New Testament
Romans 2:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
Compare translations
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
What Romans 2:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul addresses those who might take God's kindness for granted. He emphasizes that God's goodness, patience, and tolerance are not signs of weakness but rather opportunities for people to change their ways. Instead of ignoring or despising these qualities, individuals should recognize that God's kindness is intended to lead them to repentance. Repentance means turning away from wrongdoing and returning to a right relationship with God. This verse serves as a reminder that God's mercy is a chance for transformation, encouraging people to reflect on their lives and make positive changes rather than continuing in sin. It highlights the importance of understanding God's character and the purpose behind His patience with humanity, which is ultimately to bring about repentance and restoration.
How to apply Romans 2:4 to your life
We should not take God's kindness for granted. Instead, we must reflect on our lives and recognize the areas where we need to change. Embracing God's patience can inspire us to repent and grow closer to Him, leading to a more fulfilling spiritual life.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 2:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 2:4
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 2:4 mean?
Romans 2:4 means that God's kindness, patience, and tolerance are meant to encourage people to change their behavior and turn back to Him. It highlights that these qualities are opportunities for repentance rather than signs of weakness.
What is the meaning of repentance in Romans 2:4?
In Romans 2:4, repentance refers to the act of turning away from wrongdoing and returning to a right relationship with God. It signifies a change of heart and behavior prompted by recognizing God's goodness.
How does God's kindness lead to repentance according to Romans 2:4?
According to Romans 2:4, God's kindness leads to repentance by providing individuals with the opportunity to reflect on their actions and realize the need for change. It shows that His patience is a chance for personal growth and restoration.
What themes are present in Romans 2:4?
The themes present in Romans 2:4 include God's goodness, repentance, patience, tolerance, transformation, and divine mercy. These themes highlight the relationship between God's character and the call for individuals to change their ways.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.