Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

ROMANS 2:22KJV
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Romans 2:22 (KJV)

What does Romans 2:22 mean?

Romans 2:22 points out the hypocrisy of someone who tells others not to commit adultery or worship idols, yet does those very things themselves. The verse challenges people who judge others for breaking the law but secretly break it themselves.

In Romans 2:22, Paul is writing to Jewish listeners in Rome who took pride in knowing and teaching God’s law. Paul highlights how some who condemn sins like adultery and idolatry are guilty of similar wrongs, exposing a double standard. The verse fits into Paul’s larger argument that knowing the law is not enough—living by it matters.

The Greek behind Romans 2:22

  • "sayest" (λέγεις, legeis): This word means "you say" or "you claim." Paul is addressing people who make moral claims or teach others, not just those who quietly believe something.
  • "adultery" (μοιχεύω, moicheuō): This word refers to committing adultery. Paul uses it twice to stress the seriousness of condemning a sin while secretly practicing it.
  • "abhorrest" (βδελύσσομαι, bdelussomai): This word means "to detest" or "to strongly hate." Paul points out that even those who passionately hate idols can still be guilty of disrespecting sacred things.
  • "idols" (εἴδωλον, eidōlon): This refers to physical images or statues worshipped as gods. Paul is calling out those who claim to hate idolatry but act in ways that dishonor God.
  • "sacrilege" (ἱεροσυλέω, hierosuleō): This word means "to rob temples" or "commit sacrilege." Paul is suggesting that some who denounce idol worship may still take what belongs to God or treat holy things carelessly.

Why Romans 2:22 matters

  • Romans 2:22 warns against the danger of hypocrisy—judging others for sins while excusing or hiding one’s own.
  • The verse shows that outward religious knowledge or teaching does not make someone righteous if their actions do not match their words.
  • Romans 2:22 connects to Paul’s larger point in Romans 2, reminding readers that everyone is accountable to God, not just those who openly break the law.

Where else these words appear

“abhorrest” Greek G948 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

“should” Greek G3431 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
  • Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
  • John 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

“idols” Greek G1497 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 7:41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.