Romans 5:4

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And {G1161} patience {G5281}, experience {G1382}; and {G1161} experience {G1382}, hope {G1680}:

endurance produces character, and character produces hope;

perseverance, character; and character, hope.

and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope:

Romans 5:4 (KJV): "And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"

Context

This verse follows directly from Romans 5:3, where the Apostle Paul explains that tribulation works patience. Paul is building a chain of spiritual development that results from being justified by faith, which he discussed in Romans 5:1. He is showing the positive outcomes of enduring trials, leading believers through a process of growth and strengthening their assurance.

Key Themes

  • Patience (Endurance): The ability to steadfastly bear up under difficult circumstances without giving way.
  • Experience (Proven Character): The result of having endured trials; a tested and approved character or spiritual maturity gained through testing.
  • Hope: A confident expectation or assurance, not merely a wish, regarding God's promises and future faithfulness.
  • Spiritual Growth: The process by which trials and perseverance lead to deeper character and stronger faith.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version uses "patience" for the Greek word hupomone (ὑπομονή), which means endurance or steadfastness. The word translated "experience" is dokime (δοκιμή). While "experience" is one possible meaning, dokime more specifically refers to the result of a test or trial – a "proof," "approval," or "proven character." It signifies the positive outcome of enduring, showing that one's faith is genuine and has been strengthened through the process. This proven character then leads to elpis (ἐλπίς), which is a confident and certain hope, not a mere wish.

Reflection

Romans 5:4 reveals a vital principle of Christian growth: trials, when met with patience, don't just pass the time; they build something lasting within us. The endurance developed through difficulties produces a tested and reliable character. This proven character, in turn, solidifies our hope. As we see God's faithfulness in helping us endure and shaping us through challenges, our confidence in His future promises grows. This hope is not fragile; it is built on the solid ground of God's work in our lives through tribulation, leading to a hope that does not disappoint.

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 5:10

    ¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:8

    ¶ [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair;

  • 2 Corinthians 4:12

    So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

  • 2 Timothy 4:16

    ¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

  • 2 Timothy 4:18

    And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 1 Peter 1:6

    ¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

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