Romans 2:8

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Romans 2:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.

King James Version KJV

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

American Standard Version ASV

but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation,

Bible in Basic English BBE

But to those who, from a love of competition, are not guided by what is true, will come the heat of his wrath,

Free Bible Version FBV

But those who think only of themselves, rejecting the truth and deliberately choosing to do evil, will receive punishment and furious hostility.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But vnto them that are contentious and disobey the trueth, and obey vnrighteousnesse, shalbe indignation and wrath.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and to those contentious, and disobedient, indeed, to the truth, and obeying the unrighteousness — indignation and wrath,

World English Bible WEB

but to those who are self-seeking and don’t obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath, indignation,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But to them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness; indignation and wrath:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But to them that are contentious, and who obey not the truth, but give credit to iniquity, wrath and indignation.

Translation for Translators T4T

But some people act in a selfish way and refuse to believe that what God says is true, and they do the things that God says are wrong. God will punish them very severely [DOU, MTY].

Plain English Version PEV

But he will get really angry with selfish people that don’t want to know the true story but just want to do bad things.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 2:8

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Romans 2:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τοις δε εξ εριθειας και απειθουσιν μεν τη αληθεια πειθομενοις δε τη αδικια θυμος και οργη

τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM

δε de G1161 then Conj

εξ ek G1537 out from Prep

εριθειας eritheia G2052 rivalry Noun-GSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

απειθουσιν apeitheō G544 to disobey Verb-PAP-DPM

μεν men G3303 on the other hand Particle

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

αληθεια alētheia G225 truth Noun-DSF

πειθομενοις peithō G3982 to persuade Verb-PMP-DPM

δε de G1161 then Conj

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

αδικια adikia G93 unrighteousness Noun-DSF

θυμος thumos G2372 wrath Noun-NSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

