Romans 2:19

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,

American Standard Version (1901)

and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them that are in darkness,

Bible in Basic English

In the belief that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those in the dark,

Douay-Rheims 1899

Art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them that are in darkness,

Free Bible Version

You're absolutely sure that you can guide the blind, and that you are a light to those in the dark.

Geneva Bible 1599

And persuadest thy selfe that thou art a guide of the blinde, a light of them which are in darkenesse,

King James (Authorized) Version

And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

Translation for Translators

You are certain that you are able to show God’s truth to non-Jews, as guides show the road to those who are blind [MET]. You are certain that by what you say you can show God’s way to the non-Jews who do not understand it, as a light shows the way to those who walk in the darkness [MET, DOU].

Unlocked Literal Bible

and if you are convinced that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

Noah Webster Bible

And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them who are in darkness,

World English Bible

and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

Young's Literal Translation

and hast confidence that thou thyself art a leader of blind ones, a light of those in darkness,

Context

The Jews and the Law

¹⁸if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by 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—

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Summary

In Romans 2:19, the apostle Paul addresses the Jews who prided themselves on having the law and considered themselves as guides to the blind, instructors of the foolish, and teachers of infants. However, Paul challenges them by pointing out that they themselves were violating the law they claimed to teach, thus bringing dishonor to God. This verse serves as a reminder that having knowledge of God's Word is not enough; it must be accompanied by obedience and righteous living. It highlights the importance of practicing what one preaches and living a life that reflects the teachings of the Scriptures.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

And art confident, etc. - In consequence of all these religious advantages, ye believe that ye are able to teach others, and to be guides and lights to the bewildered, darkened Gentiles, who may become proselytes to your religion.

John Gill Bible Commentary

Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?.... Several charges are here brought against the Jews, even against their teachers; for though they are put by way of question, they are to be considered as so many assertions and matters of fact; thus, though they taught others, they did not teach themselves; they were blind leaders of the blind; they were ignorant of the law, of the spirituality of it; they were desirous to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they said, nor whereof they affirmed: they were ignorant of the righteousness of God, of whom they boasted; and of the more excellent things of Moses, and the prophets, they pretended to explain; and of the Messiah, of whom their prophecies so much spoke: and besides, what they did understand and teach, they did not practise themselves; than which nothing is more shameful, or more betrays stupidity and ignorance; for as they themselves (b) say, "he that teaches men, , "that which he himself does not do", is like a blind man who has a lamp in his hand, and enlightens others, but he, himself walks in darkness.'' And such teachers they own were among them. "Beautiful (say they (c)) are the words which come out of the mouths of them that do, them: Ben Assai was a beautiful preacher, but did not well observe;'' i.e., to do what he said. Thou that preach at a man should not steal, dost thou steal? some understand this figuratively, of stealing, or taking away the true sense of the law, and putting a false one upon it; of which these men were notoriously guilty: but rather, it is to be understood literally, not only of the inward desires and motions of their minds after this sin, and of their consenting to, and conniving at theft and robbery, but of their doing it themselves; who, under pretence of long prayers, "devoured widows' houses", Mat 23:14, plundered and robbed them of their substance: no wonder that these men preferred Barabbas, a thief and a robber, to Jesus Christ. (b) Sepher Hamaalot, p. 87. Apud Buxtorf. Heb. Florileg. p. 75. (c) Bereshit Rabba, fol. 30. 3.