“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 (KJV)
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” — Romans 8:18 (NIV)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” — Romans 8:18 (ESV)
Romans 8:18 is one of the most powerful and comforting verses in all of Scripture. Written by the Apostle Paul, it bridges the tension between the hardships believers endure in this life and the eternal hope that awaits them in Christ. This verse offers perspective, reminding us that while suffering is real, it is temporary—and it pales in comparison to the eternal glory that God has prepared for His children.
At its heart, Romans 8:18 is about perspective. Paul does not deny or minimize the pain of suffering. He himself endured severe trials: imprisonment, persecution, beatings, shipwreck, hunger, betrayal, and rejection (2 Corinthians 11:23–28). Yet in the midst of all these struggles, he could confidently declare that the coming glory far outweighed any present affliction. His words echo like a beacon of hope to every believer who finds themselves weighed down by hardship, grief, or persecution.
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The verse is also a key turning point in Romans 8, a chapter often called the “Mountaintop of the New Testament.” This chapter begins with “no condemnation” for those in Christ (v. 1) and ends with “no separation” from the love of God (vv. 38–39). Nestled in the middle is verse 18, which reminds us that the journey from suffering to glory is guaranteed by God’s promise.
Paul’s choice of words is also significant. When he says, “I reckon” or “I consider,” he is using a term from accounting. He is making a careful calculation, weighing suffering against glory, and concluding that there is simply no comparison. The weight of eternal glory makes suffering seem light and momentary by contrast (see 2 Corinthians 4:17–18). This is not to dismiss the reality of pain but to reframe it in the light of eternity.
For the original audience in Rome, these words carried profound meaning. The early Christians were facing hostility, discrimination, and, in time, violent persecution under Roman authorities. Many lived in fear of losing property, freedom, or even life for their faith. Paul’s reminder that present suffering is temporary and future glory is eternal would have been an anchor for their souls, helping them endure with perseverance and hope.
For us today, the verse still speaks powerfully. Whether suffering takes the form of illness, loss, loneliness, persecution, or daily struggles, Romans 8:18 assures us that our trials are not meaningless. They are part of the journey toward an eternal destiny of joy, restoration, and glory with Christ. The promise of future glory does not erase present pain, but it puts it into perspective, allowing us to endure with courage and hope.
In this study, we will unpack Romans 8:18 in detail. We will explore its meaning, break it down phrase by phrase, look at insights from commentators, place it in its biblical and historical context, and reflect on the lessons it offers for Christians today. Ultimately, this verse invites us to live not with despair in suffering, but with hope in the glory that is to come—a glory that far surpasses anything we could ever imagine.
What Does Romans 8:18 Mean?
Romans 8:18 is a verse filled with comfort, perspective, and eternal hope. Paul’s words are not theoretical musings but a deeply personal testimony born out of his own experiences of hardship. At its core, this verse is a declaration that while suffering is real and painful, it is incomparable to the eternal glory that awaits believers in Christ.
The Reality of Present Suffering
Paul begins with the phrase, “the sufferings of this present time.” The Christian life is not free from hardship; in fact, suffering is part of the believer’s journey. Throughout Scripture, suffering is presented as an unavoidable reality in a fallen world. Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).
For Paul’s audience in Rome, suffering was not abstract. Christians faced hostility from their communities, alienation from families, and threats from governing authorities. Many believers would later endure imprisonment, loss of property, and martyrdom. Paul himself endured persecution, beatings, hunger, and betrayal. By acknowledging the “sufferings of this present time,” Paul validates the pain of his readers. He does not deny or minimize it.
A Comparison Beyond Measure
The heart of this verse lies in the contrast Paul draws: “are not worthy to be compared with the glory.” Here, Paul uses the language of comparison, almost as though placing two weights on a scale. On one side are the sufferings—real, heavy, and burdensome. On the other side is the eternal glory to come. The result is overwhelming: suffering is weightless in comparison to glory.
This is not to say that suffering is insignificant in itself. Rather, it is to highlight how much greater the coming glory will be. The magnitude of eternity renders suffering temporary and light by contrast. As Paul says elsewhere: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
The Future Glory
The phrase “the glory which shall be revealed in us” points to the eternal inheritance of believers. Glory in this sense refers to the future transformation that awaits the children of God—the resurrection of the body, eternal life, and dwelling in the presence of God forever.
This glory is both personal and cosmic. Personally, believers will be fully conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). No longer will we struggle with sin, weakness, or mortality. Our bodies will be glorified, and we will share in Christ’s victory over death (Philippians 3:20–21). Cosmically, creation itself will be restored, freed from its bondage to decay (Romans 8:19–21). Paul ties the destiny of believers to the renewal of the entire universe, pointing to a future where everything broken will be made new.
“Revealed in Us”
A key detail in the verse is the phrase “in us.” Glory is not only something believers will see—it will be revealed in them. This implies transformation, not just observation. God’s glory will so saturate His people that they themselves will radiate His presence. This echoes what Paul says elsewhere: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).
This glory is already secured through Christ’s resurrection and promised to all who belong to Him. While we do not yet experience it in full, we live in anticipation of the day when it will be revealed in us.
The Certainty of Paul’s Conviction
The verse begins with the words “For I reckon” (KJV) or “I consider” (NIV/ESV). The Greek word logizomai conveys careful reasoning or calculation. Paul is not speaking casually; he has weighed the evidence, considered the cost, and reached a confident conclusion. This is the language of conviction, not speculation.
For Paul, the comparison is so decisive that there is no contest—suffering cannot compare with glory. His conclusion is rooted in the promises of God, the hope of resurrection, and the certainty of eternal life in Christ.
Breaking Down Romans 8:18
Romans 8:18 is a short verse, but each phrase carries profound depth. By breaking it down, we see not just Paul’s theology but his pastoral heart for believers walking through trials. Let’s look at the verse phrase by phrase.
“For I reckon…”
The King James Version uses the phrase “For I reckon,” while other translations render it “I consider” or “I calculate.” The Greek word here is logizomai, an accounting term meaning to carefully calculate, reason, or conclude after weighing the evidence.
Paul is not making an emotional statement; he is making a reasoned conclusion. He has experienced hardship, endured persecution, and walked closely with Christ. Based on his knowledge of God’s promises and his firsthand encounters with suffering, he concludes that suffering, however painful, cannot compare with the glory ahead.
This teaches us that Christian hope is not blind optimism but a conviction based on God’s Word and promises. Like Paul, believers are called to “reckon” or “consider” God’s eternal truth in the face of temporal trials.
“…that the sufferings of this present time…”
Paul acknowledges suffering as a present reality. The phrase includes all forms of hardship—persecution for faith, physical illness, emotional pain, injustice, loss, and the struggles that come from living in a fallen world.
Paul himself was no stranger to suffering. In 2 Corinthians 11:23–28, he lists his trials: imprisonments, beatings, stoning, shipwreck, hunger, and betrayal. He writes not as an outsider to suffering but as one deeply acquainted with it.
The term “present time” reminds us that suffering is temporary. It belongs to “this age” but will not carry into eternity. This echoes Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “For the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
“…are not worthy to be compared…”
This phrase introduces a dramatic contrast. Paul essentially places sufferings on one side of a scale and eternal glory on the other. The conclusion? Suffering does not even register in comparison.
The phrase “not worthy” emphasizes complete inadequacy. No matter how heavy or overwhelming suffering feels in the moment, it cannot compare to the eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Paul is not diminishing pain; he is magnifying glory.
This also shows Paul’s eternal perspective. Rather than being consumed by suffering, he viewed it in light of what God had promised. For the Christian, perspective changes everything.
“…with the glory…”
Here Paul shifts focus to the incomparable glory awaiting believers. “Glory” in Scripture often refers to the radiant presence of God, His majesty, and honor. In Romans 8, glory points to the believer’s future state of transformation and union with Christ.
Glory is not simply something believers will see; it is something they will share in. Romans 8:17 says, “if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” The glory is Christ’s, but by grace, it will be shared with His people.
Glory also carries the sense of weight and permanence. Unlike suffering, which is fleeting, glory is eternal, substantial, and unshakable.
“…which shall be revealed…”
The word “revealed” (Greek: apokalyphthēnai) means something hidden that will be uncovered or unveiled. Right now, the glory awaiting believers is hidden. We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
But one day, at Christ’s return, that glory will be fully revealed. Paul points forward to the resurrection and the new creation, when all of God’s promises will come to completion. Believers will see Christ in His glory and share in that glory.
