King James Version
What Does Romans 2:7 Mean?
“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:”
Context
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But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
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Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
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To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
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But unto them that are contentious , and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
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Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; Gentile: Gr. Greek
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **To** **them who.**—Before the words “eternal life,” at the end of the verse, we must supply “He will render.” The phrase “glory, and honour, and immortality” is practically equivalent to “eternal life.” “Those who honestly seek for this life shall find it.” The stress is upon the words “by patient continuance in well doing,” From the point of view of rhetoric, no doubt exception might be taken to the tautology; but St. Paul was far too much in earnest to attend carefully to the laws of rhetoric, and it is just this spontaneity which is in great part the secret of his power.
**Patient continuance.**—A single word in the Greek, but rightly translated in the Authorised version, *by *(according to, by the rule of) *patience* (persistence or perseverance) *in well doing* (literally, *in good work*)*.* In English we should naturally say, “in good works,” but the Greek, here as frequently, by the use of the singular and by the absence of the article, puts the abstract for the concrete, so covering every particular case.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:7 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 2:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge