To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

ROMANS 2:7KJV
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Romans 2:7 (KJV)

What does Romans 2:7 mean?

Romans 2:7 describes how God will give eternal life to those who patiently keep doing good, seeking glory, honor, and immortality. The verse highlights that a life marked by steady, persistent good works and a longing for what is lasting and noble is what God values and rewards with eternal life.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how God judges people based on their actions and the intentions behind them, not just their background or knowledge of the law. In this section, Paul is contrasting those who live selfishly with those who genuinely seek what is good and lasting, showing that God’s judgment is fair and impartial.

The Greek behind Romans 2:7

  • ὑπομονή (hypomonē, G5281) — "patient continuance": This word means steadfastness or endurance, especially under difficulty. Paul is emphasizing not just doing good once, but a life of ongoing, patient commitment to what is right.
  • ἀγαθός (agathos, G18) — "well": This word means "good" in a moral sense, pointing to actions that are genuinely beneficial and upright.
  • ἔργον (ergon, G2041) — "doing": This refers to deeds or works, highlighting that the focus is on actual actions, not just intentions or beliefs.
  • δόξα (doxa, G1391), τιμή (timē, G5092), ἀφθαρσία (aphtharsia, G861) — "glory, honour, and immortality": These words together show that what is being sought is not temporary praise or reward, but lasting, incorruptible qualities that come from God.

Why Romans 2:7 matters

  • Romans 2:7 clarifies that God’s reward of eternal life is not based on heritage or religious background, but on a life characterized by persistent good actions and a sincere desire for what is truly valuable.
  • The verse helps correct the misunderstanding that faith is only about belief without action; Paul shows that a transformed life is marked by ongoing good works.
  • This verse fits into Paul’s larger argument that God’s judgment is impartial and just, applying equally to all people regardless of their background.

Where else these words appear

“immortality” Greek G861 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
  • 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
  • Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.

“continuance” Greek G5281 · used in 31 verses

  • Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
  • Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
  • James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

“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.

“eternal” Greek G166 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.