Romans 2:9

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Tribulation {G2347} and {G2532} anguish {G4730}, upon {G1909} every {G3956} soul {G5590} of man {G444} that doeth {G2716} evil {G2556}, of the Jew {G2453} first {G4412}, and {G5037} also {G2532} of the Gentile {G1672};

Yes, he will pay back misery and anguish to every human being who does evil, to the Jew first, then to the Gentile;

There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;

tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that worketh evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek;

Romans 2:9 KJV speaks plainly about the consequences awaiting those who persistently practice evil, emphasizing the universal reach of God's judgment upon both Jews and Gentiles. It underscores that suffering and distress are the outcome for every person who chooses a path contrary to God's will, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's argument in Romans chapters 1 and 2 concerning God's righteous judgment. Having established in Romans 1 that the Gentiles are without excuse because they suppressed the truth about God, Paul turns his attention in Romans 2 to those who might judge others, particularly his fellow Jews. He argues that mere possession of the Law or outward religious observance does not save one from judgment if they do not obey it. This verse follows the declaration in Romans 2:6 that God will render to every man according to his deeds. Romans 2:9 describes the negative side of this judgment – the result for those who do evil.

Key Themes

  • God's Judgment: The verse highlights the certainty and severity of God's judgment against sin.
  • Consequences of Evil: It explicitly links doing evil with experiencing "tribulation and anguish."
  • Impartiality: The phrase "of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile" is crucial. It counteracts any idea that being Jewish or having the Law provides immunity from judgment if one practices evil. God's standard applies equally to all.
  • Universality of Sin: By stating "every soul of man," the verse implies the widespread nature of sin and the accountability of all humanity before God. This sets the stage for Paul's later declaration that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "tribulation" is thlipsis, which can mean pressure, oppression, affliction, or distress. "Anguish" is stenochoria, literally meaning "narrowness of space," conveying a sense of being hemmed in, restricted, or experiencing great distress and difficulty. Together, these words paint a vivid picture of the intense suffering and distress that will come upon those judged for their evil deeds. The phrase "of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile" (Ioudaiou te prōton kai Hellēnos) emphasizes priority in opportunity and historical covenant (the Law was given to the Jews first), but equal accountability in judgment.

Reflection and Application

Romans 2:9 serves as a stark warning about the reality of God's judgment on sin. It challenges any notion of favoritism or privilege based on background or religious affiliation apart from genuine obedience and faith. For believers, it reinforces the immense grace found in Jesus Christ, who bore the tribulation and anguish for sin, offering salvation to everyone who believes, whether Jew or Gentile. The verse calls everyone to take seriously the consequences of choosing evil and to seek righteousness through Christ.

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.

  • 1 Peter 4:17

    For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

  • Ezekiel 18:4

    Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

  • Romans 1:16

    ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6

    Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

  • Ephesians 2:11

    ¶ Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

  • Ephesians 2:17

    And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

  • Romans 2:10

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