For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul uses the word "reckon," which implies careful calculation, to show that this immense glory isn't just a hopeful wish, but a conclusion reached through sober judgment. He contrasts the "present time"—emphasizing its fleeting nature—with the "glory to be revealed unto us," suggesting this glory is something bestowed upon us externally by God, not just an inner feeling.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is speaking about the incredible hope believers have as children of God, especially in light of the Holy Spirit's work within them. He has just explained that as adopted children, they are heirs with Christ, destined for future glory, even if it means suffering now. This verse serves as a powerful reassurance, directly addressing the reality of present hardship by comparing it to the immense future glory awaiting them.
Paul doesn't just hope for future glory; he 'reckons' it. What does this word choice tell us about the nature of Christian hope?
The Greek word 'logizomai' (λογίζομαι) translated as 'reckon' or 'consider' here isn't a casual guess. It implies a deliberate calculation, a reasoned conclusion based on evidence. Paul isn't just wishfully thinking about future glory; he's arrived at this conviction through careful thought and faith.
A Judgment of Faith
This isn't a cold, mathematical calculation, but a deep conviction rooted in God's promises and the reality of the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives. It's a judgment that weighs the seen against the unseen, the temporary against the eternal, and finds the latter infinitely more valuable.
From 'I' to 'We'
While Paul uses 'I reckon,' he's expressing a truth that applies to all believers. This personal conviction serves as a foundation for the collective hope he will articulate later in the chapter (Romans 8:22), showing that this certainty is a shared reality for God's people.
The 'sufferings of this present time' and the 'glory that is to be revealed' stand in stark contrast. What does this tension reveal about our current existence?
Paul highlights a fundamental tension in the Christian life: the 'now' of present suffering and the 'not yet' of future glory. He deliberately contrasts the 'present time' (Gk. 'kairos' - a specific, appointed time, often seen as fleeting) with the future glory.
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The Weight of the Present
The sufferings of this present time are real and significant. They encompass everything from physical hardship and persecution to emotional pain and spiritual battles. These are the realities of a world groaning under the effects of sin.
The Unveiling of Future Glory
Conversely, the 'glory to be revealed' is an astonishing future reality. This isn't just a slight improvement on our current state; it's a radical transformation. It's the full unveiling of our adoption as sons of God, the redemption of our bodies, and our eternal dwelling with Christ in unimaginable splendor and joy. The apostle's point is that the immensity of this future glory dwarfs the intensity and duration of present troubles.
The glory is revealed 'in us,' or perhaps better, 'upon us.' What does this spatial language tell us about the nature of this future glory?
The precise preposition used in the Greek (eis, εἰς) can be translated in several ways: 'in us,' 'unto us,' or 'upon us.' While the idea of glory growing within us is true, the emphasis here is often understood as glory bestowed from God and Christ upon us, like a crown or a royal robe.
Divine Bestowal
This outward reception of glory signifies that it is not something we generate ourselves, but a gift from God that will be fully manifested when Christ returns. It’s the external confirmation and beautification of our adoption as sons of God, a visible splendor that marks us as belonging to Him.
A Glorious Revelation
This glory is not merely an inner feeling but an outward manifestation. It’s when our true identity as God’s children is fully revealed, shining with the reflected glory of Christ Himself. This revelation is tied to Christ's return, marking the completion of God's redemptive plan.
Understand the original words
pathēmata · Greek Noun
The trials, hardships, and persecutions endured by believers in this fallen world as they follow Christ and await future redemption.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Romans 8:18 by contrasting the 'light momentary' troubles of today with an 'eternal weight of glory,' reinforcing the idea that present suffering is insignificant compared to future reward.
Philippians 3:21This verse speaks of Christ transforming our 'humiliation' bodies to be like his 'glorious' body, directly linking the present state of suffering and imperfection with a future, glorious transformation.
1 Peter 1:6-7Similar to Romans 8:18, this passage highlights that present suffering, though varied and intense ('fiery trial'), is temporary and serves to refine faith, leading to praise and glory at Christ's appearing.
Revelation 21:4This prophetic vision of the new heavens and new earth offers a glimpse into the ultimate 'glory to be revealed,' describing a state where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, directly contrasting with the present sufferings.
meyerRomans 8:18: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18 . Λογίζομαι ] I reckon , as in Romans 3:28 ; 2 Corinthians 11:5 ; Php 3:13 . In the singular we are not to discover a turn given to the argument, as if the apostle found it necessary to justify himself on account of the condition εἴπερ συμπάσχ . (Hofmann). Just as little here as in the case of πέπεισμαι in Romans 8:38 . He simply delivers h…
clarkeRomans 8:18: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
For I reckon that the sufferings, etc. - If the glory that is to be revealed be the enjoyment of God himself, (see above, Romans 8:17 (note)), then the sufferings of this life, which, when compared with eternity, are but as for a moment, are not worthy to be put in competition with this glory which shall be revealed in us. This case is perfectly clear.
Paul uses the word "reckon," which implies careful calculation, to show that this immense glory isn't just a hopeful wish, but a conclusion reached through sober judgment. He contrasts the "present time"—emphasizing its fleeting nature—with the "glory to be revealed unto us," suggesting this glory is something bestowed upon us externally by God, not just an inner feeling.
Paul is speaking about the incredible hope believers have as children of God, especially in light of the Holy Spirit's work within them. He has just explained that as adopted children, they are heirs with Christ, destined for future glory, even if it means suffering now. This verse serves as a powerful reassurance, directly addressing the reality of present hardship by comparing it to the immense future glory awaiting them.
Paul is speaking about the incredible hope believers have as children of God, especially in light of the Holy Spirit's work within them. He has just explained that as adopted children, they are heirs with Christ, destined for future glory, even if it means suffering now. This verse serves as a powerful reassurance, directly addressing the reality of present hardship by comparing it to the immense future glory awaiting them.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." — Paul uses the word "reckon," which implies careful calculation, to show that this immense glory isn't just a hopeful wish, but a conclusion reached through sober judgment. He contrasts the "present t…
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Last reviewed October 2026