Romans 2:5

KJV

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} after {G2596} thy {G4675} hardness {G4643} and {G2532} impenitent {G279} heart {G2588} treasurest up {G2343} unto thyself {G4572} wrath {G3709} against {G1722} the day {G2250} of wrath {G3709} and {G2532} revelation {G602} of the righteous judgment {G1341} of God {G2316};

Complete Jewish Bible

But by your stubbornness, by your unrepentant heart, you are storing up anger for yourself on the Day of Anger, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed;

Berean Standard Bible

But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

American Standard Version

but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 2:5 serves as a profound warning, revealing the severe consequences for those who, through persistent spiritual insensitivity and an unwillingness to repent, accumulate divine judgment upon themselves. Instead of being led to repentance by God's patience, their stubbornness actively stores up a reservoir of wrath that will be fully unveiled on the appointed "day of wrath" when God's perfectly righteous judgment is revealed to all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation and intensification of Paul's argument in [Romans 2](/romans/2 "Romans 2 - God's Impartial Judgment"). Having just highlighted God's immense "kindness, forbearance, and longsuffering" which are intended to lead humanity to repentance ([Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Kindness Leading to Repentance")), Paul pivots sharply in verse 5 to present the grim alternative. He is addressing those (likely both Jews and Gentiles, but with a particular emphasis on the self-righteous Jew) who, despite possessing knowledge of God's standards or experiencing His common grace, persist in sin while hypocritically judging others. The "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a strong contrast, emphasizing that God's patience is not an endorsement of sin, but rather a window of opportunity that, if rejected, leads to a compounding of guilt. This verse sets the stage for Paul's subsequent declaration that God will render to each person according to their deeds ([Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Renders According to Deeds")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. Within this context, there was a prevailing Jewish understanding of God's covenantal relationship and the Law, which often led to a sense of spiritual superiority over Gentiles. Paul challenges this presumption, arguing that God's judgment is impartial, applying equally to all who live contrary to His will, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The concept of a "day of wrath" or "day of the Lord" was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic tradition (e.g., [Isaiah 13:9](/isaiah/13-9 "Isaiah 13:9 - The Day of the Lord"), [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Great and Awesome Day of the Lord")), signifying a future time of divine reckoning. Paul adapts this concept, applying it universally to all humanity, emphasizing that God's justice transcends cultural or religious distinctions.

