Romans 2:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 2:10 articulates God's impartial justice, promising "glory, honour, and peace" to every individual, both Jew and Gentile, who actively practices good works. This verse stands in stark contrast to the preceding verse, which describes divine wrath for those who commit evil, thereby establishing a fundamental principle of God's righteous judgment based on deeds rather than ethnic or religious identity alone. It underscores the universal scope of God's moral economy, where genuine righteousness is recognized and rewarded.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 2:10 is an integral part of Paul's sustained argument in [Romans 2](/romans/2 "Romans 2 - God's Righteous Judgment") concerning God's righteous and impartial judgment of humanity. It functions as the positive counterpart to [Romans 2:9](/romans/2-9 "Romans 2:9 - Indignation and Wrath for Evil"), which warns of "indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish" for those who do evil. This immediate juxtaposition highlights a clear cause-and-effect relationship between human actions and divine recompense. Paul is systematically dismantling any notion that a person's ethnic or religious affiliation (specifically, being Jewish) automatically guarantees favor or exemption from judgment. Instead, he asserts that God judges all people according to their deeds, setting the stage for his profound exposition on justification by faith in subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Roman Empire, particularly within its diverse capital, there was a complex interplay between Jewish and Gentile communities. Jews, as the covenant people of God, often held a sense of spiritual superiority, believing their adherence to the Law and their unique relationship with God guaranteed their salvation. Gentiles, on the other hand, were largely seen as outside the covenant. Paul's audience in Rome included both Jewish and Gentile believers, and his letter addresses the tensions and misunderstandings between these groups. By emphasizing that God's judgment and reward apply "to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile," Paul directly challenges the exclusivist tendencies of some Jewish Christians and establishes a level playing field under God's universal moral law, preparing the ground for the radical inclusivity of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Romans](/romans "The Book of Romans - Paul's Magnum Opus on Righteousness"). Foremost is the theme of **God's Impartiality in Judgment**, explicitly stated in [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality"), which asserts that God "does not show favoritism." The verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Recompense**, demonstrating that God is a righteous judge who "will repay each person according to what they have done" ([Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Just Recompense")). Furthermore, it introduces the crucial theme of **Universal Accountability**, establishing that both Jews and Gentiles are subject to God's standards and will be judged by their actions, thereby setting the stage for the revelation that all, without exception, are in need of God's grace through faith in Christ, as elaborated in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of *dokeō* (to seem, to think), *dóxa* refers to glory as something very apparent, often associated with divine splendor, honor, and praise. In this context, it signifies the divine approbation and exalted status that God bestows upon those who live righteously, reflecting His own inherent glory. It is a manifestation of God's favorable judgment.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Likely from a primary verb meaning "to join," *eirḗnē* denotes peace in its fullest sense—not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of wholeness, well-being, harmony, and prosperity. It encompasses inner tranquility, right relationship with God, and harmonious relationships with others. This peace is a profound spiritual blessing, a divine gift for those who align their lives with God's will.
* **Worketh good (Greek, _ergázomai agathós'_):** *Ergázomai* means "to toil, labor, perform, effect," indicating active engagement and consistent practice. *Agathós* refers to that which is inherently good, beneficial, and morally excellent. Together, "worketh good" describes a life characterized by the active and intentional performance of deeds that are pleasing to God and beneficial to others, rather than mere good intentions or passive virtue. It implies a lifestyle of practical righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But glory, honour, and peace":** This phrase introduces the positive outcome for those who live righteously, standing in direct antithesis to the negative consequences (indignation, wrath, tribulation, anguish) described in the preceding verse for those who do evil. "Glory" (doxa), "honour" (timē), and "peace" (eirēnē) represent the multifaceted divine reward—a state of exalted recognition, esteemed dignity, and profound well-being that emanates from God's favorable judgment.
* **"to every man that worketh good":** This clause specifies the recipient of these blessings: "every man" (pas) without distinction, provided they are actively engaged in "working good" (ergazomai agathon). The emphasis is on consistent, practical righteousness, demonstrating that God's reward is contingent upon a life of obedient action, not merely profession or identity. It underscores the universal applicability of God's moral standard.
