Romans 2:9

Translations

Modern

There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;

Traditional

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Literal

…tribulation and distress upon every soul of man working evil, both of Jew first, and also of Greek;

Latin

Tribulatio et angustia in omnem animam hominis operantis malum, Judæi primum, et Græci:

Original

Greek

English

There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;

Notes

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) God’s Anger Jews and Gentiles (Non-Jews) Messages Against the Nations Natural Revelation Retribution Sin Enters the World The Purpose of the Judgments Trusting in Human Strength

Related verses

1 Peter 4:17
For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
Ezekiel 18:4
Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die.
Romans 3:29–30
Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,
Acts 13:46–47
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
2 Thessalonians 1:6
After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
Romans 9:24
…including us, whom He has called not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles?
Acts 3:26
When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
Luke 24:47
…and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
Romans 2:10
…but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.
Acts 18:5–6
And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
Ephesians 2:11–17
Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)—

Parallels

Psalm 75:1–10

People

Javan: Son of Japheth; ancestor of Greek people Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

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

Topics

Eternal Death is Described as Indignation, Wrath Gentiles: Comprehend all Nations Except the Jews Gentiles: Unclassified Sciptures Relating To Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works Judgment: The General Racial Equality The Punishment of the Wicked: Shall Be: According to Their Deeds Wicked (People): Contrasted with Righteous People

Romans 2:9

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