Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 2:20
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
20. the foolish ] the thoughtless. Same word as Luk 11:40; 1Co 15:36; Eph 5:17, &c.
hast the form, &c.] Read, having in the law the form of knowledge and of truth. “The form: ” same word as 2Ti 3:5, where certainly it means outward form as separate from inward life. Here the same meaning is present, but not as the only or chief one. The Greek word (not found in the classics) strictly means “shaping,” “moulding;” but this must not be pressed: it may well mean, practically, the result of shaping i.e. form. And certainly in the derivation of the word there is no necessary idea of unreality; rather the opposite. The natural reference here is to the divinely-drawn outline and scheme, the delineation, of spiritual “knowledge and truth” in the Old Testament. But beneath the word, in this context, inevitably lies the thought that this delineation is (in the self-righteous Jew’s use of it) taken apart from life and love.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Of the foolish – The word foolish is used in the Scriptures in two significations: to denote those who are void of understanding, and to denote the wicked. Here it is clearly used in the former sense, signifying that the Jew esteemed himself qualified to instruct those without knowledge.
Of babes – This is the literal meaning of the original word. The expression is figurative, and denotes those who were as ignorant as children – an expression which they would be likely to apply to all the Gentiles. It is evident that the character bare given by Paul to the Jews is one which they claimed, and of which they were proud. They are often mentioned as arrogating this prerogative to themselves, of being qualified to be guides and teachers of others; Mat 15:14; Mat 23:2, Mat 23:16, Mat 23:24. It will be remembered, also, that the Jews considered themselves to be qualified to teach all the world, and hence evinced great zeal to make proselytes. And it is not improbable (Tholuck) that their Rabbies were accustomed to give the names foolish and babes to the ignorant proselytes which they had made from the pagan.
Which hast the form of knowledge – The word translated here as form properly denotes a delineations or picturing of a thing. It is commonly used to denote also the appearance of any object; what we see, without reference to its internal character; the external figure. It sometimes denotes the external appearance as distinguished from what is internal; or a hypocritical profession of religion without its reality; 2Ti 3:5. Having the form of godliness, but denying its power. It is sometimes used in a good, and sometimes in a bad sense. Here it denotes that in their teaching they retained the semblance, sketch, or outline of the true doctrines of the Old Testament. They had in the Scriptures a correct delineation of the truth. Truth is the representation of things as they are; and the doctrines which the Jews had in the Old Testament were a correct representation or delineation of the objects of knowledge; compare 2Ti 1:13.
In the law – In the Scriptures of the Old Testament. In these verses the apostle concedes to the Jews all that they would claim. Having made this concession of their superior knowledge, he is prepared with the more fidelity and force to convict them of their deep and dreadful depravity in sinning against the superior light and privileges which God had conferred on them.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 20. An instructer of the foolish, c.] Ye believe the Gentiles to be babes and fools when compared with yourselves that ye alone possess the only true knowledge; that ye are the only favourites of Heaven; and that all nations must look up to you as possessing the only form of knowledge, , the grand scheme and draught of all true science, of every thing that is worthy to be learned: the system of eternal truth, derived from the law. If, therefore, ye act not as becomes those who have such eminent advantages, it must be to your endless disgrace and infamy.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Babes; such as have little or no knowledge.
The form of knowledge; a scheme or system of notions, a compendious model or method, which is artificially composed; such as tutors and professors of arts and sciences, do read over again and again to their pupils and auditors.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
20. hast the form of knowledge andof the truth in the lawnot being left, as the heathen are, tovague conjecture on divine things, but favored with definite andprecise information from heaven.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
An instructor of the foolish,…. All men in a state of unregeneracy are foolish, and need instruction; here the common people among the Jews, who knew not the law, are meant; it was very usual to call anyone of their doctors and masters , “an instructor”: it follows,
a teacher of babes; either in age or in understanding; such who taught either of them were called by the Jews , “teachers of babes”. Thus they paraphrase the text in Da 12:3:
“they that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament. This is the Judge who judges, the judgment of truth truly, and the collectors of alms: and they that turn, many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever; these are, , “the teachers of babes” z.”
