Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
Parallel translations
- WEB Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
- KJV And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
- NKJV And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
- NASB And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
- NLT We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Believers even rejoice in sufferings, knowing they produce perseverance. Trials become grounds for hope rather than despair.
Overview
Paul teaches that the justified can glory not only in hope but even in 'sufferings,' because God uses them to produce perseverance. Affliction is not meaningless but part of God's purposeful work in his people. This reframes Christian suffering in light of the secure standing and hope that justification provides.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 16
- Jas 1:2–3Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
- Jas 1:12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
- 1 Pet 3:14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”
- 2 Cor 12:9–10But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
- 2 Cor 4:17For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.
- Luke 6:22–23Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.
- Rom 8:35–37Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
- Luke 21:19By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.
- Heb 12:10–11Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.
- Matt 5:10–12Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Phil 2:17–18But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- 2 Cor 11:23–30Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death.
- Eph 3:13So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
- Acts 5:41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
- 1 Pet 4:16–17But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.
- Phil 1:29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,
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Christ at the center
Paul unfolds the gospel in full: Christ our righteousness received by faith, the second Adam in whom many are made righteous, in whose death and resurrection we are buried and raised.
How Romans 5:3 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.