Romans 2:6
What does Romans 2:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 2:6 means
God will repay each person according to his works. This is not a denial of grace but the assertion that final judgment evaluates what people have actually done, revealing what they truly believed and loved. Deeds are the public evidence of the heart. God’s retribution is neither arbitrary nor capricious; it fits what has been done. This principle sobers the self-righteous and encourages the faithful: nothing done in genuine obedience is overlooked, and no hidden hypocrisy will be excused. In the end, God’s judgment will be seen as righteous because it accords with the lived reality of each person’s life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who will render to every man according to his works:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who will render to every man according to his works:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who will give to every man his right reward:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who shall render to each according to his works;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who will render to every man according to his works.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who shall render to each according to his works:
Context
After warning of wrath for hard-hearted impenitence, Paul states the governing principle of the coming judgment. Verses 7–10 flesh out the two contrasted outcomes: eternal life for those who persevere in doing good, wrath and distress for the disobedient. The phrase also bridges to the theme of impartiality (verse 11), showing that the same measuring line applies to all, whether Jew or Greek. It prepares the reader to see works as revealing, not replacing, faith.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 24:2
For their heart studieth oppression, And their lips talk of mischief.
- Matthew 16:27
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds.
- Job 34:11
For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways.
- Ezekiel 18:30
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord Jehovah. Return ye, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
- Jeremiah 32:19
great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings;
- Psalms 62:12
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth lovingkindness; For thou renderest to every man according to his work.
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