Romans 2 8

Romans 2:8 kjv

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

Romans 2:8 nkjv

but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness?indignation and wrath,

Romans 2:8 niv

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

Romans 2:8 esv

but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

Romans 2:8 nlt

But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.

Romans 2 verses

Romans 2 8 Meaning

Romans 2:8 describes the contrasting path and destiny of those who, driven by selfish ambition, actively refuse to obey the truth of God's revelation, and instead choose to submit themselves to unrighteousness. This verse sets the stage for the consequence of God's just judgment upon such a disposition and conduct, implying the impending wrath and indignation that follow.

Romans 2 8 Context

Romans chapter 2 outlines God's impartial and righteous judgment, establishing that both Jews and Gentiles are accountable before Him, not merely by knowing the law but by doing it. The verses immediately preceding (2:6-7) speak of God rendering eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality by perseverance in doing good. Verse 2:8 serves as a stark antithesis to this, detailing the opposing character and behavior that will incur God's wrath and indignation (as stated in 2:9). Paul builds upon the previous chapter's condemnation of Gentile ungodliness (1:18-32) and here extends it to include all, especially warning the Jews who might presume their privileged status protects them from divine judgment. The chapter underscores that God's judgment is based on the inner disposition and actions, not on external identity or ritual observance alone.

Romans 2 8 Word analysis

• "But" (δὲ, de): This serves as a strong contrasting conjunction, marking a clear shift from the character described in verse 7 (perseverance in doing good) to an opposing character and their fate. It signals an alternative choice and outcome.
• "to those" (τοῖς, tois): A dative plural definite article, indicating a specific group to whom the following description applies and against whom God's judgment will be directed.
• "who are self-seeking" (ἐξ ἐριθείας, ex erithesias):
  • ἐριθεία (erithesias) signifies a contentious, ambitious, or factious spirit, often motivated by selfish rivalry. It is not about diligent effort for a good cause but striving for personal prominence or gain, frequently leading to division and discord. It points to an inner disposition driven by ego and self-interest rather than God's will. This word is often linked to pride and a desire for power.
• "and do not obey" (καὶ ἀπειθοῦσι, kai apeithousi):
  • ἀπειθοῦσι (apeithousi) means to be disobedient, disbelieving, or unpersuaded. It implies an active refusal to yield or submit, stemming from an unwillingness to be convinced or conform to something, even if true. This isn't passive ignorance but an active resistance.
• "the truth" (τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, tē alētheia):
  • ἀλήθεια (alētheia) refers to reality, integrity, or objective fact. In a theological context, it centrally refers to God's revealed truth, the Gospel message of salvation through Christ, His righteous standards, and the knowledge of His existence and attributes (as per Rom 1:19-20). This "truth" demands a response of obedience and faith.
• "but obey" (ἀλλὰ πειθομένοις, alla peithomenois):
  • ἀλλὰ (alla) is a strong adversative conjunction ("but rather"), intensifying the contrast.
  • πειθομένοις (peithomenois) is a present participle, meaning "obeying," "being persuaded," or "submitting." It denotes an ongoing, active alignment or yielding. This active submission contrasts sharply with "do not obey the truth," highlighting a deliberate choice.
• "unrighteousness" (τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, tē adikia):
  • ἀδικία (adikia) means injustice, wrongdoing, or wickedness. It encompasses anything that falls short of God's righteous standards and just requirements. To "obey unrighteousness" is to actively embrace and practice sin, wickedness, and anything contrary to God's nature and revealed will, becoming enslaved to it.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth": This phrase characterizes the individuals who are subject to God's wrath. Their self-centered motivation (erithesias) leads directly to a refusal to accept or submit to God's revealed will (the truth). The self-seeking attitude corrupts their judgment and inclination, turning them away from what is righteous and true. It's a choice born out of internal disposition.
• "but obey unrighteousness": This second clause highlights the consequence of their active rejection of truth: they do not remain neutral but instead actively align themselves with and submit to wickedness. It portrays a conscious surrender to evil, demonstrating a heart committed to doing what is wrong rather than what is right in God's eyes. Their refusal to obey truth is matched by their willingness to obey its antithesis.

Romans 2 8 Bonus section

This verse highlights a crucial aspect of sin: it's not merely about commission but also omission, and fundamentally, about willful disobedience and active alignment with evil. The self-seeking nature described here is deeply rooted in humanity's fallen state, prioritizing self above God and others. This characteristic directly hinders one's ability to truly embrace and submit to the Gospel, which inherently demands self-denial and devotion to Christ. Furthermore, this verse underscores that judgment is a moral evaluation based on choices made in the light of truth available, confirming God's justice.

Romans 2 8 Commentary

Romans 2:8 stands as a profound statement on divine judgment, emphasizing the universal standard of God's righteousness applied to all humanity. It contrasts starkly with the description in verse 7, presenting two fundamental orientations of the human heart and their corresponding destinies. Those who are "self-seeking" embody an internal disposition rooted in selfish ambition and rivalry, prioritizing their own desires and agendas over God's will. This intrinsic self-centeredness naturally leads them to "not obey the truth." The truth here encompasses God's clear revelation through creation, conscience, and pre-eminently the Gospel message of Christ. Their refusal to obey is not an act of ignorance but often a willful rebellion, an active unwillingness to yield to what is righteous.

The critical consequence of this rejection is that they do "but obey unrighteousness." Human beings are always in a state of submission, either to God and His truth, or to sin and its resulting unrighteousness. When one refuses God's truth, the void is filled by adherence to what is contrary to Him – injustice, immorality, and active rebellion. This is not a passive failing but a deliberate choice of allegiance. Paul illustrates God's impartial judgment, asserting that whether one is Jew or Gentile, God's verdict is based not on identity or ritual but on the core allegiance of the heart as evidenced by actions. Those who choose this path of self-seeking rebellion and devotion to unrighteousness will receive the "wrath and indignation" mentioned in the subsequent verse, a just consequence for their persistent opposition to God's will and truth.