Keraia
Romans 2

Romans 2:8

God’s Righteous Judgment · Romans 2:1–16
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Translations

Modern
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.
Traditional
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Literal
…but to those of self-interest and disobeying the truth but obeying unrighteousness, wrath and anger;
Latin
…iis autem qui sunt ex contentione, et qui non acquiescunt veritati, credunt autem iniquitati, ira et indignatio.

Original

Greek
English
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.

Notes

Romans 2:8

self-seeking: This phrase translates a rare Greek word, eritheia, which means selfish ambition or strife. The Greek philosopher Aristotle used this word to criticize politicians of his time. He said they pursued public office for personal gain instead of wanting to serve the people (Aristotle, Politics 5.3; see also 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20; Philippians 1:17; 2:3; James 3:14, 16).

Romans 2:6–11

Paul uses a chiasm (a pattern shaped like an “X,” where ideas are repeated in reverse order) to make his point:

  • A God judges everyone the same (2:6)

    • B Life is the reward for doing good (2:7)

      • C Wrath is the penalty for evil (2:8)

      • C′ Wrath for doing evil (2:9)

    • B′ Life for doing good (2:10)

  • A' God shows no favoritism (2:11)

Romans 1:18–3:20

Paul waits to explain righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until he first teaches about the sinfulness of all people. Both non-Jews and Jews are equally under the power of sin (1:18–32; 2:1–3:8). Because of this, both groups are in the same situation before God. No one can gain God’s favor by their own actions or obedience (3:9–20). All people need God’s saving action, not their own efforts.

Parallels

Psalm 75:1–10

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Faith Hell Letter to the Romans Sin

Topics

Applying the Bible Attention Seekers Confronting Sin Eternal Death is Described as Indignation, Wrath Evil Men Following the Will of God Gentiles: Unclassified Sciptures Relating To Going to Hell Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works Judgment: The General Missionaries Pressing toward the Goal Return of Christ Righteousness: The Wicked do not Obey Self-seeking Selfish Ambitions Strife: General Scriptures Concerning The Anger of God is Righteous The Anger of God: Against: The Wicked The Anger of God: Specially Reserved for the Day of Wrath The End Times Truth: should be Obeyed What Happens When you Die Wicked (People): Contrasted with Righteous People Wicked (People): Described