anapologētos, "inexcusable"): This word means "without defense" or "without excuse." Paul is saying that no one can defend themselves or claim innocence when they judge others, because they are guilty of similar things.
  • κρίνεις (krineis, "judgest"): This Greek word means to judge or to pass judgment. Paul uses it to highlight the act of evaluating or condemning others, which is a central issue in this verse.
  • κατακρίνεις (katakrineis, "condemnest"): This word means to condemn or to pronounce guilty. Paul points out that by judging others, a person is actually condemning themselves, since they are not innocent of similar faults.

Why Romans 2:1 matters

  • Romans 2:1 clears up the misunderstanding that judging others makes someone morally superior; instead, it exposes the judge’s own guilt.
  • This verse shifts the focus from the obvious sins of others to the hidden or overlooked faults in the life of the one judging, emphasizing personal honesty.
  • Romans 2:1 connects to the larger argument in Romans that all people, regardless of background, are in need of grace and cannot claim righteousness by comparison to others.

Where else these words appear

“inexcusable” Greek G379 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

“O” Greek G5599 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
  • Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
  • Romans 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

“condemnest” Greek G2632 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
  • Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
  • Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

“doest” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.