* **Key Themes:** [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - The Consequence of Hardness") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans. Firstly, it underscores the **nature of human sin and responsibility**, highlighting that a hardened heart and impenitence are not merely passive states but active rejections of God's grace. Secondly, the theme of **divine judgment and justice** is central; God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous and inevitable response to persistent rebellion. The "treasuring up wrath" metaphor vividly portrays the cumulative effect of unrepented sin, leading to a just recompense. Thirdly, it reinforces the **certainty of eschatological judgment**, pointing forward to a future "day of wrath" when God's hidden judgment will be fully and publicly revealed. This theme serves as a solemn counterpoint to the preceding emphasis on God's patience, demonstrating that divine longsuffering has a limit and a purpose, ultimately leading to either repentance or judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hardness (Greek, _sklērótēs'_):** From G4643, this term denotes callousness or stubbornness. In this context, it refers to a spiritual insensitivity, a resistance to the promptings of God's Spirit and truth. It's not merely ignorance but a willful refusal to respond to God's kindness and leading toward repentance.
* **Impenitent (Greek, _ametanóētos'_):** From G279, this word signifies "unrepentant" or "without change of mind." It describes a state where an individual refuses to turn away from sin and toward God. This is a crucial aspect, as repentance (Greek, _metanoia_) involves a fundamental change of heart and direction, and its absence here indicates a deliberate and persistent rebellion.
* **Treasurest up (Greek, _thēsaurízō'_):** From G2343, meaning "to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)." This verb paints a vivid picture of actively accumulating something. Here, it's used in a negative sense, implying that every act of unrepented sin and every moment of hardened impenitence contributes to a growing store of divine judgment, much like one might accumulate wealth.
* **Wrath (Greek, _orgḗ'_):** From G3709, this refers to violent passion, ire, or justifiable abhorrence; by implication, punishment. In reference to God, _orgḗ_ is not capricious human anger but His settled, righteous opposition to sin and evil. It is an attribute of His holy character, ensuring justice will be meted out against unrighteousness.
* **Righteous judgment (Greek, _dikaiokrisía'_):** From G1341, meaning "a just sentence." This compound word emphasizes the absolute equity and fairness of God's final verdict. It assures that the judgment rendered on the "day of wrath" will be perfectly just, based on truth and each person's deeds, leaving no room for accusation of unfairness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But after thy hardness and impenitent heart":** This phrase identifies the root cause of the dire consequence that follows. The "hardness" (sklērótēs) speaks to a spiritual insensitivity and resistance to God's influence, while "impenitent heart" (ametanóētos kardía) specifies the refusal to change one's mind or direction regarding sin. This is not a passive state but an active, willful resistance to God's grace and a rejection of His call to repentance, which Paul previously described as God's intention in [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Kindness Leading to Repentance").
* **"treasurest up unto thyself wrath":** This is a powerful and chilling metaphor. The individual is actively, albeit unwittingly, accumulating divine wrath. Like storing up treasure, every act of unrepented sin and every moment of stubbornness adds to a growing reserve of God's righteous indignation. This "wrath" (orgḗ) is God's settled, holy opposition to sin, not an emotional outburst, and it is being "treasured up" by the individual's own choices, not by God's arbitrary decision.
* **"against the day of wrath":** This specifies the timing and nature of the reckoning. It refers to a definite, future eschatological event or period when God's righteous judgment will be fully executed. This "day" (hēméra) is not merely a metaphor for a general principle, but a specific, appointed time of divine retribution, a common theme in prophetic literature.
* **"and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;":** This final clause clarifies the character and public nature of the coming judgment. On that "day of wrath," God's judgment will not be hidden or mysterious but will be openly "revealed" (apokálypsis). Furthermore, this judgment will be undeniably "righteous" (dikaiokrisía), meaning it will be perfectly just, fair, and in accordance with God's holy character, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to justice and truth.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 2:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its solemn warning. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "treasurest up unto thyself wrath." This vivid image likens divine wrath to a commodity that can be accumulated, emphasizing the cumulative effect of persistent sin and impenitence. It implies that every act of rebellion, rather than being forgotten, adds to a growing debt that will eventually be called due. There is also a strong element of **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** with the preceding verse, [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Kindness Leading to Repentance"), where God's "kindness, forbearance, and longsuffering" are presented as leading to repentance. Verse 5 starkly contrasts this divine invitation with the human response of hardness and impenitence, highlighting the tragic choice to reject grace. The phrase "day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God" employs **Eschatological Language**, pointing to a future, definitive event of divine reckoning, building anticipation and solemnity. Finally, the use of "thy" and "thyself" employs **Direct Address**, making the warning intensely personal and inescapable for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 2:5 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God's justice is an inherent and active attribute of His character, not merely a reactive emotion. While He is longsuffering and patient, His holiness demands a response to sin. The concept of "treasuring up wrath" underscores human accountability and the cumulative nature of unrepented sin; it is not God arbitrarily storing up anger, but rather the individual's persistent rebellion that creates a just cause for divine recompense. This verse establishes that God's judgment is not only certain but also perfectly righteous and transparent, ensuring that when the "day of wrath" arrives, His verdict will be undeniably just and revealed for all to see. It serves as a stark reminder that God's grace, though abundant, is not infinite in its offer to the unrepentant heart, and its rejection leads to an inevitable and just consequence.

