This verse isn't about earning salvation through good deeds, but about how God's justice will evaluate our lives based on the entirety of our actions. It's a statement about accountability, where the moral quality of our lives will be the measure of God's righteous judgment, not necessarily the sole cause of salvation.
He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is arguing that God's judgment is impartial and based on actions, not just outward religious identity like being a Jew. He's been showing how people, whether they follow the Jewish law or a natural moral law, all fall short and are accountable. This verse sets up the understanding that God will evaluate everyone based on their entire lives, leading into the distinction between those who do good and those who do evil.
Ever wondered how 'works' fit into a faith-filled life? This verse clarifies the crucial difference between earning salvation and being evaluated by it.
The Apostle Paul is crystal clear: God will give to each person 'according to his works.' This doesn't mean people earn salvation because of their good deeds. Instead, it means God's judgment will accurately reflect the quality and nature of a person's life – their choices, their character, their actions. Think of it like a teacher grading a paper. The grade isn't because of the effort alone, but according to the correctness of the answers and the depth of understanding shown. God's justice means He sees the whole picture and responds accordingly.
Does this judgment apply to everyone, everywhere, always? The Bible insists on a divine standard for all humanity.
This principle of rendering according to deeds isn't limited to one group of people. While Paul is writing to the church in Rome, and his arguments will later touch on the Jew and the Gentile specifically, this foundational truth applies universally. Every single person, regardless of their background, belief, or knowledge of God's law, will face a divine judgment that accurately reflects their life's actions. This highlights God's impartial justice; He is the ultimate Judge, and His assessment is perfect and comprehensive for every individual.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
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.
hypomonē · Greek Noun
The quality of steadfast endurance, remaining under pressure, or perseverance in remaining faithful to God despite obstacles.
doxa · Greek Noun
In this context, it refers to the intrinsic weight, splendor, and brilliance of God's character, or the recognition and exaltation that comes from God's presence.
timē · Greek Noun
The quality of being honored, respected, or held in high esteem; in a divine context, it refers to the status granted to believers as heirs of God.
zōē aiōnios · Greek Noun phrase
Refers to life that is not merely endless in duration, but qualitatively divine, set apart from the perishable nature of earthly existence, and centered in union with God.
eritheia · Greek Noun
A self-willed attitude characterized by ambition, party spirit, or a selfish desire for gain, often resulting in discord.
alētheia · Greek Noun
The reality of God’s self-revelation, His objective standards, and the faithful representation of His character as revealed in the Gospel.
adikia · Greek Noun
The state of being contrary to God's standard of justice; acting in a way that violates moral and legal laws established by the Creator.
orgē · Greek Noun
The righteous, judicial indignation of God against sin; a settled, divine hostility toward all that is contrary to His holiness.
thymos · Greek Noun
An intense, violent passion or outburst of divine judgment, emphasizing the severity of the consequences for persistent rebellion.
This passage echoes the idea that God's justice is based on our actions, stating 'Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, for you repay all according to their work.'
Proverbs 24:12This verse directly supports the theme of divine recompense for actions: 'If you say, “We have not found him,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps your soul know it, and will he not render to man according to his work?'
Matthew 16:27Jesus Himself affirms this principle of judgment based on deeds: 'For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each according to what he has done.'
Matthew 25:31-46This parable vividly illustrates a judgment where people are separated based on their actions, particularly their treatment of the needy, highlighting how deeds reveal one's true character.
2 Corinthians 5:10The Apostle Paul reiterates this truth in another letter, emphasizing the universal accountability for our actions: 'For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.'
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 about earning salvation through good deeds, but about how God's justice will evaluate our lives based on the entirety of our actions. It's a statement about accountability, where the moral quality of our lives will be the measure of God's righteous judgment, not necessarily the sole cause of salvation.
Paul is arguing that God's judgment is impartial and based on actions, not just outward religious identity like being a Jew. He's been showing how people, whether they follow the Jewish law or a natural moral law, all fall short and are accountable. This verse sets up the understanding that God will evaluate everyone based on their entire lives, leading into the distinction between those who do good and those who do evil.
Paul is arguing that God's judgment is impartial and based on actions, not just outward religious identity like being a Jew. He's been showing how people, whether they follow the Jewish law or a natural moral law, all fall short and are accountable. This verse sets up the understanding that God will evaluate everyone based on their entire lives, leading into the distinction between those who do good and those who do evil.
"He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteo…" — This verse isn't about earning salvation through good deeds, but about how God's justice will evaluate our lives based on the entirety of our actions. It's a statement about accountability, whe…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
