Bible Strands
Romans 2:9
There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a mixed Jewish and Gentile audience in Rome, outlining God's impartial judgment immediately after condemning self-seeking and wickedness in Romans 2:8.
The words — θλῖψις (thlipsis) and στενοχωρία (stenochōria) literally mean "tribulation" and "distress," specifying the affliction that will fall upon every person practicing evil.
The thread — The text's "first for the Jew, then for the Greek" sequence mirrors the gospel's priority in Romans 1:16 and aligns with the judgment's starting point in 1 Peter 4:17, while Ezekiel 18:4 establishes the underlying principle that individual souls bear personal responsibility for sin.
Why it lands — The verse states that divine retribution applies universally to evildoers without ethnic exemption, requiring readers to confront their own accountability under a standard that recognizes no favoritism.
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
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Cross-references
- 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?
- Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die.
- Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
- Romans 3:29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,
- Luke 24:47 and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
- Acts 3:26 When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
- Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
- Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
- Romans 2:10 but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek.
- Romans 9:24 including us, whom He has called not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles?