Devine Scripture

Romans 5:3

What does Romans 5:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 5:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 5:3 means

Paul adds a startling note: not only do believers rejoice in hope, they also rejoice in tribulations. This is not delight in pain, but confidence in what God produces through it. Tribulation trains the believer in steadfastness—enduring trust in God under pressure. Trials become the arena where faith is exercised and strengthened. Because our standing is already in grace, suffering is not a sign of God’s rejection but an instrument of His fatherly care. Thus believers can meet hardship with patience, knowing it will not defeat God’s purposes. The Christian’s joy does not depend on circumstances; it rests on God’s proven character and His commitment in Christ to bring His people to glory.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And not only so, but let us have joy in our troubles: in the knowledge that trouble gives us the power of waiting;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And not only <FI>so<Fi> , but we also boast in the tribulations, knowing that the tribulation doth work endurance;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And not only so: but we glory also in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And not only [that], but we also boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation works endurance;

Context

Coming after the blessings of peace and grace (vv1–2), this verse shifts to show how those blessings operate in real life. Joy persists even in adversity because God uses trials to shape His people. The verse begins a chain: tribulation produces steadfastness, then approvedness, then hope (vv3–4). This flow readies the reader for the assurance that such hope is not wishful thinking (v5). The logic is pastoral and experiential: the God who justified us also sanctifies us through trials, and He anchors our hope by His Spirit.

v.2through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

v.3This passage

v.4and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope:

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 3:13

    Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.

  • 1 Peter 3:14

    But even if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;

  • Philippians 2:17

    Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all:

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • Luke 6:22

    Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

  • Luke 21:19

    In your patience ye shall win your souls.

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