Romans 5 3

Romans 5:3 kjv

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

Romans 5:3 nkjv

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

Romans 5:3 niv

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

Romans 5:3 esv

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

Romans 5:3 nlt

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

Romans 5 verses

Romans 5 3 Meaning

Suffering produces perseverance. This signifies that enduring hardship builds steadfastness and resilience.

Romans 5 3 Context

In Romans chapter 5, Paul is developing the theme of justification by faith and its implications for believers. He has just established that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ and have access to His grace, in which we stand. This verse directly follows the assertion that through Christ we have access to this grace, and in that grace, we stand, rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God. Paul then pivots to the present reality of Christian experience, which includes suffering. This is not a contradiction, but rather a crucial part of the journey of faith. The historical context is the Roman church, a diverse community of both Jewish and Gentile believers who were likely facing various forms of social and potentially governmental pressure, or simply the inherent difficulties of living a life counter to the surrounding pagan culture.

Romans 5 3 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): A conjunctive particle, meaning "and," "also," or "even." It links this clause to the preceding statement about rejoicing in hope.
• αὐτὸ τοῦτο (auto touto): A demonstrative pronoun phrase, literally "this very thing." It points to the previous reality of having access to God's grace and standing firm in it, but here, with "καὶ," it also signifies "and also" or "and moreover." It introduces an additional aspect of the believer's experience, which is rejoicing even in suffering.
• ὑπερέχομεν (hyperenchomen): While the translation says "rejoice," this verb is in the first person plural, indicating "we ourselves also." However, the structure here uses a prepositional phrase that is often understood as a direct statement of fact or ongoing state, hence "we rejoice." The implication is that this rejoicing is a consequence of God's grace and a present reality for believers. The act of rejoicing is an outward expression stemming from an inner assurance.
• θλίψεσιν (thlipsesin): The dative plural of θλῖψις (thlipsis). This is a crucial word. It means "tribulation," "affliction," "hardship," or "pressure." It refers to the severe distress and persecution faced by believers. This isn't light inconvenience; it's substantial suffering. The plural form suggests various kinds and instances of suffering.
• γινώσκοντες (ginoskontes): The present active participle of γινώσκω (ginosko), meaning "knowing." It functions adverbially, indicating the reason or basis for their rejoicing in afflictions. It's an ongoing state of knowledge.
• ὅτι (hoti): A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause, "that." It introduces the knowledge that causes the rejoicing.
• ἡ (he): The definite article, "the."
• θλῖψις (thlipsis): Again, "tribulation" or "suffering." This is the singular form, referring to the concept or the general experience of suffering itself.
• ὑπομονὴν (hypomonēn): The accusative singular of ὑπομονή (hypomonē). This word signifies "endurance," "steadfastness," "patience," or "perseverance." It is the quality of remaining steadfast and continuing on despite hardship. It’s not passive resignation, but active, confident waiting.
• κατεργάζεται (katergazetai): The third person singular present passive indicative of κατεργάζομαι (katergazomai). This verb is powerful; it means "works out," "accomplishes," "produces," or "achieves." The passive voice emphasizes that this is God’s work through the suffering. Suffering is not the agent itself, but the divinely ordained means by which endurance is brought about. It implies a deliberate and effective process.

Word-group Analysis:

• "rejoice in tribulations": This is an antinomian paradox – finding joy not despite suffering, but within it. This is enabled by the understanding that suffering is not random but purposeful.
• "knowing that tribulation produces endurance": This is the rationale for rejoicing. The direct cause-and-effect relationship shows that suffering is a means to an end – the development of an unshakeable inner character. The suffering is not inherently good, but what God produces through it.

Romans 5 3 Bonus Section

The concept of "producing endurance" is fundamental to Christian character development. It’s about becoming unshakeable, not by avoiding difficulties, but by faithfully navigating them. This is seen in figures like Job, who endured immense suffering without renouncing God, thereby demonstrating his profound endurance. This spiritual endurance is not a human achievement alone, but a gift empowered by God’s Spirit working within the believer, as suggested by Galatians 5:22-23 where "patience" (makrothymia, often synonymous with hypomone in this context) is a fruit of the Spirit. The capacity to endure through suffering is a testament to God's redemptive power and faithfulness in refining His people.

Romans 5 3 Commentary

Paul states that believers, grounded in God’s grace and confident in future glory, also find reason to rejoice amidst their suffering. This rejoicing is not based on enjoying pain, but on the knowledge that this very suffering serves a divine purpose. It is a purposeful process wherein God uses tribulation to cultivate deep, resilient endurance. This enduring quality, in turn, becomes the foundation for further spiritual growth, a theme Paul expands upon in the following verses. This enduring steadfastness is a hallmark of true faith, enabling believers to stand firm under pressure and to live lives of confident hope. It's a transformational process, where adverse circumstances become the very material God uses to build character.