Bible Strands
Romans 3:2
Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to a mixed Jewish-Gentile church in Rome, conceding a point before turning to his main argument that both groups stand under sin. He answers his own rhetorical question from verse 1.
The words — πρῶτον (prōton), "chiefly" or "first of all," marks the orality of God as the primary advantage over others, implying a ranked list rather than a single item.
The thread — Romans 9:4 expands the same list (adoption, glory, covenants, giving of the law); Nehemiah 9:13 and Acts 7:38 both anchor the "words of God" in the Sinai event.
Why it lands — The privilege named here is real but does not exempt its holder from the judgment Paul is about to pronounce on Jew and Gentile alike.
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
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
Cross-references
- Acts 7:38 He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us.
- Romans 9:4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.
- Nehemiah 9:13 You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments.
- Psalms 147:19 He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel.
- 1 Corinthians 9:17 If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.
- Hebrews 5:12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!
- 1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
- Psalms 78:4 We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed.
- Ezekiel 20:11 And I gave them My statutes and made known to them My ordinances—for the man who does these things will live by them.
- Romans 11:15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?