Bible Strands
Romans 2:8
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles in Rome, positioning this verse between two contrasting judgments in Romans 2:7–9. He speaks as an apostle explaining God's impartial assessment of human conduct.
The words — The supplied Greek ἐριθείας (eritheias) literally denotes "self-interest" or factional ambition, while ἀπειθοῦσιν (apeithousin) translates to "disobeying" or "rejecting the truth." These terms directly modify the group receiving the coming wrath.
The thread — The text warns that self-seeking rejection of truth brings divine wrath, a pattern repeated in John 3:18 regarding unbelief, 2 Thessalonians 1:8 regarding those who refuse the gospel, and 1 Timothy 6:3 regarding those who oppose sound teaching.
Why it lands — The verse states that wrath and anger await those who pursue selfish ends and refuse truth, then requires the reader to examine whether their own actions stem from genuine obedience or self-directed ambition. It demands an unflinching audit of motive before claiming religious standing.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Cross-references
- 2 Thessalonians 1:8 in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
- 1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,
- John 3:18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
- 1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
- Proverbs 13:10 Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them.
- Revelation 16:19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.
- Job 24:13 Then there are those who rebel against the light, not knowing its ways or staying on its paths.
- Psalms 90:11 Who knows the power of Your anger? Your wrath matches the fear You are due.
- Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God.