οργη orgē G3709 wrath Noun-NSF

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 2:8

τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

εξ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

Definition: ἐκ (ἐξ), prep. with genitive, from out of, from (see Addendum, p. 492).This entry is included here, but in the print version the entry is found on p. 492. ἐκ, before a vowel ἐξ, prep. with genitive, of motion outwards, separation from (opposite to εἰς; = Lat. e, ex), from out of, from among, from. __I. Of Place, __1. of motion, out of, forth from, off from: Jhn.6:31, Act.9:3, Gal.1:8, al.; esp. after verbs of motion, Mat.8:28 17:9, Mrk.1:25 7:28, Jhn.1:33 20:1, Act.12:7, 17 27:30, al.; constr. praeg., σώζειν (διας) ἐκ, Ju 5, Act.28:4. Metaphorical, Mat.7:4, 5, 1Pe.2:9; ἐκ τ. χειρός (-ῶν), before genitive of person(s), Luk.1:74, Jhn.10:28, 29, 39, Act.12:4 24:7, Rev.19:2; πίνειν (which see) ἐκ; of the place from which an action proceeds, Luk.5:3 (cf. 12:36, Jhn.13:4, 2Co.2:4). __2. Of change from one place or condition to another: Jhn.8:42, Rom.6:13 13:11, Rev.7:14, al.; with ellips. of verb of motion, 2Ti.2:26, 2Pe.2:21, Rev.2:21, al. __3. Of separation or distinction from a number, before collective or pl. nouns: Mat.13:47, 49, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, 1Pe.1:3, al.; after εἷς, Mat.10:29 Luk.17:15, al.; οὐδείς, Jhn.7:19, al.; πολλοί, Jhn.11:19, al.; τις, Luk.11:15, al.; τίς, Mat.6:27, al.; in partitive phrase as subject of sentence, Jhn.16:17; Hebraistically, ἐκ μέσου before genitive, = ἐκ (Heb. מִתּוֹךְ), Mat.13:49, al. __4. Of position or direction (so in cl. = ἔξω): ἐκ δεξιῶν (see: δεξιός); ἐξ ἐναντίας, Mrk.15:39 (metaphorically, Tit.2:8); ἐκ ῥιζῶν (i.e., utterly), Mat.11:20. __II. Of Time, __1. of the point of time from which, from, since: ἐκ γενετῆς, Jhn.9:1, cf. Mrk.10:20, Luk.23:8, Act.24:10, al. __2. Of succession in time: ἐκ δευτέρου, a second time, Mrk.14:72, al., cf. Mat.26:44; ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας, from day to day, 2Pe.2:8. __III. Of Origin, __1. of nativity, lineage, race: κοίτην (ἐν γαστρί) ἔχειν, Rom.9:10, Mat.1:18; γεννᾶν ἐκ, Mat.1:3ff.; γεννᾶσθαι (γίνεσθαι) ἐκ, Jhn.3:6 8:41, Gal.4:4; ἐκ πνεύματος (θεοῦ), Jhn.1:13 3:5ff., al. ἔρχεσθαι, εἶναι, etc., ἐκ τ. πολέως, Jhn.1:44; φυλῆς, Luk.2:36, al.; τ. ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου, Luk.23:7; ὁ ὢν ἐκ τ. γῆς, Jhn.3:31. __2. Of the author, occasion or source: Mat.5:37, Jhn.2:16, Rom.2:29, 1Co.8:6, Gal.5:8, al.; ἐκ (τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.7:7, 2Co.5:1, 1Jn.4:7; ἐκ τ. πατρός, Jhn.6:65, al.; ἐκ τ. γῆς ἐστιν, λαλεῖ, Jhn.3:31; εκ καρδίας, Rom.6:17, cf. Mrk.12:30, 1Ti.1:5; ἐκ ψυχῆς, Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.14:23; κρίνειν ἐκ, Luk.19:22, Rev.20:12. __3. Of the agent, after passive verbs: Mat.15:5, Mrk.7:11, 2Co.2:2, al.; frequently in Re after αδικεῖσθαι (2:11), etc. __4. Of cause, dependence, source of supply: τ. πόνου (των), Rev.16:10, 11; τ. φωνῶν, Rev.8:13; ἐκ τούτου, Jhn.6:66 19:12 (but see Meyer, in ll.); ἐκ θεοῦ λαλεῖν, 2Co.2:17; ἐκ τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.18:37, 1Jn.3:19; ὁ ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.3:26 4:16; οἱ (ὄντες) ἐκ περιτομῆς, Act.11:2, Rom.4:12, Gal.2:12, Col.4:11; πίνειν ἐκ, Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25, Jhn.4:13, al.; θερίζειν, Gal.6:8; μετέχειν ἐκ (= partit. genitive), 1Co.10:13; with inf., ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 2Co.8:11. __5. Of material: Mat.27:29, Jhn.2:15 19:2, Rom.9:21, 1Co.11:12, Rev.18:12, al.; allied to which is its use of price (= cl. genitive): Mat.27:7, cf. ib. 20:2, Act.1:18. __IV. By attraction = ἐν (cl.): τὰ ἐκ τ. οἰκιας, Mat.24:17; τ. ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν, Mrk.5:30 (see Field, in l.); ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, Luk.11:13. __V. Adverbial phrases: ἐξ ἀνάγκης, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12; ἐξ ἰσότητος, 2Co.8:13; ἐκ μέρους, 1Co.12:27 13:9-12; ἐκ μέτρου, Jhn.3:34; ἐκ συμφώνου, 1Co.7:5. __VI. in composition, ἐκ signifies, __1. procession, removal: ἐκβαίνω, ἐκβάλλω. __2. Opening out, unfolding: ἐκτείνω; metaphorically, ἐξαγγάλλω. __3. Origin: ἔκγονος. __4. Completeness: ἐξαπορέω (see M, Pr., 237), ἐκπληρόω, ἐκτελέω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 753 NT verses. KJV: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 3 John 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3.

εριθειας eritheia G2052 "rivalry" Noun-GSF

Rivalry or ambition that leads to strife, mentioned in James 3:14 and Philippians 2:3. This refers to a selfish desire to succeed or gain advantage over others.

