Devine Scripture

Romans 2:5

What does Romans 2:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 2:5 means

Refusal to repent reveals a hardened, unyielding heart. Instead of banking treasure for the future, the impenitent are “storing up” wrath for themselves. God’s patience, when spurned, results in greater accountability, not less. There is a coming “day of wrath” when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed openly. What seems hidden now will be exposed then, and justice will be done. This verse underscores that the issue is not merely isolated acts but a heart posture. Continual resistance to God’s call accumulates consequences, and the day will come when the divine verdict, long delayed in mercy, is publicly disclosed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But by your hard and unchanged heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of the revelation of God's judging in righteousness;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but, according to thy hardness and impenitent heart, thou dost treasure up to thyself wrath, in a day of wrath and of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But according to thy hardness and impenitent heart, thou treasurest up to thyself wrath, against the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but, according to thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up to thyself wrath, in [the] day of wrath and revelation of [the] righteous judgment ofGod,

Context

Verses 4–5 explain the danger of misreading God’s patience. After showing that kindness is meant to lead to repentance, Paul warns that hardness leads to wrath. Verse 5 sets up the principle in verse 6: God will render to each person according to deeds. From verse 6 onward, Paul outlines the two paths and outcomes—life for persevering in good, wrath for disobedience—emphasizing God’s righteous, impartial standard across Jew and Greek.

v.4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

v.5This passage

v.6who will render to every man according to his works:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 4:7

    he again defineth a certain day, To-day, saying in David so long a time afterward (even as hath been said before), To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts.

  • Revelation 6:17

    for the great day of their wrath is come; and who is able to stand?

  • Hebrews 3:15

    while it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

  • Amos 3:10

    For they know not to do right, saith Jehovah, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.

  • Joshua 11:20

    For it was of Jehovah to harden their hearts, to come against Israel in battle, that he might utterly destroy them, that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as Jehovah commanded Moses.

  • Deuteronomy 2:30

    But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him; for Jehovah thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as at this day.

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