For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

ROMANS 8:18KJV
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Romans 8:18 (KJV)

What does Romans 8:18 mean?

Romans 8:18 says that the hardships and pain people experience now are small when compared to the amazing future honor and joy that will be shown in them. The verse teaches that present suffering is not even worth comparing to the glory that is coming for believers.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, encouraging them as they face difficulties. He wants them to see their struggles in light of the bigger picture—God’s future plan to reveal something wonderful in and through them. Paul’s words are meant to give hope and perspective, reminding his readers that what they endure now is temporary and nothing compared to what God has promised.

The Greek behind Romans 8:18

  • The word for "reckon" is λογίζομαι (logizomai), which means "to consider" or "to count as." Paul is not just guessing; he has thought this through and is convinced.
  • The word for "sufferings" is παθήματα (pathēmata), meaning hardships or pains, especially those that come from following Jesus. Paul is talking about real, present difficulties.
  • The word for "glory" is δόξα (doxa), which often means honor, splendor, or a shining greatness. Here, it points to the future transformation and honor God will give.
  • The word for "revealed" is ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō), meaning "to uncover" or "to make fully known." The idea is that this future glory is not yet visible, but it will be shown clearly.

Why Romans 8:18 matters

  • Romans 8:18 helps clear up the idea that Christian faith means an easy life; Paul is honest about suffering, but he puts it in perspective.
  • The verse emphasizes that future hope is not just a vague comfort, but something specific and far greater than any pain now.
  • Romans 8:18 connects to the larger theme of Romans 8, where Paul talks about life in the Spirit and the assurance of God’s promises, helping readers see suffering as part of a much bigger story.

Where else these words appear

“sufferings” Greek G3804 · used in 16 verses

  • Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
  • Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
  • Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

“revealed” Greek G601 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
  • Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
  • Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

“worthy” Greek G514 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

“reckon” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.