Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
Parallel translations
- KJV And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
- BSB Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
- 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 1:2–3Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations,
- Jas 1:12Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.
- 1 Pet 3:14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “Don’t fear what they fear, neither be troubled.”
- 2 Cor 12:9–10He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
- 2 Cor 4:17For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;
- Luke 6:22–23Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.
- Rom 8:35–37Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
- Luke 21:19“By your endurance you will win your lives.
- Heb 12:10–11For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.
- Matt 5:10–12Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Phil 2:17–18Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.
- 2 Cor 11:23–30Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.
- Eph 3:13Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.
- Acts 5:41They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name.
- 1 Pet 4:16–17But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter.
- Phil 1:29Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
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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.