But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

ROMANS 2:10KJV
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Romans 2:10 (KJV)

What does Romans 2:10 mean?

Romans 2:10 says that God offers glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does good, no matter their background—first to the Jew, but also to the Gentile. This verse highlights that God’s approval is not limited by ethnicity or heritage but is available to all who live rightly.

Paul, writing to believers in Rome, is explaining that God’s judgment and reward are fair and impartial. In the wider context, Paul is addressing both Jewish and non-Jewish (Gentile) audiences, showing that both groups are accountable to God and can receive His blessings if they do good.

The Greek behind Romans 2:10

  • δόξα (dóxa, "glory"): This Greek word often refers to honor or a good reputation, especially in the sense of recognition from God. Paul is saying that those who do good will be recognized and valued by God.
  • τιμή (timē, "honour"): This word means respect or esteem. It emphasizes that God gives genuine worth to those who act rightly, not just outward praise.
  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē, "peace"): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it suggests a deep sense of well-being and wholeness that comes from God.
  • πρῶτον (prōton, "first"): Paul uses this word to show that the message and blessings came to the Jews first, but they are not exclusive to them—Gentiles are included as well.

Why Romans 2:10 matters

  • Romans 2:10 clarifies that God does not play favorites based on background or nationality; everyone is equally able to receive His blessings if they do good.
  • This verse balances the earlier focus on judgment by showing that God’s rewards are just as available as His discipline, reinforcing the fairness of God’s character.
  • Romans 2:10 connects to the larger argument in Romans that both Jews and Gentiles are on equal footing before God, setting up Paul’s later teaching about faith and salvation for all.

Where else these words appear

“Gentile” Greek G1672 · used in 26 verses

  • John 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
  • Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
  • Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

“worketh” Greek G2038 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
  • Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

“honour” Greek G5092 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
  • Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

“first” Greek G4412 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
  • Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
  • Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.