Romans 2:10

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

But {G1161}{G2532} glory {G1391}, honour {G5092}, and {G2532} peace {G1515}, to every man {G3956} that worketh {G2038} good {G18}, to the Jew {G2453} first {G4412}, and {G5037} also {G2532} to the Gentile {G1672}:

but glory and honor and shalom to everyone who keeps doing what is good, to the Jew first, then to the Gentile.

but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.

but glory and honor and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek:

Romans 2:10 is part of Paul's argument about God's impartial judgment, contrasting the negative consequences for those who do evil with the positive outcomes for those who do good.

Context

This verse immediately follows Romans 2:9, which describes "indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish" for those who do evil. Romans 2:10 presents the opposite outcome, highlighting God's justice in rewarding righteous behavior. Paul is establishing that God's judgment is based on deeds, not merely on one's ethnic or religious identity, setting the stage for his later discussion on justification by faith. The entire chapter emphasizes God's impartiality in judgment, holding everyone accountable.

Key Themes

  • Reward for Good Works: The verse promises "glory, honour, and peace" to those who actively "work good." This is presented as the just reward from God for righteous living and action.
  • God's Impartiality and Justice: It reinforces the principle that God is a righteous judge who gives to each person according to their deeds, whether good or evil (Romans 2:6).
  • Inclusion of Jew and Gentile: By stating "to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile," Paul acknowledges the historical and covenantal priority of the Jewish people while clearly stating that God's system of judgment and reward applies equally to all who do good, regardless of their background. This foreshadows the later theme of unity and equality in Christ for both groups.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "worketh good" comes from the Greek ergazomai agathon (ἐργάζομαι ἀγαθόν). Ergazomai means "to work, labor, perform," indicating active effort or practice. Agathon refers to that which is good, beneficial, or morally right. So, it speaks of a life characterized by actively doing good deeds, not just having good intentions. The rewards promised - doxa (glory), timē (honour), and eirēnē (peace) - are significant blessings, contrasting sharply with the negative consequences mentioned in the preceding verse.

Reflection and Application

This verse serves as an encouragement that God sees and will reward righteous living. While salvation is by grace through faith, this passage reminds us that genuine faith is demonstrated through good works (Ephesians 2:10). It challenges any notion of spiritual favoritism based solely on heritage, emphasizing that God's favor rests upon those who live righteously. The promise of "peace" is particularly comforting, suggesting that living in accordance with God's will brings inner tranquility and right relationship with Him and others.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 32:17

    And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

  • Isaiah 26:12

    ¶ LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

  • Numbers 6:26

    The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

  • Luke 1:79

    To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

  • James 3:13

    ¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

  • Romans 2:7

    To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

  • Job 22:21

    ¶ Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
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