Romans 2:11

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 2:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for there is no respect of persons with God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for there is no respect of persons with God.
Romans 2:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11for there is no respect of persons with God.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For there is no respect of persons with God.] It will not come into consideration, at the day of judgment, of what nation men are; or from what parents they are descended; nor of what age and sex persons be; nor in what state and condition they have lived in this world; nor will it be asked to what sect they have belonged, and by what denomination they have been called; or whether they have conformed to such and such externals and rituals in religion; but only whether they are righteous men or sinners; and accordingly as they appear under these characters, judgment will proceed. Some object from hence, though without any reason, to the doctrine of particular election of certain persons to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For - This particle is used here to confirm what is said before, particularly that this punishment should be experienced by the Jew as well as the Gentile. For God would deal with both on the principles of justice. Respect of persons - The word thus rendered means “partiality,” in pronouncing judgment, in favoring one party or individual more than another, not because his cause is more just, but on account of something personal - on account of his wealth, or rank, or function, or influence, or by personal friendship, or by the fear of him. It has special reference to a judge who pronounces judgment between parties at law. The exercise of such partiality was strictly and often forbidden to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For there is no respect of persons with God - He will reward every one according to his works. But this is well consistent with his distributing advantages and opportunities of improvement, according to his own good pleasure. Romans 2:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Deu 10:17, Deu 16:19; Ch2 19:7; Job 34:19; Pro 24:23, Pro 24:24; Mat 22:16; Luk 20:21; Act 10:34; Gal 2:6, Gal 6:7, Gal 6:8; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25; Pe1 1:17 Romans 2:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification