Devine Scripture

Romans 8:18

What does Romans 8:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 8:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 8:18 means

Paul evaluates present sufferings in light of the future: whatever believers endure now is not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to them. This is not to minimize pain, but to magnify the coming weight and joy of God’s unveiled presence and the consummation of redemption. The comparison is not slight difference but surpassing, incomparable glory. This conviction springs from Christ’s resurrection and promises. It equips believers to persevere, seeing that suffering is temporary and purposeful. The glory is not merely private bliss; it is the public display of God’s work in his people and the renewal of all things. Such hope reframes endurance and fuels steadfast faith.

Romans 8:18 in context

Romans 8 — No Condemnation, No Separation

The high-water mark of Paul's letters. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. The Spirit of life sets us free from the law of sin and death; the same Spirit cries 'Abba, Father' in our hearts and assures us we are children and heirs. Suffering is real, but the glory ahead is incomparably greater. All things work together for good to those who love God. And nothing — neither death nor life nor angels nor things present nor things to come — shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Justification
  • Indwelling Spirit
  • Adoption
  • Final perseverance

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I am of the opinion that there is no comparison between the pain of this present time and the glory which we will see in the future.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time <FI>are<Fi> not worthy <FI>to be compared<Fi> with the glory about to be revealed in us;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come that shall be revealed in us.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy [to be compared] with the coming glory to be revealed to us.

Context

After linking sonship with suffering and glory (v. 17), Paul offers a value judgment in verse 18 to anchor endurance. He then broadens the scope: creation itself awaits the revealing of God’s sons (v. 19), has been subjected to futility in hope (v. 20), and will share in freedom (v. 21). This cosmic perspective (vv. 19–22) provides context for the believer’s own groaning and eager hope for bodily redemption (v. 23), setting up the theme of hope’s unseen nature (vv. 24–25).

v.17and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.

v.18This passage

v.19For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Acts 20:24

    But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • 1 Peter 5:1

    The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

  • 1 John 3:2

    Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.

  • 1 Peter 1:13

    Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

  • 1 Peter 1:5

    who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Sermon ideas from Romans 8:18

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What Romans 8:18 teaches us about justification

  • What Romans 8:18 teaches us about indwelling spirit

  • What Romans 8:18 teaches us about adoption

  • What Romans 8:18 teaches us about final perseverance

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