Definition: ἐριθία (T, cl., -εία), -ας, ἡ, [in Sm.: Eze.23:11 * ;] (on the origin and history of the word, see Hort, Ja., 81 fly.; Ellic. on Gal.5:20; Cremer, 262) ambition, self-seeking, rivalry: Jas.3:14, 16; κατ᾽ ἐριθίαν, Php.2:3; οἱ ἐξ ἐ., Rom.2:8, Php.1:17; pl. (Bl., § 32, 6; WM, 220; Swete, Mk., 153), 2Co.12:20, Gal.5:20.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: contention(-ious), strife See also: 2 Corinthians 12:20; James 3:16; James 3:14.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

απειθουσιν apeitheō G544 "to disobey" Verb-PAP-DPM

This word means to disobey or refuse to follow instructions, like in Romans 10:21 where Paul talks about people who disobey God. It involves a deliberate choice to ignore or resist authority.

Definition: ἀπειθέω, -ῶ (ἀπειθής), [in LXX for מָרָה, סָרַר, etc. ;] as in cl. (MM, VGT, see word); to disobey, be disobedient: absol., Act.14:2 19:9, Rom.10:21 11:31 15:31, Heb.3:18 11:31, 1Pe.3:20; with dative, Jhn.3:36, Rom.2:8 11:30, 1Pe.2:8 3:1 4:17 (Cremer, 475).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving See also: 1 Peter 2:7; Hebrews 3:18; 1 Peter 2:8.

μεν men G3303 "on the other hand" Particle

This word means 'on the other hand' and is often used to contrast ideas. It appears in the New Testament, like in John and Romans, to show a difference between two things. It's usually translated as 'even' or 'indeed'.

Definition: μέν, conjunctive particle (originally a form of μήν), usually related to a following δέ or other adversative conjunction, and distinguishing the word or clause with which it stands from that which follows. It is generally untranslatable and is not nearly so frequent in NT as in cl. Like δέ, it never stands first in a clause. __1. Answered by δέ or some other particle: μὲν . . . δέ, indeed . . . but, Mat.3:11, Luk.3:16, al.; with pronouns, ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, one . . . another, Mat.21:35, al.; pl., Php.1:16, 17; ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δὲ . . . ὃ δέ, some . . . some . . . some, Mat.13:8; τοῦτο μὲν . . . τοῦτο δέ, partly . . . partly, Heb.10:33; μὲν . . . ἔπειτα, Jhn.11:6; μὲν . . . καί, Luk.8:5. __2. μέν solitarium, answered by no other particle: πρῶτον μέν (Bl., l.with), Rom.1:8 3:2, 1Co.11:18; μὲν οὖν in narrative, summing up what precedes or introducing something further (Bl., §78, 5), so then, rather, nay rather: Luk.11:28 (WH, μενοῦν), Act.1:6 9:31, al.; μὲν οὖν γε (Php.3:8, WH): see: μενοῦνγε. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 194 NT verses. KJV: even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 3:5; 1 Peter 1:20.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αληθεια alētheia G225 "truth" Noun-DSF

The Greek word for truth, meaning the reality of a matter, is used in Romans 9:1 and Galatians 2:5 to describe Christian doctrine. It can also mean truthfulness, as in being honest. Jesus teaches about truth in John 8:32.

Definition: ἀλήθεια, -ας, ἡ (ἀληθής), [in LXX chiefly for אֱמֶת (on which, see Cremer, 627f.), אֱמוּנָה ;] truth (see DB, iv, 818f.). __1. Objectively, "the reality lying at the basis of an appearance; the manifested, veritable essence of a matter" (Cremer, 86): Rom.9:1, al.; of religious truth, Rom.1:25, al.; esp. of Christian doctrine, Gal.2:5, al.; ἀ. θεοῦ, Rom.15:8. __2. Subjectively, truthfulness, truth, not merely verbal (cl.), but sincerity and integrity of character: Jhn.8:44, 3Jo.3. __3. In phrases (MM, VGT, see word): ἐπ᾽ ἀληθείας, Mrk.12:14, al.; ἀ. λέγειν (εἰπεῖν, λαλεῖν), Rom.9:1, 2Co.12:6, Eph.4:25, al.; ἀ. ποιεῖν, Jhn.3:21, 1Jn.1:6 (cf. DB, iv, 818b, ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 99 NT verses. KJV: true, X truly, truth, verity See also: 1 Corinthians 5:8; Ephesians 4:24; 1 Peter 1:22.

