But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

ROMANS 2:8KJV
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Romans 2:8 (KJV)

What does Romans 2:8 mean?

Romans 2:8 says that people who are argumentative and refuse to follow the truth, but instead follow what is wrong, will face anger and judgment from God. The verse draws a clear line between those who accept the truth and those who stubbornly choose wrongdoing.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining that God judges everyone fairly, whether Jew or Gentile. In this verse, Paul highlights that those who are "contentious"—meaning they stir up strife and resist what is right—are not just neutral but actively choose to obey unrighteousness. The result, Paul warns, is that such people will experience God's indignation and wrath, showing the seriousness of rejecting the truth.

The Greek behind Romans 2:8

  • "Contentious" (ἐξ ἐριθείας, ex eritheias): This Greek phrase refers to someone who is self-seeking or quarrelsome, not just argumentative but motivated by selfish ambition. It suggests a deeper attitude of resisting what is right for personal reasons.
  • "Obey" (πειθομένοις, peithomenois): The Greek here means to be persuaded by or to follow. In this context, it shows that people are not just passively ignoring the truth but are actively choosing to follow unrighteousness instead.
  • "Indignation" (θυμός, thymos) and "wrath" (ὀργή, orgē): Both words refer to anger, but "θυμός" often means a passionate outburst, while "ὀργή" is a more settled, enduring anger. Paul uses both to emphasize the seriousness of God's response to those who reject the truth.

Why Romans 2:8 matters

  • Romans 2:8 clarifies that rejecting the truth is not a neutral act; it is a deliberate choice with real consequences, highlighting personal responsibility.
  • The verse shows that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is a response to people's attitudes and actions, connecting to Paul's wider message that both Jews and Gentiles are accountable to God.
  • Understanding the specific Greek words helps reveal that Paul is describing a deep-rooted resistance to truth, not just occasional doubt or questioning, making the warning more pointed.

Where else these words appear

“contentious” Greek G2052 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
  • Philippians 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
  • James 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

“obey” Greek G544 · used in 16 verses

  • John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
  • Romans 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
  • 1 Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

“indignation” Greek G2372 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 4:28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
  • Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
  • Revelation 15:1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

“unrighteousness” Greek G93 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
  • Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.