And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

ROMANS 2:18KJV
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Romans 2:18 (KJV)

What does Romans 2:18 mean?

Romans 2:18 describes someone who knows what God wants and is able to recognize what is best, because they have been taught from the law. The verse points out that this knowledge and discernment come from being instructed in the teachings found in the Jewish law.

Paul is writing to people in Rome, especially those familiar with Jewish customs and the law of Moses. He is highlighting that some people have a special confidence because they have learned God’s will through the law, which shapes their ability to judge what is excellent or right. This sets up his larger argument about responsibility and accountability for those who have received such instruction.

The Greek behind Romans 2:18

  • "knowest" (γινώσκεις, ginōskeis): This word means to know or understand, often through personal experience or learning. Here, it emphasizes an informed awareness of God’s will, not just a vague idea.
  • "approvest" (δοκιμάζεις, dokimazeis): This word means to test and approve, to discern what is truly valuable or excellent. Paul is saying that those taught from the law can evaluate and recognize what really matters.
  • "instructed" (κατηχούμενος, katēchoumenos): This word refers to being formally taught or instructed, often in a systematic way. It highlights that the knowledge comes from careful teaching, not just casual exposure.
  • "law" (νόμος, nomos): This refers specifically to the Jewish law, the Torah. Paul is pointing out that the source of this knowledge and discernment is the instruction found in the law.

Why Romans 2:18 matters

  • Romans 2:18 clarifies that knowing God’s will and being able to judge rightly are not just natural abilities, but come from being taught the law.
  • The verse helps explain why Paul holds certain people—especially Jews—accountable for their actions, since they have received clear instruction about what God wants.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s broader point that having the law brings both privilege and responsibility, setting the stage for his argument about the need for genuine obedience, not just knowledge.

Where else these words appear

“instructed” Greek G2727 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

“excellent” Greek G1308 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

“approvest” Greek G1381 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
  • 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
  • Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;