Romans 2:7

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 2:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:
Romans 2:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“To them who by patient continuance in well doing, etc..] These words are descriptive of one sort of persons, to whom God will render according to their works; and must be understood not of the Gentiles, the best and most moralized among them; for they sought after worldly things, after human wisdom, and popular applause, and not after God, his honour and glory, nor after immortality, which is only brought to light by the Gospel; nor of the pharisaical Jews, who sought for righteousness by the works of the law, and honour and glory from men, and not from God; nor of any unregenerate persons, but only of such who have the true principles of grace implanted in them, whether Jews or Gentiles:…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To them who, &c.--The substance of these verses is that the final judgment will turn upon character alone. by patient continuance in well-doing, &c.--Compare Luk 8:15 : "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"; denoting the enduring and progressive character of the new life.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To them - Whoever they may be. Patient continuance - Who by perseverance in well doing, or in a good work. It means that they who so continue, or persevere, in good works as to evince that they are disposed to obey the Law of God. It does not mean those who perform one single act, but those who so live as to show that this is their character to obey God. It is the uniform doctrine of the Bible that none will be saved but those who persevere in a life of holiness, Revelation 2:10; Matthew 10:22; Hebrews 10:38-39. No other conduct gives evidence of piety but what continues in the ways of righteousness. Nor has God ever promised eternal life to people unless they so persevere in a life of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“To them that seek for glory - For pure love does not exclude faith, hope, desire, Co1 15:58. Romans 2:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good: Paul makes it clear elsewhere that no one can receive eternal life except as God’s gift through faith (3:20, 28; 4:1-8). Here, Paul is either referring to Christians whose good deeds (that result from faith) will be taken into account in God’s judgment, or he is reminding readers of the absolute standard that God’s own holiness establishes, since only by perfection can sinners hope to find acceptance before God. As the argument of the letter unfolds, Paul will show that no one is capable of meeting that standard.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“patient: Rom 8:24, Rom 8:25; Job 17:9; Psa 27:14, Psa 37:3, Psa 37:34; Lam 3:25, Lam 3:26; Mat 24:12, Mat 24:13; Luk 8:15; Joh 6:66-69; Co1 15:58; Gal 6:9; Ti2 4:7, Ti2 4:8; Heb 6:12, Heb 6:15; Heb 10:35, Heb 10:36; Jam 5:7, Jam 5:8; Rev 2:10, Rev 2:11 glory: Rom 8:18, Rom 9:23; Joh 5:44; Co2 4:16-18; Col 1:27; Pe1 1:7, Pe1 1:8, Pe1 4:13, Pe1 4:14 immortality: Co1 15:53, Co1 15:54; Ti2 1:10 eternal: Rom 6:23; Jo1 2:25 Romans 2:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification