Romans 2:8
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Original Language Analysis
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
unto them that are contentious
G1537
ἐξ
unto them that are contentious
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐριθείας
G2052
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
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
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πειθομένοις
obey
G3982
πειθομένοις
obey
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
10 of 16
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικίᾳ
unrighteousness
G93
ἀδικίᾳ
unrighteousness
Strong's:
G93
Word #:
13 of 16
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
Cross References
Revelation 16:19And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Historical Context
Paul's audience, steeped in Old Testament prophets, knew God's wrath intimately: the Flood, Sodom, wilderness wanderings, exile to Babylon. Prophets like Nahum (1:2-6) and Zephaniah (1:14-18) vividly described divine fury against rebellion. However, Jews often projected this wrath onto Gentiles while presuming immunity. Paul's rhetoric here is egalitarian: wrath falls on all who disobey truth, regardless of ethnicity. This challenged the presumption that covenant membership created a wrath shield.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of my life do I 'obey unrighteousness'—compromise with sin—while professing to obey truth?
- How does understanding God's wrath as righteous opposition to evil deepen my gratitude for Christ bearing it in my place?
- What 'contentious' attitudes—resisting correction, defending sin—reveal an unrepentant heart?
Analysis & Commentary
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—ἐριθεία (eritheia, "contentiousness/selfish ambition") describes factious self-will, resisting God's authority. The contrast ἀπειθοῦσι τῇ ἀληθείᾳ (apeithusi tē alētheia, "disobey the truth") versus πειθομένοις δὲ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ (peithomenois de tē adikia, "obeying unrighteousness") shows that rejecting truth involves active embrace of evil, not mere neutrality. Ἀλήθεια (alētheia, "truth") in Paul means gospel reality, not abstract philosophy.
Indignation and wrath—ὀργὴ καὶ θυμός (orgē kai thymos). Θυμός (thymos) is passionate anger or fury; ὀργή (orgē) is settled wrath. Together they emphasize God's fierce opposition to rebellion. This verse demolishes the modern sentimentality that sees God's love as excluding judgment. Scripture consistently presents divine wrath as love's necessary corollary—God's opposition to evil that destroys His beloved image-bearers.
The parallelism with verse 7 is exact: patient continuance versus contentious rebellion, seeking truth versus obeying unrighteousness, eternal life versus indignation and wrath. Paul constructs an inescapable binary: no neutral ground exists. Jesus made identical claims in John 3:36: "he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."