πειθομενοις peithō G3982 "to persuade" Verb-PMP-DPM

To persuade means to convince someone by argument or evidence, as seen in Matthew 28:14 where the guards were persuaded to spread a false story. It can also mean to trust or have confidence in someone, like in 1 John 3:19 where it refers to trusting in God's love.

Definition: πείθω, [in LXX chiefly for בָּטַח בֶּטַח, its parts and derivatives ;] __(i) Active; __1. trans., to apply persuasion ("conative" in pres.; see M, Pr., 147), to prevail upon or win over, persuade: absol., Mat.28:14, Act.19:26; before περί, with genitive of thing(s), Act.19:8; with accusative of person(s), Act.12:20 14:19 18:4, 2Co.5:11, Gal.1:10; τ. καρδίας ἡμῶν, 1Jn.3:19; with accusative before περί, Act.28:23; with accusative and inf., Act.13:43 26:28 (see Field, Notes, 141 ff.); with accusative before ἵνα (Plut.), Mat.27:20. __2. Intrans., 2 pf. πέποιθα with Pres. sense (see M, Pr., 147, 154; Bl., § 59, 2): to trust, be confident, have confidence: with accusative and inf., Rom.2:19; with accusative ref. (see Ellic., in l) : Php.1:6, 25; with dative, Php.1:14, Phm 21; ἑαυτῷ, with inf., 2Co.10:7; before ἐν, Php.3:3-4; ἐν κυρίῳ ὅτι, Php.2:24; ἐπί, with dative, Mat.27:43 (WH, mg.), Mrk.10:24 (T, WH, R, mg., om.), Luk.11:22 18:9, 2Co.1:9, Heb.2:13; ἐπί, with accusative, Mat.27:43 (with dative, WH, mg.); id. before ὅτι, 2Co.2:3, 2Th.3:4 (see Lft., Notes, 127); εἰς, with accusative of person(s) before ὅτι, Gal.5:10. (ii) Pass. and mid.; __1. to be persuaded, believe (see M, Pr., 158) : absol., Luk.16:31, Act.17:4 21:14, Heb.13:18; with dative, Act.28:24; with accusative and inf., Act.26:26; so also pf., πέπεισμαι, πεπεισμένος εἰμί: with accusative ref. before περί, Heb.6:9; with accusative and inf., Luk.20:6; ὅτι, Rom.8:38, 2Ti.1:5 1:12; id. with ἐν κυρίῳ, Rom.14:14; περί, with genitive before ὅτι, Rom.15:14. __2. to listen to, obey: with dative of person(s), Act.5:36-37, 40 23:21 27:11, Rom.2:8, Gal.5:7, Heb.13:17, Jas.3:3 (cf. ἀνα-πείθω).† Πειθώ, -οῦς, ἡ __1. Peitho, Persuasion (as a goddess). __2. persuasion: ἐν πειθοῖ (so Orig., Eus. and some cursives in 1Co.2:4 for πειθός, which see).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 54 NT verses. KJV: agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield See also: 1 John 3:19; Galatians 5:7; Hebrews 2:13.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αδικια adikia G93 "unrighteousness" Noun-DSF

Unrighteousness means being morally wrong or unjust, as described in John 7:18 and Romans 1:18, where it refers to living a life that opposes God's standards.

