Romans 8 18

Romans 8:18 kjv

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 nkjv

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 niv

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 esv

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18 nlt

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

Romans 8 verses

Romans 8 18 Meaning

Romans 8:18 proclaims a foundational Christian hope by establishing a radical disparity between present suffering and future glory. Paul, through deliberate calculation, concludes that any form of temporal affliction endured in this life is insignificant when weighed against the magnificent and certain divine glory that will be fully revealed within and upon believers at Christ's return. This verse serves as a beacon of comfort and encouragement, affirming that the momentary hardship experienced by God's children is a prelude to an incomprehensible, eternal reward and transformation.

Romans 8 18 Context

Romans chapter 8 stands as a theological high point in Paul's letter, often referred to as the "Magna Carta of the Christian life." Having established salvation by grace through faith in Christ in earlier chapters and the ongoing struggle with sin in chapter 7, Paul now vividly portrays the Spirit-filled life of believers. Chapter 8 describes the new reality in Christ: freedom from condemnation (v. 1), the law of the Spirit giving life (v. 2), the indwelling Spirit (v. 9-11), adoption as God's children (v. 15), and being co-heirs with Christ (v. 17). Verse 18 directly follows the statement in verse 17, "if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with Him," providing a rational basis for enduring such suffering. It then seamlessly transitions into the groaning of creation (v. 19-22) and the Spirit's intercession (v. 26-27), positioning human suffering within a grand, cosmic narrative of redemption and eschatological hope. The original audience in Rome would have been familiar with suffering due to their new faith in a pagan society, making Paul's assurance incredibly pertinent.

Romans 8 18 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A causal conjunction. It links the present verse to the preceding statement (v. 17), explaining why believers should not be deterred by suffering if it leads to glory with Christ. It indicates a reasoned conclusion.

• I consider (λογίζομαι - logizomai): "To calculate, reckon, conclude, make an estimate." This is a deliberate, reasoned judgment, not a mere emotional sentiment. Paul has carefully weighed the evidence and come to this theological certainty. This same word is used for Abraham's faith being "reckoned" as righteousness (Rom 4).

• that the sufferings (τὰ παθήματα - ta pathēmata): Refers to a range of experiences from emotional pain to physical hardship, persecution, and martyrdom. The plural emphasizes the variety and multitude of afflictions experienced by believers.

• of this present time (τοῦ νῦν καιροῦ - tou nun kairou): Signifies the temporal, current era. Kairou implies an appointed, passing season or epoch, emphasizing the transient nature of these sufferings. It stands in direct contrast to eternity.

• are not worthy (οὐκ ἄξια - ouk axia): "Not equivalent, not commensurate, not deserving, of no matching weight or value." A strong negative comparison, asserting that there is no valid standard by which earthly suffering can be equated with future glory.

• to be compared with (πρὸς τὴν σύγκρισιν - pros tēn synkrisin): "In relation to a comparison." This phrase further solidifies the assertion of immeasurable difference. Paul isn't merely stating disproportion; he is declaring incomparable difference.

• the glory (τὴν δόξαν - tēn dox an): This is a rich biblical concept meaning splendor, majesty, renown, or divine manifestation. Here, it refers to the participation in Christ's own radiant divine splendor, a state of perfect honor and presence with God.

• that is to be revealed (ἀποκαλυφθῆναι - apokalyphthēnai): A future passive infinitive. It signifies an unveiling, a disclosure, or a manifestation. It is an event certain to occur, initiated and accomplished by God (passive voice). The 'revelation' implies something hidden becoming manifest.

• in us (εἰς ἡμᾶς - eis hēmas): "Into us" or "upon us." This suggests not just an external revelation witnessed by believers, but a transformative process where this glory becomes manifest through, within, and for believers. It implies personal participation in and reflection of God's glory.

• "I consider that the sufferings of this present time": This phrase highlights Paul's informed, objective, and reasoned perspective on the temporary and diverse challenges faced by believers in their earthly lives. His appraisal is one of intellectual certainty based on divine revelation.

• "are not worthy to be compared with the glory": This emphasizes the absolute incomparability. There is no scale that can measure the triviality of the former against the magnificence of the latter. It is a fundamental truth regarding eternal perspectives.

• "the glory that is to be revealed in us": This points to a definite, future, divinely-orchestrated unveiling of the eschatological reality. The "in us" part signifies not just receiving the glory externally, but embodying it and being perfected by it, a manifestation of the redeemed human being.

Romans 8 18 Bonus section

The concept of "glory that is to be revealed in us" sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion regarding the eager expectation of creation (v. 19-22), which also longs for this revealing. When the children of God are glorified, creation itself will share in this redemption, suggesting that the believer's glorification has cosmic implications. Paul's own life, marked by intense suffering (cf. 2 Cor 11:23-28), lends immense credibility and personal conviction to his statement. His logizomai ("I consider") is therefore not a detached theological pronouncement but a truth forged in the crucible of real experience. This verse thus powerfully links personal perseverance, cosmic hope, and the ultimate eschatological fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ.

Romans 8 18 Commentary

Romans 8:18 offers a powerful framework for enduring suffering through an eternal perspective. Paul's calculated assessment shifts the believer's focus from the transient pain of the present to the certain, immeasurable splendor of the future. This glory is not a mere compensation, but a radical transformation and full participation in the divine nature of Christ Himself, a concept hinted at by being "glorified with Him" in v. 17 and made explicit by the phrase "in us." The brevity and relative insignificance of suffering "of this present time" become negligible when weighed against the profound and everlasting reality of the glory that God has destined for His adopted children. This isn't wishful thinking but a firm conviction, providing profound hope and encouraging perseverance amidst tribulation, knowing that the greatest is yet to come.

Practical Example: Imagine a grueling but temporary physical training regimen (sufferings of this present time) endured by an athlete for the singular, eternal joy of achieving an Olympic medal (glory that is to be revealed). The temporary discomfort is intentionally undertaken because the perceived reward vastly outweighs the present effort. Similarly, a student sacrifices immediate pleasures to complete years of rigorous study, driven by the future reward of a fulfilling career or impactful knowledge.