Jewish Violation of the Law

17 Now if[a] you call yourself a Jew, and rely on the law,(A) and boast in God, 18 and know his will, and approve the things that are superior,(B) being instructed from the law, 19 and if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light to those in darkness, 20 an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and truth(C) in the law— 21 you then, who teach another,(D) don’t you teach yourself? You who preach, “You must not steal”—do you steal? 22 You who say, “You must not commit adultery”—do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob temples?(E) 23 You who boast in the law,(F) do you dishonor God by breaking the law?[b] 24 For, as it is written: The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.[c](G)

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Footnotes

  1. 2:17 Other mss read Look
  2. 2:23 Or you dishonor God by breaking the law.
  3. 2:24 Is 52:5

The Jews and the Law

17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. 18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. 20 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.

21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?[a] 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 2:22 Greek do you steal from temples?
  2. 2:24 Isa 52:5 (Greek version).