Romans 2:7
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
Original Language Analysis
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
To them who by
G3303
μὲν
To them who by
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
καθ'
G2596
καθ'
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὑπομονὴν
patient continuance
G5281
ὑπομονὴν
patient continuance
Strong's:
G5281
Word #:
4 of 14
cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
ἔργου
doing
G2041
ἔργου
doing
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
5 of 14
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
δόξαν
for glory
G1391
δόξαν
for glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
7 of 14
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τιμὴν
honour
G5092
τιμὴν
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
9 of 14
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀφθαρσίαν
immortality
G861
ἀφθαρσίαν
immortality
Strong's:
G861
Word #:
11 of 14
incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness
Cross References
Luke 8:15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.2 Timothy 1:10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.Colossians 1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:Psalms 37:3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.Psalms 27:14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.Romans 2:10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:Romans 8:18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.Galatians 6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Historical Context
Jewish theology expected eternal life in the age to come (olam ha-ba), often based on Torah obedience and covenant membership. Paul here universalizes the principle while shifting the basis from ethnic identity to faith-produced perseverance. The concept of 'seeking glory and honor' echoes Jewish piety that pursued God's approval, but Paul will show (chapter 3) that no one achieves this apart from Christ's righteousness imputed by faith.
Questions for Reflection
- Does my Christian life show 'patient continuance in well doing' or merely sporadic bursts of religious activity?
- Am I seeking glory and honor from people or from God (John 5:44)?
- How does understanding eternal life as qualitative (knowing God) rather than merely quantitative (living forever) transform my pursuit of it?
Analysis & Commentary
To them who by patient continuance in well doing—the Greek καθ᾽ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ (kath' hypomonēn ergou agathou) literally means "according to endurance/perseverance in good work." Ὑπομονή (hypomonē) is not passive waiting but active, steadfast persistence despite opposition. Seek for glory and honour and immortality—the verb ζητοῦσιν (zētousin, "seeking") implies purposeful pursuit. Δόξα (doxa, "glory"), τιμή (timē, "honor"), and ἀφθαρσία (aphtharsia, "incorruption/immortality") describe eschatological rewards.
This verse describes authentic saving faith: not a one-time decision but patient continuance in righteousness. Paul anticipates Philippians 1:6: "he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it." Perseverance evidences election (John 10:27-29, 1 John 2:19). The pursuit of glory, honor, immortality is not selfish ambition but proper Christian hedonism—seeking ultimate satisfaction in God's eternal presence (Psalm 16:11).
Eternal life—ζωὴν αἰώνιον (zōēn aiōnion), not merely endless existence but qualitative, resurrection life. Paul's grammar suggests reward, not merit: God gives eternal life to those whose faith produces perseverance. This harmonizes justification by faith (instant) with sanctification by works (progressive proof of genuine conversion).