King James Version

What Does Romans 2:7 Mean?

Romans 2:7 in the King James Version says “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:”

Romans 2:7 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

5

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;

6

Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

7

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To them who by patient continuance in well doing—the Greek καθ᾽ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ (kath' hypomonēn ergou agathou) literally means "according to endurance/perseverance in good work." Ὑπομονή (hypomonē) is not passive waiting but active, steadfast persistence despite opposition. Seek for glory and honour and immortality—the verb ζητοῦσιν (zētousin, "seeking") implies purposeful pursuit. Δόξα (doxa, "glory"), τιμή (timē, "honor"), and ἀφθαρσία (aphtharsia, "incorruption/immortality") describe eschatological rewards.

This verse describes authentic saving faith: not a one-time decision but patient continuance in righteousness. Paul anticipates Philippians 1:6: "he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it." Perseverance evidences election (John 10:27-29, 1 John 2:19). The pursuit of glory, honor, immortality is not selfish ambition but proper Christian hedonism—seeking ultimate satisfaction in God's eternal presence (Psalm 16:11).

Eternal life—ζωὴν αἰώνιον (zōēn aiōnion), not merely endless existence but qualitative, resurrection life. Paul's grammar suggests reward, not merit: God gives eternal life to those whose faith produces perseverance. This harmonizes justification by faith (instant) with sanctification by works (progressive proof of genuine conversion).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology expected eternal life in the age to come (olam ha-ba), often based on Torah obedience and covenant membership. Paul here universalizes the principle while shifting the basis from ethnic identity to faith-produced perseverance. The concept of 'seeking glory and honor' echoes Jewish piety that pursued God's approval, but Paul will show (chapter 3) that no one achieves this apart from Christ's righteousness imputed by faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does my Christian life show 'patient continuance in well doing' or merely sporadic bursts of religious activity?
  2. Am I seeking glory and honor from people or from God (John 5:44)?
  3. How does understanding eternal life as qualitative (knowing God) rather than merely quantitative (living forever) transform my pursuit of it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τοῖς1 of 14
G3588

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

μὲν2 of 14

“To them who by”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

καθ'3 of 14
G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὑπομονὴν4 of 14

“patient continuance”

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

ἔργου5 of 14

“doing”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀγαθοῦ6 of 14

“in well”

G18

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

δόξαν7 of 14

“for glory”

G1391

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

καὶ8 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

τιμὴν9 of 14

“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

καὶ10 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ἀφθαρσίαν11 of 14

“immortality”

G861

incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness

ζητοῦσιν12 of 14

“seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

ζωὴν13 of 14

“life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον14 of 14

“eternal”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

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 2:7 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 4:7-8Luke 8:152 Timothy 1:101 Corinthians 15:58Revelation 2:10-11Romans 6:23

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Romans 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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