Definition: ἀδικία, -ας, ἡ (ἄδικος), [in LXX for עָוֹן, פֶּשַׁע, עָוֶל, etc. ;] __1. injustice: Luk.18:6, Rom.9:14. __2. unrighteousness, iniquity: Jhn.7:18, Act.8:23, Rom.1:18, 29 2:8 6:13, 2Ti.2:19, 1Jn.1:9 5:17; opposite to ἀλήθεια, 1Co.13:6, 2Th.2:12; to δικαιοσύνη ], Rom.3:5; ἀπάτη τῆς ἀ., 2Th.2:10; μισθὸς ἀδικίας, Act.1:18, 2Pe.2:13,15; ἐγράται τῆς ἀ., Luk.13:27; μαμωνᾶς τῆς ἀ., Luk.16:9; κόσμος τῆς ἀ., Jas.3:6; οἰκονόμος τῆς ἀ., Luk.16:8. __3. = ἀδίκημα, an unrighteous act: ironically, a favour, 2Co.12:13; pl., Heb.8:12 (Cremer, 261; MM, VGT, see word). † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong See also: 1 Corinthians 13:6; James 3:6; Hebrews 8:12.

θυμος thumos G2372 "wrath" Noun-NSM

Wrath, or intense anger, as in Romans 2:8 and Ephesians 4:31. It's a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility.

Definition: θυμός, -οῦ, ὁ (θύω), [in LXX most frequently for אַף, also for חֱמָא, חָרוֹן, etc., 30 words in all ;] passion, hot anger, wrath: Heb.11:27; ὀργὴ καὶ θ., Rom.2:8, cf. Col.3:8; πικρία κ. θ., Eph.4:31; πλησθῆναι, πλήρης θυμοῦ, Luk.4:28, Act.19:28; θ. ἔχειν, Rev.12:12; οἶνος τ. θυμοῦ τ. πορνείας (cf. Jer.51:7), Rev.14:8 18:3 (cf. Rev.17:2); οἶνος τ. θ. τ. θεοῦ, Rev.14:10; τ. ὀργῆς τ. θεοῦ, Rev.16:19 19:15; ὁ θ. τ. θεοῦ, Rev.14:19 15:1, 7 16:1; pl., impulses or outbursts of anger: ἔρις, ζῆλος, θυμοὶ, ἐριθίαι, 2Co.12:20, Gal.5:20 (Cremer, 287, 733).† SYN.: ὀργή, παροργισμός (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: fierceness, indignation, wrath See also: 2 Corinthians 12:20; Revelation 14:10; Hebrews 11:27.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

οργη orgē G3709 "wrath" Noun-NSF

In the Bible, this word means God's strong anger or wrath towards sin, as seen in Romans 1:18 and Revelation 14:10. It's a desire for justice and a reaction against wrongdoing. This concept is also applied to human anger, like in Ephesians 4:31.

Definition: ὀργή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for אַף, also for חָרוֹן, חֵמָה, קָצַף, etc. ;] __1 1, impulse, propensity, disposition. __2. anger, wrath; __(a) of men: Mrk.3:5, Eph.4:31, Col.3:8, 1Ti.2:8, Jas.1:19-20; __(b) of God; __α that reaction of the divine nature against sin which in anthropomorphic language is called anger: Rom.1:18 9:22 12:19, (ICC, in l), 1Th.1:10 2:16, Heb.3:11 4:3" (LXX) Rev.14:10 16:19 19:15; __β of the effect of God's anger: Mat.3:7, Luk.3:7 21:23, Jhn.3:36, Rom.2:5, 8 3:5 4:15 5:9 13:4-5 Eph.5:6, Col.3:6, 1Th.5:9, Jas.1:20, Rev.6:16-17 11:18; σκεύη ὀργῆς, Rom.9:22; τέκνα ὀργῆς, Eph.2:3.† SYN.: see: θυμός (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 34 NT verses. KJV: anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath See also: 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Matthew 3:7; Hebrews 3:11.

Study Notes — Romans 2:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Romans 2:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Romans 2:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 2:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 2:8
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 2:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 2:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 2:8
Cambridge Bible on Romans 2:8
Barnes' Notes on Romans 2:8
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 2:8
Sermons on Romans 2:8

Context — God’s Righteous Judgment

6God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” 7To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.

8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.

9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek; 10but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	John 3:18–21	Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”
2	2 Thessalonians 1:8	in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
3	1 Timothy 6:3–4	If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
4	2 Thessalonians 2:10–12	and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.
5	Proverbs 13:10	Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.
6	Revelation 16:19	The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.
7	1 Peter 4:17	For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
8	Romans 10:16	But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
9	Romans 1:18	The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
10	Nahum 1:6	Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.

