UTN uW Translation Notes:

Romans 2 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

3. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:18–3:20)
   • All non-Jews have sinned (1:18–32)
   • All Jews have sinned (2:1–3:8)

In this chapter Paul shifts his audience from Roman Christians to people who “judge” other people and do not believe in Jesus. (See: judge and believe)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

“The Law”

In this chapter Paul uses the singular noun “the law” to refer to the group of laws that God gave Israel through Moses. Paul says that those who try to obey the law of Moses will not be justified by trying to obey it. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. (See: grammar-collectivenouns and lawofmoses)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

In 2:1–5 Paul uses the singular pronoun “you” and the singular noun “man” to refer to all people in general. If your language does not use singular pronouns or singular nouns to refer to a group of people, you can use a different expression. (See: figs-youcrowd and grammar-collectivenouns)