But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

ROMANS 2:5KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 2:5 (KJV)

What does Romans 2:5 mean?

Romans 2:5 warns that by being stubborn and refusing to change one’s heart, a person is storing up God’s anger for themselves, which will be revealed on the day when God judges everyone with perfect justice. The verse stresses that unrepentant attitudes lead to consequences when God’s righteous judgment is finally shown.

Paul, the writer of Romans, is addressing people who judge others but do not recognize their own faults. He points out that a hard and unrepentant heart does not escape God’s notice; instead, it builds up more accountability for the future. This verse is part of a larger section where Paul explains that everyone, not just obvious wrongdoers, is responsible before God.

The Greek behind Romans 2:5

  • σκληρότης (sklērótēs) — "hardness": This word refers to stubbornness or an unyielding attitude. Paul uses it to describe a heart that resists change or correction, highlighting the seriousness of ignoring God’s call to repentance.
  • ἀμετανόητος (ametanoētos) — "impenitent": This means "unrepentant" or "unwilling to change one’s mind." The Greek here emphasizes not just a lack of regret, but an active refusal to turn away from wrong.
  • θησαυρίζω (thēsaurizō) — "treasurest up": This word means to store up or accumulate, like saving valuables. Here, it paints a vivid picture of someone piling up consequences for themselves, not blessings.
  • ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis) — "revelation": This word means an unveiling or making something fully known. Paul is saying that God’s judgment, which may seem hidden now, will one day be revealed openly.

Why Romans 2:5 matters

  • Romans 2:5 corrects the idea that outward religious behavior or judging others can protect someone from God’s judgment; it shows that the real issue is the state of one’s own heart.
  • The verse highlights that consequences for stubbornness and lack of repentance are not always immediate but are certain and will be fully revealed in God’s timing.
  • Romans 2:5 connects to the wider argument in Romans that all people, regardless of background, are accountable before God and in need of genuine change of heart.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G2343 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Luke 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

“revelation” Greek G602 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,

“wrath” Greek G3709 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
  • 1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

“thyself” Greek G4572 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
  • Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.