King James Version

What Does Romans 2:9 Mean?

Romans 2:9 in the King James Version says “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; Gentile: Gr.... — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 2:9 · KJV


Context

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evilθλῖψις (thlipsis, "tribulation/pressure") and στενοχωρία (stenochōria, "anguish/distress") are visceral terms for suffering. Ψυχή (psychē, "soul") emphasizes the personal, conscious experience of judgment—not annihilation but conscious torment. The present participle κατεργαζομένου τὸ κακόν (katergazomenou to kakon, "working/practicing evil") indicates habitual, unrepented sin.

Of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile—Paul's phrase Ἰουδαίου τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνος (Ioudaiou te prōton kai Hellēnos) appears throughout Romans (1:16, 2:10). Πρῶτον (prōton, "first") carries chronological and covenantal priority: Jews received revelation first (Romans 3:1-2), thus face judgment first. Greater privilege brings greater accountability (Luke 12:48, Amos 3:2). Ἕλλην (Hellēn, "Greek") stands for all Gentiles.

This verse devastates Jewish presumption: far from escaping judgment, Jews face it first. The universality of judgment—"every soul"—demolishes any claim to exemption. Jesus taught identically in Luke 12:47-48: the servant who knew his master's will but didn't do it receives greater punishment. Covenant knowledge intensifies, not diminishes, moral responsibility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

"To the Jew first" reflected salvation history: God chose Abraham, gave Torah to Moses, sent prophets to Israel, and brought the Messiah through Jewish lineage. Jews naturally interpreted this priority as favoritism guaranteeing salvation. Paul reframes it: priority in revelation means priority in judgment for those who reject it. This echoes Jesus's pronouncement against Chorazin and Bethsaida (Matthew 11:20-24)—cities that witnessed His miracles faced worse judgment than pagan Sodom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does my spiritual privilege—Christian upbringing, biblical teaching, worship opportunities—increase rather than decrease my accountability?
  2. What 'evil' do I habitually practice while presuming God's patience means approval?
  3. If judgment falls 'first' on those with greatest light, how should this motivate my faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
θλῖψις1 of 16

Tribulation

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

καὶ2 of 16

also

G2532

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

στενοχωρία3 of 16

anguish

G4730

narrowness of room, i.e., (figuratively) calamity

ἐπὶ4 of 16

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πᾶσαν5 of 16

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ψυχὴν6 of 16

soul

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ἀνθρώπου7 of 16

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τοῦ8 of 16
G3588

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

κατεργαζομένου9 of 16

that doeth

G2716

to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion

τὸ10 of 16
G3588

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

κακόν11 of 16

evil

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

Ἰουδαίου12 of 16

of 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

Ἕλληνος·16 of 16

of 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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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