New Testament

Romans 2:5

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Paul addresses the consequences of a stubborn and unrepentant heart.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.

KJVKing James Version

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul addresses the consequences of a stubborn and unrepentant heart. He warns that those who refuse to change their ways are accumulating God's wrath against themselves. This 'day of wrath' refers to a future time when God's righteous judgment will be fully revealed. The imagery of 'storing up' suggests that every act of disobedience adds to the judgment that will come. Paul emphasizes that God's judgment is not arbitrary; it is based on righteousness and fairness. The verse serves as a serious reminder that ignoring God's call to repentance can lead to dire consequences. It highlights the importance of being open to change and recognizing one's faults, as this is essential for receiving God's mercy instead of judgment. Ultimately, it calls for self-examination and a willingness to turn away from sin to avoid the impending judgment.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 2:5 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our hearts and attitudes. Are we holding onto stubbornness or refusing to repent? It’s vital to recognize our faults and seek change, as this can lead to mercy rather than judgment. Embrace humility and openness to God's guidance.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 2:5 mean?

Romans 2:5 warns that a stubborn and unrepentant heart leads to accumulating God's wrath. It emphasizes that ignoring the call to change can result in serious consequences when God's judgment is revealed.

What is the day of wrath in Romans 2:5?

The 'day of wrath' in Romans 2:5 refers to a future time when God's righteous judgment will be fully revealed. It signifies a moment of accountability for those who have not repented.

How does Romans 2:5 relate to God's judgment?

Romans 2:5 illustrates that God's judgment is based on righteousness and fairness. It shows that stubbornness and refusal to repent can lead to accumulating judgment against oneself.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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