Romans 2:20
New International Version
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

New Living Translation
You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.

English Standard Version
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

Berean Standard Bible
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

Berean Literal Bible
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth--

King James Bible
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

New King James Version
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.

New American Standard Bible
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, possessing in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth—

NASB 1995
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,

NASB 1977
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,

Legacy Standard Bible
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,

Amplified Bible
and [that you are] a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the [spiritually] childish, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth—

Christian Standard Bible
an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and truth in the law—

Holman Christian Standard Bible
an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the full expression of knowledge and truth in the law—

American Standard Version
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth;

Contemporary English Version
And since there is knowledge and truth in God's Law, you think you can instruct fools and teach young people.

English Revised Version
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
an instructor of ignorant people, and a teacher of children because you have the full content of knowledge and truth in Moses' Teachings.

Good News Translation
an instructor for the foolish, and a teacher for the ignorant. You are certain that in the Law you have the full content of knowledge and of truth.

International Standard Version
an instructor of ignorant people, and a teacher of infants because you have the full content of knowledge and truth in the Law—

Majority Standard Bible
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth?

NET Bible
an educator of the senseless, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the essential features of knowledge and of the truth--

New Heart English Bible
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth.

Webster's Bible Translation
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, who hast the form of knowledge, and of the truth in the law:

Weymouth New Testament
a schoolmaster for the dull and ignorant, a teacher of the young, because in the Law you possess an outline of real knowledge and an outline of the truth:

World English Bible
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
a corrector of foolish ones, a teacher of babies, having the form of the knowledge and of the truth in the Law.

Berean Literal Bible
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth--

Young's Literal Translation
an instructor of foolish ones, a teacher of babes, having the form of the knowledge and of the truth in the law.

Smith's Literal Translation
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of the inexperienced, having the form of knowledge and of truth in the law.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, having the form of knowledge and of truth in the law.

Catholic Public Domain Version
an instructor to the foolish, a teacher to children, because you have a type of knowledge and truth in the law.

New American Bible
that you are a trainer of the foolish and teacher of the simple, because in the law you have the formulation of knowledge and truth—

New Revised Standard Version
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, you are the semblance of knowledge and of truth as embodied in the law.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And an instructor of those lacking understanding and a teacher of children, and you have a model of knowledge and of the truth in The Written Law,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
an instructor of the simple, a teacher of the unlearned, because you have the form of true knowledge in the law;

Godbey New Testament
a teacher of the juveniles, having a form of knowledge and truth in the law;

Haweis New Testament
an instructor of the uninformed, a teacher of babes, holding the form of knowledge and of truth in the law.

Mace New Testament
an instructer of the ignorant, a teacher to the weak, because you have a clear view of the true meaning of the law.

Weymouth New Testament
a schoolmaster for the dull and ignorant, a teacher of the young, because in the Law you possess an outline of real knowledge and an outline of the truth:

Worrell New Testament
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth;

Worsley New Testament
a light to them that are in the darkness, an instructor of the simple, a teacher of babes, having the form of the knowledge and of the truth which is in the law.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Jews and the Law
19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?…

Cross References
Matthew 23:24
You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 3:18-20
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 5:12-14
Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! / For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. / But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

John 9:34
They replied, “You were born in utter sin, and you are instructing us?” And they threw him out.

1 Corinthians 8:1-2
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. / The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1 John 2:27
And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.

Isaiah 29:14
Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”

Jeremiah 8:8-9
How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? / The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Psalm 119:98-100
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. / I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.


Treasury of Scripture

An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which have the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

a teacher.

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

1 Corinthians 3:1
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

Hebrews 5:13
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

the form.

Romans 6:17
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

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Babes Babies Children Dull Foolish Form Ignorant Infants Instructor Law Ones Outline Possess Real Schoolmaster Teacher True. Truth Young
Romans 2
1. No excuse for sin.
6. No escape from judgment.
14. Gentiles cannot;
17. nor Jews.














an instructor of the foolish
The term "instructor" in Greek is "παιδευτής" (paideutēs), which implies a guide or a corrector, someone who imparts wisdom and discipline. In the context of Romans, Paul is addressing those who consider themselves wise and capable of guiding others, particularly the Jews who had the Law. The "foolish" here refers to those lacking understanding, possibly Gentiles or those not versed in the Jewish Law. Historically, the Jewish people were seen as custodians of divine wisdom, tasked with enlightening the nations. This phrase challenges the reader to reflect on the responsibility that comes with knowledge and the humility required to teach others effectively.

a teacher of infants
The word "teacher" is "διδάσκαλος" (didaskalos) in Greek, denoting one who imparts knowledge or instruction. "Infants" (νήπιος, nēpios) can be understood both literally and metaphorically, referring to those who are immature or new in understanding. In a spiritual sense, this could mean new believers or those unacquainted with the deeper truths of God. The imagery of teaching infants suggests a nurturing, patient approach, emphasizing the importance of foundational truths in spiritual education. It highlights the role of the Jewish people as educators in the faith, entrusted with guiding others in their spiritual infancy.

because you have in the Law
The phrase "in the Law" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which were central to Jewish life and identity. The Greek word for "Law" is "νόμος" (nomos), signifying not just legalistic rules but a comprehensive guide for living a life pleasing to God. Historically, the Law was given to the Israelites as a covenant, setting them apart as God's chosen people. This phrase underscores the privilege and responsibility of having the Law, which was meant to be a source of wisdom and a light to the nations.

the embodiment of knowledge and truth—
"Embodiment" in Greek is "μόρφωσις" (morphōsis), meaning a form or representation. This suggests that the Law is not just a set of rules but a tangible expression of divine wisdom. "Knowledge" (γνῶσις, gnōsis) and "truth" (ἀλήθεια, alētheia) are profound concepts in Scripture, representing not only intellectual understanding but also a deep, relational knowledge of God and His will. The Law, therefore, is seen as a reflection of God's character and an avenue to understand His truth. This phrase calls believers to recognize the depth and richness of the Scriptures, urging them to live out the truths contained within as a testament to God's wisdom and faithfulness.

(20) The form of knowledge and of the truth.--As we might say, "the presentation of knowledge and of truth." Here not form as opposed to substance, but as implying substance--"presentation," or "embodiment."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
an instructor
παιδευτὴν (paideutēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3810: An instructor, trainer; almost: a chastiser. From paideuo; a trainer, i.e. Teacher or discipliner.

of [the] foolish,
ἀφρόνων (aphronōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 878: Senseless, foolish, inconsiderate. Properly, mindless, i.e. Stupid, ignorant, egotistic, rash, or unbelieving.

a teacher
διδάσκαλον (didaskalon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

of infants,
νηπίων (nēpiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3516: From an obsolete particle ne- and epos; not speaking, i.e. An infant; figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian.

[because] you have
ἔχοντα (echonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Law
νόμῳ (nomō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

embodiment
μόρφωσιν (morphōsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3446: Form, outline, semblance. From morphoo; formation, i.e., appearance (concretely) formula).

of knowledge
γνώσεως (gnōseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1108: Knowledge, doctrine, wisdom. From ginosko; knowing, i.e. knowledge.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

truth—
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.


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NT Letters: Romans 2:20 A corrector of the foolish a teacher (Rom. Ro)
Romans 2:19
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