Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

ROMANS 2:9KJV
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Romans 2:9 (KJV)

What does Romans 2:9 mean?

Romans 2:9 says that trouble and distress will come to every person who does evil, starting with the Jew and then also including the Gentile. The verse emphasizes that no one is exempt from consequences for wrongdoing, regardless of their background.

Paul, the writer, is addressing both Jewish and non-Jewish (Gentile) readers in his letter to the Christians in Rome. He is making the point that God’s judgment is fair and applies equally to all people, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. This verse is part of a larger argument that everyone is accountable for their actions, and that God does not show favoritism.

The Greek behind Romans 2:9

  • "θλῖψις" (thlipsis, G2347) means "tribulation" or "trouble." This word often describes intense pressure or suffering, highlighting the seriousness of the consequences for evil actions.
  • "στενοχωρία" (stenochōria, G4730) is translated as "anguish." It refers to a feeling of being hemmed in or restricted, adding the sense of inner distress or anxiety that comes with judgment.
  • "ψυχή" (psychē, G5590) means "soul" or "life." By saying "every soul of man," Paul is stressing that this warning applies to every individual personally, not just groups in general.
  • "Ἰουδαῖος" (Ioudaios, G2453) and "Ἕλλην" (Hellēn, G1672) mean "Jew" and "Gentile." Paul’s order—first the Jew, then the Gentile—reflects the historical priority of the Jews in receiving God’s message, but also makes clear that both groups are equally accountable.

Why Romans 2:9 matters

  • Romans 2:9 clears up the idea that being part of a certain group (like the Jews, who received God’s law first) gives someone a free pass from judgment; Paul insists that God’s standards are the same for everyone.
  • The verse highlights the fairness and impartiality of God’s judgment, which is a central theme in this section of Romans.
  • By pairing this warning with the promise of reward for those who do good (in the surrounding verses), Paul sets up a balanced view of accountability and hope for all people, regardless of their heritage.

Where else these words appear

“anguish” Greek G4730 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
  • 2 Corinthians 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“doeth” Greek G2716 · used in 23 verses

  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
  • Romans 7:18 For I know that in me(that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

“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.

“Tribulation” Greek G2347 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
  • Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.