Romans 2:8 Summary

[This verse, Romans 2:8, warns us that if we prioritize our own interests and desires above all else, and reject God's truth, we will face God's wrath and anger. On the other hand, if we seek to do good and follow God's will, as mentioned in Romans 2:7, we can trust in His promise of eternal life (1 John 5:13). By examining our hearts and actions in light of Scripture, such as in Matthew 7:17-20, we can discern whether we are on the right path and make changes if needed. By choosing to follow God and seek the truth, we can experience His love and mercy, as seen in verses like Ephesians 2:4-5.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be self-seeking?

To be self-seeking means to prioritize one's own interests and desires above all else, often leading to a rejection of God's truth and a pursuit of wickedness, as warned against in Romans 2:8, and also seen in verses like Isaiah 56:11 and Philippians 2:21.

How does God feel about those who reject the truth?

According to Romans 2:8, God's response to those who reject the truth and follow wickedness is one of wrath and anger, a concept also found in Psalm 7:11 and Revelation 6:16-17.

Is it possible to know if I am following wickedness or seeking the truth?

We can examine our hearts and actions in light of Scripture, such as in Matthew 7:17-20, to discern whether we are following wickedness or seeking the truth, and turn to God in repentance if needed, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9.

What is the alternative to facing God's wrath and anger?

The alternative is to seek glory, honor, and immortality by persevering in doing good, as mentioned in Romans 2:7, and to trust in God's mercy and love, as seen in verses like Ephesians 2:4-5 and 1 Timothy 1:13-14.

Reflection Questions

In what ways might I be self-seeking in my daily life, and how can I surrender these areas to God?
How can I ensure that I am seeking the truth and following God's will, rather than my own desires?
What are some ways that I can persevere in doing good, as mentioned in Romans 2:7, and trust in God's promise of eternal life?
How can I balance the concept of God's wrath and anger with His love and mercy, as seen in verses like John 3:16 and Romans 5:8?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 2:8

But unto them that are contentious,.... This is a description of the other sort of persons to whom God will render according to their deeds, "who are of the contention"; who contend for victory, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 2:8

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, But unto them that are contentious , [ tois (G3588) de (G1161) ex (G1537) eritheias

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 2:8

That are contentious; or, that are of contention: so, they of the circumcision, for such as are circumcised, . By contentious, understand such as are refractory and self-willed; that, from a spirit of contradiction, will not be persuaded; that strive and kick against the righteousness of God, from an opinion of their own righteousness, . Do not obey the truth: see , and the note there. But obey unrighteousness; that are the servants of sin, and of corruption, . Indignation and wrath; these two differ only in degree: thereby understand the judgments of God upon the wicked, which are the effects of his anger: the cause is commonly put for the effect.

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 2:8

8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Ver. 8. But unto them that are contentious] That wrangle and thwartle against clearest truths, searching the devil’ s skull for carnal arguments, as those Athenians, Acts 17:16-21; being refractory as Pharaoh, who would not sit down under the miracle, but sent for the magicians. And though the word doth eat up all they say, as Moses’ s rod did, yet harden they their hearts, as Pharaoh, and resolve to curse, as Balaam, whatever come of it. These are those contentious ones, εξεριθειας.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 2:8

(8) But unto them . . .—The scholar will observe that in the original Greek the construction is changed. At the end of Rom 2:7 is an accusative “(he will render) eternal life;” here we have the nominative, “(there shall be) tribulation and anguish.” That are contentious.—An error in the Authorised version through a wrong derivation of the word. Strictly, To those who act in the spirit of a hireling; hence, according to the secondary meaning of the word, “to those who act in a spirit of factiousness and self-seeking.” It is, however, quite possible that the mistaken derivation may have been current in St. Paul’s time, as it was, no doubt, somewhat later, from Origen downwards. St. Paul, it is true, distinguishes between the proper word for “contention” and that used here (e.g., in 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20), but this would not exclude, it would rather seem to imply, not indeed a formal derivation, but some association of ideas. The shade of meaning will, perhaps, be expressed if we translate by some such word as “factiousness.” So in Philippians 1:16 (properly Philippians 1:17, the order of the clauses being reversed), “the one (the other) preach Christ of factiousness.” Indignation and wrath.—The Greek equivalents for these two words are distinguished as the settled angry feeling from the passionate outbreak of anger. The truth.—Here used in a moral sense, as almost equivalent to “rectitude,” “that which is right.” There is a tendency towards this meaning in Romans 1:18, “Who hold down the truth in unrighteousness,” though there “the truth” appears to mean rather “natural religion” in general. The ethical sense comes out clearly in John 3:21, “he that doeth truth,” opposed to “he that doeth evil.” These phrases, “obey the truth,” “obey unrighteousness,” in a plainer style, would be simply “do good,” “do evil.” It may be noted that St. Paul is fond of these quasi-personifications.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 2:8

Verse 8. But unto them, &c.] 2. He will manifest his indignation, and inflict wrath - punishment, on all who are contentious - who obstinately dispute against the truth, and obey unrighteousness - who act under the influence of the principle of sin, and not under the influence of the Spirit of God.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 2:8

8. contentious] Lit. out of partisanship, or factiousness; (the same construction as “of the truth;” John 18:37). The phrase implies connexion and attachment; as here, “those who belong to, can be classed under the character of, the factious.”The “faction” in question is that of the sinful soul against the humbling terms of the Divine peace and love. Cp. Romans 10:3 for a special example of this in the case of the Jews. A pointed, though not explicit, reference to Jewish opponents of the Gospel lies in the word here.do not obey] The Gr. is sometimes rendered, “disbelieve.” In all cases, however, the resistance of the will is implied in it; the element of disobedience in unbelief towards God. See, for a suggestive example, Hebrews 4:6, compared with the history there referred to.the truth] The revelation of the eternal reality of the glory of God. (See on Romans 1:18; Romans 1:25.) It is Truth, not in mere generality, but in that speciality which attaches to the Truth of truths. See, for an important parallel, 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; where “the truth” and “unrighteousness” are contrasted, as here. See also John 8:32.obey unrighteousness] Yielding the will to the impulse of sin; “having pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:12). Cp. Romans 6:6; Romans 6:16, &c.; Titus 3:3. “Unrighteousness” here, as often, means sin in its largest sense. All wrong, civil, social, moral, personal, overt, secret, violates the eternal rights, even when it least seems to touch temporal and human interests.indignation and wrath] See on Romans 1:18 and Romans 2:5.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 2:8

Who are contentious - This expression usually denotes those who are of a quarrelsome or litigious disposition; and generally has reference to controversies among people.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 2:8

8. Contentious—Who, instead of consenting to seek, (Romans 2:7,) raise factious cavils against the proposal. Not obey the truth—Refuse to comply with the requirements of the true law of God as the result of their contentiousness.

Sermons on Romans 2:8

	Sermon	Description
	Studies in Romans-02 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the apostle Paul teaches about the judgment of God. He emphasizes that God's judgment is based on truth and not on incomplete or circumstantial evidence. Those who
	Lake Geneva Bible Conference 1984-03 Romans 2:1-16 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of God and how it will be without respect of persons. He emphasizes that God's judgment will be according to the law and truth, a
	(Romans) Faith or Works? by Brian Brodersen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of understanding among Roman Catholics about how to attain salvation. He highlights the fact that many Catholic leaders are also unaw
	The Portion of the Wicked by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the justice of God in allotting indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish to wicked men, emphasizing that their sinful nature and refusal to repe
	1 Peter 4:17 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes that judgment begins at the house of God, referring to either the temple in Jerusalem or the church, where God’s presence dwells. He explains that this judgmen
	Surrendered to His Love by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of surrendering to God's love, highlighting that many troubles stem from our own disobedience and self-seeking behavior. He points out that
	Courtship #2 by Denny Kenaston	The preacher delves into the meaning of 'eritheia,' which signifies self-seeking, extreme selfishness, and rivalry, ultimately desiring to be number one at any cost. This selfish a