For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Parallel translations
- WEB (for when Gentiles who don’t have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves,
- BSB Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.
- NKJV for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves,
- NASB For when Gentiles who do not have the Law instinctively perform the requirements of the Law, these, though not having the Law, are a law to themselves,
- NLT Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
When Gentiles without the law instinctively do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves. God's moral standard is written on the human conscience.
Overview
Paul observes that Gentiles, though lacking the Mosaic law, sometimes do what it requires 'by nature,' showing they have an inner sense of God's moral demands. This is evidence of the moral law written on the heart. It does not mean Gentiles keep the law perfectly or earn salvation, but that they have enough moral knowledge to be accountable and without excuse.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- Rom 1:19–20Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
- Rom 2:12For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
- Rom 2:27And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
- Acts 17:30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
- Eph 2:12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
- Ps 147:19–20He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
- Acts 10:35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
- Rom 3:1–2What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
- Rom 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
- Deut 4:7For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
- Acts 14:16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
- 1 Cor 11:14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
- Phil 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
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Christ at the center
Paul unfolds the gospel in full: Christ our righteousness received by faith, the second Adam in whom many are made righteous, in whose death and resurrection we are buried and raised.
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Original language
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