Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

ROMANS 2:21KJV
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Romans 2:21 (KJV)

What does Romans 2:21 mean?

Romans 2:21 calls out people who teach or instruct others about right and wrong but do not follow those same teachings themselves. The verse specifically points out the hypocrisy of telling others not to steal while stealing themselves, highlighting the inconsistency between words and actions.

In Romans 2:21, Paul is writing to Jewish people in Rome who took pride in knowing and teaching God’s law. Paul challenges them by asking if they apply those same standards to themselves. The verse is part of a larger argument where Paul warns against judging others while ignoring one’s own faults, showing that knowing the law is not enough if it is not lived out.

The Greek behind Romans 2:21

  • διδάσκεις (didáskeis): This word means "you teach." Paul uses it to address those who see themselves as instructors of others, putting the focus on their responsibility to live by what they teach.
  • κηρύσσεις (kērysséis): This word means "you preach" or "proclaim." It suggests not just casual advice, but a public declaration of what is right, making the hypocrisy even more serious.
  • κλέπτειν (kleptein): This word means "to steal." Paul repeats it to drive home the point—condemning stealing while stealing yourself is a clear contradiction.

Why Romans 2:21 matters

  • Romans 2:21 warns against hypocrisy, making it clear that teaching or preaching right behavior means nothing if one does not follow it personally.
  • The verse highlights that knowledge of moral or religious law is not enough; living according to those standards is essential.
  • Romans 2:21 connects to Paul’s larger message in Romans that everyone, regardless of background or knowledge, is accountable to God for their actions, not just their words or status.

Where else these words appear

“should” Greek G2813 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Matthew 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
  • Luke 18:20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

“thyself” Greek G4572 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
  • Romans 2:1 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.

“preachest” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
  • Acts 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

“teachest” Greek G1321 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
  • Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.