King James Version

What Does Romans 2:10 Mean?

Romans 2:10 in the King James Version says “But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Gentile: Gr. Gr... — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Gentile: Gr. Greek

Romans 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

But unto them that are contentious , and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

9

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; Gentile: Gr. Greek

10

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Gentile: Gr. Greek

11

For there is no respect of persons with God.

12

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good—the identical phrase δόξα δὲ καὶ τιμὴ καὶ εἰρήνη (doxa de kai timē kai eirēnē) from verse 7, now adding εἰρήνη (eirēnē, "peace/shalom"). This term encompasses wholeness, reconciliation with God, restoration of creation's shalom. The present participle ἐργαζομένῳ τὸ ἀγαθόν (ergazomenō to agathon, "working the good") parallels verse 7's perseverance—not isolated acts but lifestyle characterized by righteousness.

Again, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. The symmetry is exact: as judgment falls first on Jews (v. 9), so does blessing—chronologically (Acts 3:26, 13:46) and covenantally. Paul will develop this in chapters 9-11, explaining Israel's temporary hardening and future restoration. The impartiality principle (v. 11) operates both ways: no favoritism in condemnation or salvation. Works demonstrate which group one belongs to, though works never earn salvation.

The trilogy glory, honor, peace describes eschatological wholeness—sharing Christ's glory (Romans 8:17-18), receiving honor from God versus seeking it from people (John 5:44), and experiencing shalom that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). This isn't meritorious reward but gracious gift to those whose faith produces authentic transformation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish eschatology expected Israel's vindication and glorification in the messianic age. Passages like Isaiah 60-62 described Jerusalem's exaltation and Gentiles streaming to Zion's light. Paul here maintains the "to the Jew first" pattern while universalizing access: Gentiles receive identical glory, honor, and peace through faith in Israel's Messiah. This created controversy in early churches (Acts 15, Galatians), with Jewish Christians reluctant to grant Gentiles equal standing without circumcision.

Reflection Questions

  1. Am I working good from a heart transformed by grace, or attempting to earn God's favor through religious performance?
  2. How does understanding that 'peace' is eschatological wholeness—not mere absence of conflict—deepen my longing for Christ's return?
  3. What does 'glory and honor' from God look like compared to the approval and accolades I naturally seek from people?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
δόξα1 of 16

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

δὲ2 of 16

But

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 16

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τιμὴ4 of 16

honour

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

καὶ5 of 16

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰρήνη6 of 16

peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

παντὶ7 of 16

to every man

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῷ8 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐργαζομένῳ9 of 16

that worketh

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

τὸ10 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγαθόν11 of 16

good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

Ἰουδαίῳ12 of 16

to the Jew

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

τε13 of 16

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

πρῶτον14 of 16

first

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

καὶ15 of 16

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἕλληνι·16 of 16

to the Gentile

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 2:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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