Romans 2:4
"Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads ..." — Romans 2:4 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations.
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?”Romans 2:4 (NIV)
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Surrounding verses
Read Romans 2:4 with the verses next to it, then open Romans 2 in full.
So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?
But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
When people use this verse
People often open Romans 2:4 when they are looking for Scripture on repentance, kindness.
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“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1
What is this verse about?
Romans 2:4 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans. This verse comes from chapter 2, which can be read in full at the Romans chapter 2 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How people apply it
As you reflect on Romans 2:4, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.
Related verses
Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.
yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
2 Corinthians 7:10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Timothy 2:25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
Hebrews 6:1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,
Hebrews 6:6if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Isaiah 30:15This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
Luke 3:3He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
A short prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in Romans 2:4. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Quick answers
What does Romans 2:4 mean?
"Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads ..." — Romans 2:4 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.
What is the context of Romans 2:4?
Romans 2:4 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans. This verse comes from chapter 2, which can be read in full at the Romans chapter 2 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How does Romans 2:4 read in other translations?
Romans 2:4 is available in NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB on this page. Open the compare view to read them side by side.