* [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment") - Describes the final judgment where all are judged according to their deeds.
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "God Will Render to Each According to His Deeds") - Directly follows, reinforcing the principle that God will repay each person according to what they have done.
* [2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7-8 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - The Revelation of the Lord Jesus with His Mighty Angels") - Speaks of the Lord Jesus being revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 2:5 serves as a solemn and urgent call to introspection for every individual. It challenges the dangerous assumption that God's patience implies indifference or that unconfessed sin can be indefinitely postponed without consequence. Instead, it reveals that every moment of spiritual complacency, every instance of resisting the Holy Spirit's conviction, and every unrepented sin contributes to a growing spiritual debt. This verse compels us to examine our hearts: Are we truly responding to God's kindness with genuine repentance, or are we, perhaps subtly, allowing areas of our lives to remain hardened and impenitent? The "day of wrath" is not just a distant theological concept but a certain reality, and our present choices are actively shaping our future standing before God. Therefore, the most vital application is an immediate and sincere turning to God, embracing His grace and allowing His Spirit to soften any remaining hardness, ensuring that we are not "treasuring up wrath" but rather building a foundation of faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might I be taking God's patience and forbearance for granted in my own life or in specific areas of unaddressed sin?**
* **Are there aspects of my heart or life that I have allowed to become hardened or impenitent, resisting God's gentle leading?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a more responsive, tender heart towards God's truth and the conviction of the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ
**Does "treasuring up wrath" mean God is actively storing up anger, or is it a consequence of human action?**

Answer: The phrase "treasurest up unto thyself wrath" primarily emphasizes that the *individual's* persistent "hardness and impenitent heart" is the active cause of this accumulation. It's not that God is capriciously collecting anger, but rather that His righteous character ensures a just and inevitable response to unrepented sin. God's wrath (G3709, _orgḗ_) is His settled, holy opposition to all unrighteousness, an attribute of His perfect justice. When individuals continually reject His grace and persist in rebellion, they are, by their own actions, building up a just cause for His righteous judgment. This concept highlights human responsibility for the consequences of their choices, underscoring that the judgment to come is a direct and equitable response to their own accumulated sin, as seen in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - The Wrath of God Revealed Against All Ungodliness").

**What is the "day of wrath" and when will it occur?**

Answer: The "day of wrath" (G2250, _hēméra_ G3709, _orgḗ_) refers to a specific, future eschatological period or event when God's righteous judgment will be fully and publicly executed upon those who have rejected His grace and remained in sin. It is not necessarily a single 24-hour day but rather a climactic culmination of divine judgment. This concept is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy, often called "the day of the Lord," signifying a time of divine intervention and reckoning. In the New Testament, it is consistently presented as a future reality for all humanity, a time when God's justice will be fully revealed and every person will give an account for their deeds. While the precise timing is known only to God, Scripture indicates it will occur at the end of the age, often associated with the return of Christ and the final judgment, as described in passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations") and [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 2:5, with its stern warning of "treasuring up wrath" against the "day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very wrath that humanity, by its hardness and impenitence, stores up against itself, was fully poured out upon Jesus on the cross. He, the sinless Son of God, became the perfect substitute, bearing the divine judgment that we deserved ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Him Who Knew No Sin To Be Sin For Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus satisfied the demands of God's righteous justice, offering a way for humanity to escape the coming "day of wrath" ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath Through Him")). Furthermore, Christ is not only the one who bore the wrath but also the one appointed by the Father to be the righteous judge ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has All Judgment to the Son")). His first coming was in grace, not to condemn ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Did Not Send His Son Into The World To Condemn The World")), but His second coming will indeed be for judgment. Thus, the only way to avoid "treasuring up wrath" is to turn from one's hardness and impenitence and embrace the saving grace offered through faith in Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

Romans 1:18

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Romans 2:2

But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

Romans 2:3

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

Hebrews 3:15

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Jude 1:6

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

2 Peter 3:7

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.