Romans 2:10
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Original Language Analysis
δόξα
glory
G1391
δόξα
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
1 of 16
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τιμὴ
honour
G5092
τιμὴ
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
4 of 16
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰρήνη
peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
6 of 16
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐργαζομένῳ
that worketh
G2038
ἐργαζομένῳ
that worketh
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
9 of 16
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 32:17And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.Isaiah 26:12LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.Numbers 6:26The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.Job 22:21Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:Luke 1:79To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.James 3:13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.1 Peter 1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:Romans 2:9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Historical Context
Jewish eschatology expected Israel's vindication and glorification in the messianic age. Passages like Isaiah 60-62 described Jerusalem's exaltation and Gentiles streaming to Zion's light. Paul here maintains the "to the Jew first" pattern while universalizing access: Gentiles receive identical glory, honor, and peace through faith in Israel's Messiah. This created controversy in early churches (Acts 15, Galatians), with Jewish Christians reluctant to grant Gentiles equal standing without circumcision.
Questions for Reflection
- Am I working good from a heart transformed by grace, or attempting to earn God's favor through religious performance?
- How does understanding that 'peace' is eschatological wholeness—not mere absence of conflict—deepen my longing for Christ's return?
- What does 'glory and honor' from God look like compared to the approval and accolades I naturally seek from people?
Analysis & Commentary
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good—the identical phrase δόξα δὲ καὶ τιμὴ καὶ εἰρήνη (doxa de kai timē kai eirēnē) from verse 7, now adding εἰρήνη (eirēnē, "peace/shalom"). This term encompasses wholeness, reconciliation with God, restoration of creation's shalom. The present participle ἐργαζομένῳ τὸ ἀγαθόν (ergazomenō to agathon, "working the good") parallels verse 7's perseverance—not isolated acts but lifestyle characterized by righteousness.
Again, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. The symmetry is exact: as judgment falls first on Jews (v. 9), so does blessing—chronologically (Acts 3:26, 13:46) and covenantally. Paul will develop this in chapters 9-11, explaining Israel's temporary hardening and future restoration. The impartiality principle (v. 11) operates both ways: no favoritism in condemnation or salvation. Works demonstrate which group one belongs to, though works never earn salvation.
The trilogy glory, honor, peace describes eschatological wholeness—sharing Christ's glory (Romans 8:17-18), receiving honor from God versus seeking it from people (John 5:44), and experiencing shalom that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). This isn't meritorious reward but gracious gift to those whose faith produces authentic transformation.