Romans 2:17

"The Jews and the Law Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God..." — Romans 2:17 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations.

“The Jews and the Law Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God;”

Romans 2:17 (NIV)

Compare NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB side by side →

Surrounding verses

Read Romans 2:17 with the verses next to it, then open Romans 2 in full.

Romans 2:16

This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Romans 2:18

if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;

When people use this verse

People often open Romans 2:17 when they are looking for Scripture on relationship.

Get another verse

Same randomizer as the rest of the site — tap for another NIV verse from this book, a related topic, or the priority collection.

Romans · NIV

John

“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

— John 1:1

What is this verse about?

Romans 2:17 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans. This verse comes from chapter 2, which can be read in full at the Romans chapter 2 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.

How people apply it

As you reflect on Romans 2:17, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.

Related verses

Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.

Numbers 30:16

These are the regulations the Lord gave Moses concerning relationships between a man and his wife, and between a father and his young daughter still living in his house.

Judges 18:7

So the five men left and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living in safety, like the Sidonians, unsuspecting and secure. And since their land lacked nothing, they were prosperous. Also, they lived a long way from the Sidonians and had no relationship with anyone else.

Judges 18:28

There was no one to rescue them because they lived a long way from Sidon and had no relationship with anyone else. The city was in a valley near Beth Rehob. The Danites rebuilt the city and settled there.

A short prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in Romans 2:17. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.