Though these are said a to be inferior to the wise men, or doctors:
which hast the form of knowledge, and of the truth in the law: they had not a true knowledge of the law; only a draught and scheme, the outward form of the law, and a mere shadow and appearance of the knowledge of the truth of it. From hence the apostle would have it concluded, that though the Jews had the law, and in some sense knew it, yet inasmuch as they did not perform it, they could not be justified by it; and that even their teachers, their greatest masters and doctors, were very deficient, as appears from what follows; and since they could not be instilled by it, who taught others the knowledge of it, the hearers of it could not expect justification from it.
z T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 8. 2. & 21. 1, 2. Maimon. Hilchot Talmud Tora, c. 2. sect. 1. a Gloss in Sota, fol. 49. 1.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
A corrector of the foolish ( ). Old word (from ) for instructor, in Plato, and probably so here, though corrector or chastiser in Heb 12:9 (the only N.T. instances). See Lu 23:16. Late inscriptions give it as instructor (Preisigke). is a hard word for Gentiles, but it is the Jewish standpoint that Paul gives. Each termed the other “dogs.”
Of babes (). Novitiates or proselytes to Judaism just as in Ga 4:1. Paul used it of those not of legal age.
The form ( ). Rare word only in Theophrastus and Paul (here and 2Ti 3:5). Pallis regards it as a Stoical term for education. Lightfoot considers the as “the rough-sketch, the pencilling of the ,” the outline or framework, and in 2Ti 3:5 “the outline without the substance.” This is Paul’s picture of the Jew as he sees himself drawn with consummate skill and subtle irony.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Instructor [] , Rev., corrector. Better, because emphasizing the element of discipline or training. See on chastise, Luk 23:16 Of babes [] The term used by the Jews to designate proselytes or novices. Paul uses it of one not come of legal age, Gal 4:1. The form – in the law [] . Not mere appearance, but the scheme, the correct embodiment of the lineaments of truth and knowledge in the law.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) An instructor of the foolish, (paideuten aphronon) An instructor (a child trainer) of foolish people, the ignorant, referring to the gentiles or heathen.
2) A teacher of babes, (didaskalon nepion) A teacher of infants, the ignorant, the low in Spiritual attainments, 1Co 1:27; Heb 5:12-13.
3) Which hast the form of knowledge, (echonta ten morphosin tes gnoseos) Having, holding, or possessing the form, (outward appearance) of knowledge, the oracles of God, and a form of godliness, 2Ti 3:5; Act 7:38; Rom 3:2; Heb 5:12.
4) And of the truth in the Law, (kai tes aletheias en to nomo) And of the truth (that is) in the law, the embodiment of truth in the law which was given to Israel. Yet these who had the truth in prophecy under the law and types, shadows, and object lessons, did not recognize or accept the very person and embodiment of truth when it appeared in Jesus Christ, Joh 8:32; Joh 8:36; Joh 14:6; Joh 17:17.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
20. I take what follows, having the form of knowledge, as a reason for the preceding; and it may be thus explained, — “because thou hast the form of knowledge.” For they professed to be the teachers of others, because they seemed to carry in their breasts all the secrets of the law. The word form is put for model ( exemplar — pattern); (81) for Paul has adopted μόρφωσιν and not τύπον : but he intended, I think, to point out the conspicuous pomp of their teaching, and what is commonly called display; and it certainly appears that they were destitute of that knowledge which they pretended. But Paul, by indirectly ridiculing the perverted use of the law, intimates, on the other hand, that right knowledge must be sought from the law, in order that the truth may have a solid basis.
(81) The same word occurs only in 2Ti 3:5, “μόρφωσιν εὐσεβείας — the form of godliness.” It is taken here in a good sense, as meaning a sketch, a delineation, an outline, a representation, or a summary. [ Chalmers ] renders the words thus, — “The whole summary of knowledge and truth which is in the law.” Some understand by knowledge what refers to morals or outward conduct, and by truth what is to be believed. Others regard them as an instance of Hebrewism, two substantives being put, instead of a substantive and an adjective; the phrase would then be, “true knowledge.” — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(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 substancepresentation, or embodiment.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
20. Babes The neophytes and fresh novices in divine truth.
The form An outline figure or form. Sometimes it is opposed to the reality; but here it means the true form of doctrine in opposition to the false.
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
Ver. 20. Which hast the form of knowledge ] A platform of wholesome words, a system, a method artificially moulded, , such as tutors and professors of arts and sciences have, and do read over again and again to their auditors.
20. ] , not the mere apparent likeness (Theophylact, &c.), but the real representation . The law, as far as it went, was a reflexion of the holiness and character of God. Hardly so much is here meant (Olsh.), as that the law contained a foreshadowing of Christ , for the Apostle is speaking now more of moral truth and knowledge, by which a rule of judgment is set up, sufficient to condemn the Jew as well as the Gentile. But after all, this clause ( ) is not to be pressed as declaring a fact , but taken subjectively with regard to the Jew, after , and understood of his estimate of the law.
