Bible Strands
Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a Jewish interlocutor who has been arguing for divine favor based on covenant status, immediately following a warning that God’s judgment will render to each person according to their deeds.
The words — προσωπολημψία (prosōpolēmpsia) translates literally as “partiality” or “face-receiving,” denoting a bias that weighs external identity over actual conduct.
The thread — The declaration mirrors Deuteronomy 10:17’s description of Yahweh as showing no partiality and resurfaces in Acts 10:34 when Peter acknowledges the gospel’s expansion beyond Israel.
Why it lands — It requires readers to discard reliance on ethnic privilege or religious pedigree and accept that divine judgment operates solely on the basis of obedience to God’s standard.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For there is no respect of persons with God.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.
- Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,
- 2 Chronicles 19:7 And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
- Galatians 2:6 But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.
- Job 34:19 who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.
- Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.
- Ephesians 6:9 And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
- Colossians 3:25 Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
- Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.