And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
What does Romans 5:3 mean?
A blessed change takes place in the sinner's state, when he becomes a true believer, whatever he has been. Being justified by faith he has peace with God.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Romans 5:1-5 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Romans 5:3
And not only so , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And not only so - We not only rejoice in times of prosperity, and of health. Paul proceeds to show that this plan is not less adapted to produce support in trials. But we glory - The word used here is the same that is in Romans 5:2 , translated, "we rejoice" καυχωμεθα kauchometha. It should have been so rendered here. The meaning is, that we rejoice not only in hope; not only in the direct results of justification, in the immediate effect which religion itself produces; but we carry our joy and triumph even into the midst of trials.
Key words
- glory
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And not only so , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also,.
- tribulations
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And not only so , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also,.
- also
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And not only so , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also,.
Context in Romans 5
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Romans 5 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as justification and Abraham. Romans is Paul’s fullest sustained exposition of sin, grace, righteousness, faith, Israel, the Spirit, and transformed life in Christ. Read this chapter with the wider themes of justification, grace, and faith in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages that speak directly to seasons of difficulty, hardship, testing, and the way God sustains people through adversity.
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Bible verses about suffering and trials
Key passages on grief, endurance, lament, divine mystery, and the Christian claim that suffering is neither final nor meaningless.
Passages on peace with God, peace in the heart, peace in community, and the biblical difference between true peace and false reassurance.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.