, because the book of the law , the whole law, is denoted.
[ 21. ] “And now the righteous rebuke may no longer be restrained. Such advantages and such pretensions ought undoubtedly to be followed and justified by a corresponding course of holy conduct.” Ewbank.]
instructor = preceptor. Greek. paideutes. Only here and Heb 12:9.
teacher. App-98. Rom 2:4.
babes. Greek. nepios. App-108.
form = external form. Greek. morphosis. Only here and 2Ti 3:5.
knowledge. Greek. gnosis. App-132.
20.] , not the mere apparent likeness (Theophylact, &c.), but the real representation. The law, as far as it went, was a reflexion of the holiness and character of God. Hardly so much is here meant (Olsh.), as that the law contained a foreshadowing of Christ,-for the Apostle is speaking now more of moral truth and knowledge, by which a rule of judgment is set up, sufficient to condemn the Jew as well as the Gentile. But after all, this clause ( ) is not to be pressed as declaring a fact, but taken subjectively with regard to the Jew, after , and understood of his estimate of the law.
, because the book of the law, the whole law, is denoted.
[21.] And now the righteous rebuke may no longer be restrained. Such advantages and such pretensions ought undoubtedly to be followed and justified by a corresponding course of holy conduct. Ewbank.]
Rom 2:20. ) The word is taken here in a good sense, in reference to the Jew, who is boasting: the form, or correct outline.- , of knowledge and of the truth) a Hendiadys; the truth in this passage expresses accuracy in established doctrine, in our days called orthodoxy.
Rom 2:20
Rom 2:20
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babes,-They felt confident that they were able to correct the foolish and teach the babes.
having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth;- They had the form, or letter, of knowledge and truth in the law, but did not perceive or drink of the true spirit of the law; did not take it into the heart so that it might become a power to mold their hearts and lives. [It was this that rendered their condemnation so sure.]
a teacher: Mat 11:25, 1Co 3:1, Heb 5:13, 1Pe 2:2
the form: Rom 6:17, 2Ti 1:13, 2Ti 3:5, Tit 1:16
Reciprocal: Mat 5:14 – the light Rom 2:27 – by the 2Ti 3:16 – for instruction Jam 3:1 – be
:20
Rom 2:20. Even persons without ordinary discernment could be instructed by one who had the law for his own support. Teacher of babes is figurative, meaning the Jew could give information to the most unlearned, because he had the background of the inspired law. The Jew was not restricted to the mere principles of right doing, but he had the form or ritual in which they were to be carried out.
Rom 2:20. A trainer of the foolish. Instructor is too weak; corrector is possibly too strong.
A teacher of babes. These figurative expressions correctly represent the proud attitude of the Jews as religious instructors.
Having in the law. The change of order gives clearness. This clause gives, in effect, the reason of the Jewish attitude, just described. (The article is here used with law, because the whole law as a book is spoken of.)
The very form of knowledge and of the truth. Not the mere form, (as in 2Ti 3:5), but the exact model, pattern, representative. Religious knowledge and truth had found their embodiment and expression in the law. Paul honored the law (chap. Rom 3:21; Rom 3:31, etc.), and would not speak of it as a mere appearance. Further, the severe rebuke of the following verses implies actual, not seeming, religious privilege. Because the Jew had such privileges, his sin was all the greater: to belong to the true church, to hold the true doctrine, to be able to expound it to others should make us better men; but when these things are joined with unholiness, they but add to our condemnation. At the close of the verse a semicolon should be substituted for the period (comp. Rom 2:17).
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge of the truth;
20. A teacher of the ignorant, an instructor of the juveniles; having the form of knowledge of the truth in the law. If you follow through this prolix sentence, including seven verses, you find this boastful character all a delusion and a cheat. As in case of the fallen Jew, it is equally true with the counterfeit Christian of the present day. How grand these achievements if they were only real! Yet where you will find a genuine case, Satan has a score of counterfeits to counteract the heavenly influence, and wrap the blind multitude in a still darker delusion.
Verse 20
The form of knowledge, and of the truth; that is, knowledge of the truth distinctly and systematically conveyed.
2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the {o} form of knowledge and of the truth in the {p} law.
(o) The way to teach and to form others in the knowledge of the truth.
(p) As though he said that the Jews under a pretence of an outward serving of God, attributed all to themselves, when in reality they did nothing less than observe the Law.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes