Devine Scripture

Romans 2:7

What does Romans 2:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 2:7 means

Paul describes the character and end of those who receive eternal life: they persist in doing good, aiming at glory, honor, and immortality. Their perseverance shows a Godward orientation—seeking what is weighty and enduring, not merely immediate pleasure. This is not perfectionism but a sustained life-direction shaped by what God approves. Eternal life is the gift God gives to those whose lives, by patience in well-doing, display genuine faith. The verse highlights both the moral texture of such a life and the ultimate hope it pursues—incorruption instead of decay, honor from God instead of human praise, and the glory that comes from sharing in His life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To those who go on with good works in the hope of glory and honour and salvation from death, he will give eternal life:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to those, indeed, who in continuance of a good work, do seek glory, and honour, and incorruptibility--life age-during;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To them indeed who, according to patience in good work, seek glory and honour and incorruption, eternal life:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

to them who, in patient continuance of good works, seek for glory and honour and incorruptibility, life eternal.

Context

Verse 7 begins outlining the positive side of the judgment principle in verse 6. In contrast, verse 8 will describe the fate of the self-seeking who reject truth. Together, verses 7–8 present two trajectories with two destinies. Verses 9–10 then apply these destinies impartially to Jew and Greek alike, further grounding the argument that God’s standard is consistent and universal, not confined to those with the Law.

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

v.7This passage

v.8but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation,

Cross references

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

  • 1 John 2:25

    And this is the promise which he promised us, even the life eternal.

  • 1 Peter 4:13

    but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

  • 1 Peter 1:7

    that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58

    Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:53

    For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

    I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:

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