Romans 5:3

KJV

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} not {G3756} only {G3440} so, but {G235} we glory {G2744} in {G1722} tribulations {G2347} also {G2532}: knowing {G1492} that {G3754} tribulation {G2347} worketh {G2716} patience {G5281};

Complete Jewish Bible

But not only that, let us also boast in our troubles; because we know that trouble produces endurance,

Berean Standard Bible

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

American Standard Version

And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Building upon the profound peace and confident hope that believers possess through faith in Jesus Christ, Romans 5:3 introduces a counter-intuitive yet deeply transformative truth: not only do we rejoice in our spiritual blessings, but we are also called to find a profound sense of triumph and purpose in the midst of life's difficulties. This verse initiates a vital theological progression, revealing that the trials and pressures we face are not meaningless, but are divinely purposed to cultivate an enduring steadfastness within us, laying the groundwork for further spiritual maturity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 5:3 immediately follows Paul's declaration of peace with God through faith and access to His grace, in which believers stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Peace with God and Hope of Glory")). The conjunction "And not only [so], but" (G1161 `dé` and G235 `allá`) serves as a crucial bridge, indicating that the experience of the believer extends beyond the initial joy of salvation to encompass even the most challenging aspects of life. This verse marks the beginning of a profound chain of virtues (tribulation, patience, experience/character, hope) that culminates in the assurance of God's love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - The Chain of Virtues")). It shifts the focus from the objective reality of salvation to the subjective, transformative process of sanctification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire. Christians in this era often faced social ostracism, economic disadvantage, and sporadic persecution for their refusal to participate in pagan worship or acknowledge the emperor as divine. The concept of "glorying" or "rejoicing" in suffering would have been utterly alien to the Greco-Roman worldview, which typically sought to avoid pain and pursue comfort. For Stoics, endurance was a virtue, but it was often a grim resignation, not a joyful boasting. Paul's teaching here directly challenges these prevailing cultural norms, offering a distinctively Christian perspective on adversity rooted in a theological understanding of God's sovereign purpose and the believer's ultimate hope.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Suffering and Sanctification**, demonstrating that trials are not punitive but formative, integral to the believer's spiritual growth. It introduces the concept of **Hope as a Steadfast Anchor**, showing how tribulations, far from undermining hope, actually solidify it by producing character. Furthermore, it highlights the **Paradox of the Christian Life**, where joy is found not in the absence of hardship, but in its purposeful endurance. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis on the transformative power of the Gospel, which reorients the believer's perspective on all of life, including suffering, as seen in passages like [Philippians 3:7-11](/philippians/3-7-11 "Philippians 3:7-11 - Loss for the Sake of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Greek, _kaucháomai'_):** From G2744, meaning "to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense); (make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice." In this context, _kaucháomai_ carries a positive connotation, suggesting a triumphant, exultant boasting or rejoicing. It's not merely enduring suffering, but finding a deep, abiding joy and even a sense of pride in the process, knowing its ultimate purpose. This is a radical reorientation of perspective, transforming what would typically be a cause for despair into a reason for spiritual celebration.
* **Tribulations (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From G2347, meaning "pressure (literally or figuratively); afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble." This word vividly describes the nature of suffering as a crushing, squeezing pressure. It encompasses a wide range of difficulties, from external persecutions and societal pressures to internal distress and anguish. The use of this term emphasizes the real, often intense, nature of the hardships believers face, making the command to "glory" in them all the more profound.
* **Patience (Greek, _hypomonḗ'_):** From G5281, meaning "cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy; enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting)." This is not a passive resignation, but an active, hopeful, and steadfast endurance under pressure. It implies perseverance and constancy, a quality forged in the crucible of affliction. It's the ability to remain firm and unyielding in faith and hope, even when circumstances are difficult, knowing that God is at work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And not only [so]":** This phrase serves as a connective tissue, linking the present verse directly to the preceding declarations of peace with God, access to grace, and rejoicing in the hope of God's glory ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Peace and Hope")). It signals an expansion of the believer's experience, indicating that the blessings of salvation are not limited to pleasant circumstances but extend even into hardship.
* **"but we glory in tribulations also":** This is the startling and counter-cultural assertion. The Greek word for "glory" (_kaucháomai_) implies a strong, joyful boasting or exultation. Believers are called not merely to tolerate or stoically endure suffering, but to find a profound, purposeful joy in it. The addition of "also" (G2532 `kaí`) reinforces that this glorying in tribulation is an *additional* dimension of the Christian life, alongside the glorying in hope.
* **"knowing that tribulation worketh patience;":** This clause provides the theological rationale for the seemingly paradoxical command to glory in tribulations. The term "knowing" (G1492 `eídō`) suggests a deep, experiential understanding or spiritual insight. It's not blind optimism, but a confident assurance based on divine truth. "Worketh" (G2716 `katergázomai`) signifies an effective, productive working-out or accomplishment. Tribulation is not a random evil, but a purposeful instrument in God's hands, actively producing the virtue of "patience" (G5281 `hypomonḗ`), which is a steadfast, hopeful endurance.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey this profound truth. Most notably, there is **Paradox**, as the concept of "glorying" or "rejoicing" in "tribulations" (suffering) is inherently contradictory to human inclination, yet it is presented as a central tenet of the Christian experience. This paradox highlights the supernatural nature of Christian joy and resilience. Furthermore, the verse introduces a **Chain of Virtues** or a **Progressive Development**, which is fully elaborated in the subsequent verses ([Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - The Chain of Virtues")). Here, tribulation is explicitly stated as the active agent that "produces" (worketh) patience, setting up a cause-and-effect relationship that builds character and strengthens hope. The word "tribulation" itself (Greek _thlîpsis_) carries a powerful **Metaphor** of "pressure" or "squeezing," evoking the imagery of grapes being pressed to yield wine or olives to yield oil, suggesting that through intense pressure, something valuable and pure is produced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 5:3 lays foundational theological groundwork for understanding the redemptive purpose of suffering in the believer's life. It challenges the common human desire to avoid all pain, reorienting our perspective to see adversity as a divinely appointed means of spiritual formation. This verse teaches that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even the difficult ones, and that He actively uses them to conform us to the image of His Son. The "patience" (endurance) cultivated through tribulation is not an end in itself, but a crucial step in a larger process of character development that ultimately strengthens our hope in God's faithfulness and love. This perspective transforms suffering from a meaningless burden into a purposeful crucible for growth.

* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Joy in Trials and the Work of Patience")
* [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Rejoicing in Trials for the Testing of Faith")
* [2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Our Light and Momentary Troubles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:3 calls us to a radical reorientation of our perspective on suffering. Instead of viewing difficulties as interruptions to our comfort or signs of God's disfavor, we are invited to see them as integral to our spiritual journey and growth. When we face "tribulations"—whether they be minor frustrations, significant setbacks, or profound losses—this verse encourages us to shift from despair to a posture of confident anticipation. It's not about pretending that pain doesn't hurt, but about trusting that God is at work *through* the pain, forging within us a resilient and steadfast character. Embracing this truth allows us to move beyond mere endurance to a place of purposeful perseverance, knowing that every trial, when submitted to God, contributes to a deeper, more mature faith and an unshakeable hope. This perspective empowers us to face life's inevitable challenges not with dread, but with a quiet confidence in God's transformative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my initial reaction to "tribulations" typically align with or diverge from Paul's command to "glory" in them?**
* **What specific "tribulations" am I currently facing, and how might I intentionally seek to see God's purpose for "patience" being worked out in them?**
* **In what ways has past suffering, in hindsight, actually produced positive character traits or strengthened my faith and hope?**

### FAQ
**Does "glory in tribulations" mean we should seek out suffering or enjoy pain?**

Answer: No, "glorying in tribulations" does not mean actively seeking out suffering or deriving pleasure from pain. The Greek word for "glory" (G2744 `kaucháomai`) implies a triumphant boasting or joyful exultation. This joy is not in the suffering itself, but in the *outcome* and *purpose* of the suffering. Believers can rejoice because they "know" (G1492 `eídō`) that God uses these trials to produce spiritual maturity, specifically "patience" or steadfast endurance (G5281 `hypomonḗ`). It's a profound theological perspective that transforms how we *respond* to inevitable hardships, rather than encouraging a masochistic pursuit of them. The focus is on God's sovereign work *through* the tribulation, not on the tribulation itself.

**What is the difference between "patience" in this verse and simply "enduring" something?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "patience" here is G5281 `hypomonḗ`, which is more accurately understood as "steadfast endurance" or "perseverance." It's not a passive resignation or a grim waiting, but an active, hopeful, and courageous constancy in the face of adversity. It implies remaining firm in one's faith and purpose despite opposition or delay. Simple "enduring" might suggest merely putting up with something, whereas `hypomonḗ` implies a dynamic, purposeful steadfastness that continues to move forward, motivated by hope and trust in God's ultimate plan. It's a quality that is forged under pressure and is essential for Christian maturity, as seen in [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - You Need Endurance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:3 finds its ultimate meaning and power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our ability to "glory in tribulations" is not a testament to our own strength, but to the transformative power of the Spirit of Christ within us. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this principle, enduring the ultimate tribulation of the cross "for the joy that was set before Him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). His suffering was not meaningless; it "worked" our salvation, reconciling us to God ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled by Christ's Death")). As believers, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, meaning that His triumph over suffering becomes the pattern and power for our own. The "patience" (steadfast endurance) that tribulation produces in us is a reflection of Christ's own unwavering faithfulness, and it is His indwelling Spirit that empowers us to persevere ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). Thus, when we glory in tribulations, we are not merely enduring, but participating in the ongoing work of Christ, knowing that our momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison ([2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "Our Light and Momentary Troubles")).

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

James 1:2

¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:3

Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1 Peter 3:14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;