Romans 5:4
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκιμὴ
experience
G1382
δοκιμὴ
experience
Strong's:
G1382
Word #:
4 of 8
test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Psalms 71:14But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.Romans 15:4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Historical Context
The concept of dokimē (tested character) would resonate with Roman readers familiar with metallurgy and the extensive testing required for coins to bear imperial stamp. Paul appropriates this imagery for spiritual formation: God's 'testing' doesn't discover unknown flaws (as if He were uncertain) but refines believers and demonstrates to them and the watching world the genuineness of their faith. The apostolic expectation was not comfort but conformity to Christ through suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you identify a past trial that, viewed retrospectively, proved your faith genuine and deepened your hope?
- Why does suffering tend to produce either deeper hope or complete despair—what makes the difference?
- How does understanding trials as divine refining rather than random misfortune change your response to hardship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And patience, experience; and experience, hope—Paul traces a progressive chain: ὑπομονή (hypomonē, patient endurance) produces δοκιμή (dokimē, proven character/tested genuineness), which generates ἐλπίς (elpis, hope). The term dokimē derives from δοκιμάζω, to test metals for purity—trials refine believers, burning away dross and proving genuine faith (1 Peter 1:7).
The progression is not automatic but reflects God's sanctifying work through affliction. Each link strengthens the next: trials test faith, testing proves genuineness, proven character deepens eschatological hope. This is the opposite of worldly disappointment, where unmet hopes produce cynicism. Christian suffering paradoxically intensifies hope by demonstrating God's sustaining grace and conforming believers to Christ's sufferings (Philippians 3:10).