* **"to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile":** This crucial qualification highlights the historical and covenantal priority of the Jewish people, who first received God's revelation and covenant. However, the immediate addition "and also to the Gentile" emphatically extends the scope of God's judgment and reward to all humanity. It abolishes any notion of ethnic or religious partiality in God's ultimate assessment of deeds, establishing a level playing field where both Jew and Gentile are equally accountable and equally eligible for divine recompense based on their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [Romans 2:10](/romans/2-10 "Romans 2:10 - Glory, Honour, and Peace"). The most prominent is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting the positive outcome in this verse with the negative consequences detailed in [Romans 2:9](/romans/2-9 "Romans 2:9 - Indignation and Wrath for Evil"). This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, emphasizing the clear distinction between the paths of good and evil and their respective divine responses. The use of a **Triad** ("glory, honour, and peace") adds a sense of completeness and fullness to the promised blessings, making the reward seem comprehensive and desirable. Furthermore, Paul uses **Parallelism** in the structure "to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile," which underscores the universality and impartiality of God's judgment. This rhetorical balance serves to reinforce his theological argument that God's moral economy applies equally to all people, regardless of their background.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 2:10 is a foundational statement on God's just character, revealing Him as a righteous judge who meticulously evaluates human conduct. It is crucial to understand that Paul is not advocating for salvation by works here, but rather establishing the universal standard of God's moral law and the accountability of all humanity before it. This passage sets the stage for the subsequent argument that *no one* perfectly "works good" according to God's standard, thus demonstrating the universal need for God's grace and the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. The blessings of "glory, honour, and peace" are presented as the just recompense for a life aligned with God's will, serving as a powerful motivation for ethical living even as it exposes humanity's inherent inability to meet this standard perfectly.

* [Proverbs 24:12](/proverbs/24-12 "Proverbs 2:12 - God Repays According to Deeds")
* [Matthew 16:27](/matthew/16-27 "Matthew 16:27 - Jesus Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")
* [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return and Recompense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound reminder that God is not indifferent to our actions. While our salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Christ, this passage underscores that genuine faith is never barren; it invariably expresses itself through a life of good works. It challenges us to examine our lives: are we actively "working good" in our daily interactions, our choices, and our service? The promise of "glory, honour, and peace" is not merely an external reward but also speaks to the internal transformation and spiritual flourishing that accompany a life lived in obedience to God. It encourages us to pursue righteousness not out of a desire to earn salvation, but as a natural outflow of a heart transformed by God's love, knowing that our efforts, empowered by the Spirit, are seen and valued by our impartial God. This passage calls us to live intentionally, demonstrating our faith through tangible acts of goodness, reflecting God's character to a watching world, and finding true peace in alignment with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "glory, honour, and peace" motivate your pursuit of good works, knowing that salvation is by grace?**
* **In what specific areas of your life can you more intentionally "work good" today?**
* **How does the concept of God's impartiality in judgment challenge any biases or prejudices you might hold towards others?**
* **What does "peace" in this context mean to you, and how do your actions contribute to or detract from it in your life and relationships?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 2:10 contradict the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith?**

Answer: No, Romans 2:10 does not contradict the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith; rather, it complements and contextualizes it within Paul's broader argument in [Romans](/romans "The Book of Romans"). Paul's primary aim in [Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - The Gospel of God's Righteousness") and [Romans 2](/romans/2 "Romans 2 - God's Righteous Judgment") is to establish the universal sinfulness of humanity—both Gentiles (who suppress the truth) and Jews (who fail to keep the Law)—thereby demonstrating that all are under God's righteous judgment and in need of a Savior. Verses like [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done") and [Romans 2:10](/romans/2-10 "Glory, Honour, and Peace for Those Who Do Good") highlight God's just standard: He will reward those who genuinely "work good." However, the subsequent chapters, particularly [Romans 3](/romans/3 "No One Is Righteous"), reveal that no one perfectly meets this standard on their own. Therefore, the "good works" mentioned here are not a means to earn salvation, but rather the expected outflow or evidence of a life transformed by God's grace. True saving faith, as articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Saved by Grace, Created for Good Works"), is a gift that *leads* to good works, not one that is *earned* by them. Paul is setting up the problem of human sinfulness to highlight the necessity and glory of God's solution: justification by faith in Christ, which he elaborates on from [Romans 3:21](/romans/3-21 "Righteousness Through Faith") onward.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Romans 2:10 speaks of God's reward for those who "work good," its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is incapable of perfectly and consistently "working good" according to God's holy standard, as Paul himself argues in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All Have Sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of God"). It is Jesus Christ alone who perfectly fulfilled the law and perfectly "worked good" in every sense, living a life of absolute obedience and righteousness ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Therefore, the "glory, honour, and peace" promised in this verse are ultimately secured for believers through their union with Christ. When we are justified by faith in Him, His perfect righteousness is imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin So We Might Become the Righteousness of God")). Moreover, it is through the indwelling Holy Spirit, given to those who believe in Christ ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "The Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus")), that believers are empowered to genuinely "work good," not to earn salvation, but as a fruit of their new life in Him ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, Romans 2:10 points to the righteous standard of God, which only Christ perfectly met, and through whom all who believe can now participate in a life that brings God "glory, honour, and peace."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.