He will render to each one according to his works:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about God judging us for what we do, but how we do it. The phrase "according to his deeds" points to God considering the moral quality and intent behind our actions, not just the actions themselves. This means our whole character, as revealed by our behavior, is what God weighs.
He will render to each one according to his works:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is arguing that God's judgment is impartial, and he's just called out the hypocrisy of those who condemn others while practicing the same sins themselves. This verse, and the ones immediately following, lays out the standard God will use in that judgment: our actions.
Does this verse mean we earn our salvation through good deeds? Paul clarifies a crucial distinction that impacts everything.
This verse speaks about God's judgment of our lives, not the basis of our salvation. It's not saying we are saved 'because of' our works (as if our actions earn favor with God), but 'according to' our works. Think of it like a report card: your grade isn't because of the test, but it is according to how you performed on the test.
Our deeds are the evidence of our inner character. God, in His perfect justice, will evaluate the moral quality and outcome of our lives. This doesn't contradict salvation by faith; rather, it shows that genuine faith will naturally produce actions that God will consider in His judgment.
Can God really judge everyone fairly? This verse assures us that divine justice is absolute and leaves no one out.
The phrase 'to every one' (or 'to each man') is powerful. It means God's judgment is personal and impartial. No one, whether Jew or Gentile, righteous or wicked, will escape His scrutiny. This isn't a judgment based on outward appearances or religious affiliation, but on the reality of each person's life and character.
God's justice is not arbitrary. He sees everything – the outward actions, the hidden motives, the patterns of behavior. This comprehensive view ensures that His judgment is perfectly fair, accurately reflecting the reality of each person's choices and their consequences.
Understand the original words
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apodidōmi · Greek Verb
A formal act of giving or paying back, often used in legal or judicial contexts to describe the distribution of rewards or penalties based on conduct.
ergon · Greek Noun
The deeds, actions, or labors performed by a person; in a biblical context, these are the manifestations of a person's inner character or faith.
This verse echoes the same principle, stating that God's steadfast love is balanced by His justice and that He repays people according to what they have done.
Proverbs 24:12This passage directly parallels Romans 2:6, asserting that if someone fails to speak up about wrongdoing, God will render to them according to their deeds, highlighting God's awareness and judgment of actions.
Matthew 16:27Jesus Himself teaches that the Son of Man will come in His Father's glory with His angels and will then repay each person according to what they have done, mirroring Paul's statement.
2 Corinthians 5:10Paul explicitly states that all believers must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive what is due to them for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad, reinforcing the idea of judgment based on actions.
Revelation 22:12This is a powerful concluding statement in the Bible, where Jesus declares, 'Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, to give to each one according to what he has done,' directly aligning with the theme of recompense for deeds.
meyerRomans 2:6: "Who will render to every man according to his deeds:"
Romans 2:6 . Compare Psalm 62:12 ; Proverbs 24:12 ; analogies from Greek writers in Spiess, Logos spermat . p. 214. κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ ] i.e. according as shall be commensurate with the moral quality of his actions. On this, and on the following amplification down to Romans 2:16 , it is to be observed:—(1) Paul is undoubtedly speaking of the judgment of the world , which God will cause to be held by Christ, Romans 2:16 ; (2) The…
pulpitRomans 2:6: "Who will render to every man according to his deeds:"
Verse 6. - Who will render to every man according to his works. This assertion is no contradiction of the main portion of the Epistle as it proceeds, as to justification being not of works; the phrase here being, not on account of his works, but according to them. "Nequaquam tamen quid valeant, sed quid illis debeatur pretii pronunciat" (Calvin). The ground of justification is not here involved. All that is asserted is what is e…
This verse isn't just about God judging us for what we do, but how we do it. The phrase "according to his deeds" points to God considering the moral quality and intent behind our actions, not just the actions themselves. This means our whole character, as revealed by our behavior, is what God weighs.
Paul is arguing that God's judgment is impartial, and he's just called out the hypocrisy of those who condemn others while practicing the same sins themselves. This verse, and the ones immediately following, lays out the standard God will use in that judgment: our actions.
Paul is arguing that God's judgment is impartial, and he's just called out the hypocrisy of those who condemn others while practicing the same sins themselves. This verse, and the ones immediately following, lays out the standard God will use in that judgment: our actions.
"He will render to each one according to his works:" — This verse isn't just about God judging us for what we do, but how we do it. The phrase "according to his deeds" points to God considering the moral quality and intent behind our actions, not jus…
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Last reviewed October 2026