Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Original Language Analysis
Λογίζομαι
I reckon
G3049
Λογίζομαι
I reckon
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
1 of 17
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παθήματα
the sufferings
G3804
παθήματα
the sufferings
Strong's:
G3804
Word #:
7 of 17
something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
of this present
G3568
νῦν
of this present
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
9 of 17
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
πρὸς
to be compared with
G4314
πρὸς
to be compared with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
11 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέλλουσαν
which shall
G3195
μέλλουσαν
which shall
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
13 of 17
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
δόξαν
the glory
G1391
δόξαν
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
14 of 17
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Colossians 3:4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.2 Thessalonians 2:14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Peter 5:1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:Hebrews 11:35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Historical Context
Paul wrote during Nero's early reign (AD 57); persecution would intensify dramatically within a decade. For Roman Christians facing potential martyrdom, this verse provided hope: present suffering, however intense, cannot compare with coming glory. This sustained believers through centuries of persecution from Nero through Diocletian.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating future glory help endure present suffering without minimizing real pain?
- What specific aspects of "the glory to be revealed" do you most long for?
- How does this verse answer the question "Why do Christians suffer?"
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (logizomai hoti ouk axia ta pathēmata tou nun kairou pros tēn mellousan doxan apokalupthēnai eis hēmas)—Logizomai ("I reckon") is accounting terminology: Paul has calculated the comparison and reached a verdict. Ouk axia ("not worthy") means sufferings don't deserve comparison—the disproportion is infinite. Pathēmata includes all Christian suffering: persecution, illness, loss, sorrow.
The glory which shall be revealed in us (tēn mellousan doxan apokalupthēnai eis hēmas)—The glory isn't merely to us but in us (eis hēmas). The passive apokalupthēnai ("be revealed") indicates God unveils what is presently hidden. Believers will be transformed into Christ's glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2). This glory is melousa ("about to be"), imminent on God's timeline though delayed by human reckoning (2 Peter 3:8-9).