This future revelation is certain. It is not conditional on human strength but guaranteed by God’s power and promise.
“…in us.”
The final phrase makes the promise personal. Glory will not only be revealed to believers but in them. This points to transformation—our very being will reflect the glory of God.
Paul expands on this in Philippians 3:21: “[Christ] shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body.” Similarly, in Colossians 3:4, Paul says: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Glory will not just surround us; it will indwell us. Our resurrection bodies, freed from corruption, will radiate God’s presence. This is the believer’s destiny: to share fully in the likeness and glory of Christ.
Romans 8:18 Explanation and Commentary
Romans 8:18 has been one of the most cherished verses in Christian history, offering hope in the midst of suffering. Both classical commentators and modern scholars have provided rich insights into its meaning. Together, they help us see this verse not just as theological truth, but as practical encouragement for enduring trials with faith.
Classical Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry explains that present suffering is like a narrow passage leading to a wide inheritance. He writes that believers should view afflictions as temporary “clouds” that will soon vanish, making way for eternal sunshine. For Henry, the verse calls Christians to patience and perseverance, reminding them that every hardship is a preparation for future joy.
John Gill highlights that the “sufferings of this present time” are “light, short, and inconsiderable” when compared to the “exceeding and eternal weight of glory” awaiting believers. Gill underscores that Paul’s reasoning is not to dismiss suffering, but to show its temporary nature against the backdrop of eternity.
Charles Spurgeon, though not a formal commentator on Romans, often drew upon this verse in his sermons. He called it “the believer’s balance sheet,” where afflictions weigh nothing compared to the immeasurable glory of heaven. Spurgeon encouraged believers to see trials as investments that yield eternal dividends of joy and glory.
Modern Commentary Insights
Modern scholars see Romans 8:18 as a pivotal verse in the chapter, marking the transition from life in the Spirit to the hope of future glory. Douglas Moo, in his commentary on Romans, emphasizes that Paul’s comparison is not intended to minimize suffering but to reframe it. He notes that the “glory to be revealed” is not just personal salvation but the cosmic renewal of all creation.
N.T. Wright adds that Paul’s language here reflects both Jewish and Greco-Roman ideas of suffering leading to glory, but with a uniquely Christian focus: glory is tied to the resurrection of Christ and the believer’s union with Him. The future glory is not escapism but a transformed reality where heaven and earth are renewed.
Modern application also stresses the pastoral heart of this verse. Suffering is one of life’s greatest challenges, and Romans 8:18 provides perspective without offering simplistic solutions. It does not tell us why suffering happens in every case but reassures us of what suffering cannot do: it cannot cancel the glory God has promised.
Context of Romans 8:18
To grasp the full depth of Romans 8:18, we need to place it within its broader literary, historical, and theological context. This verse does not stand alone; it flows from Paul’s argument about life in the Spirit, the identity of believers as children of God, and the hope of future glory.
Literary Context: Romans 8 as a Whole
Romans 8 is often described as one of the most beautiful chapters in the Bible. It opens with “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (v.1) and closes with the triumphant assurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of God (vv.38–39). In between, Paul develops a sweeping vision of the Christian life:
Verses 1–11: Life in the Spirit, free from sin and death.
Verses 12–17: Believers as children of God and heirs with Christ.
Verses 18–30: Suffering, hope, and the assurance of future glory.
Verses 31–39: The unshakable love of God in Christ.
Romans 8:18 sits at the turning point where Paul moves from the reality of suffering (v.17) to the certainty of glory (vv.18–30). It frames the entire discussion of creation’s groaning, the Spirit’s intercession, and God’s ultimate plan for redemption.
Connection to Romans 8:17
In verse 17, Paul states: “If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:18 directly follows this, offering perspective: suffering with Christ is not meaningless but leads to shared glory with Him.
This connection highlights the theme of union with Christ. Just as Jesus endured suffering before glory (Luke 24:26), so too believers walk the same path.
Historical Context: Christians in Rome
Paul wrote the letter to the Romans around A.D. 57, before the intense persecution under Nero, but believers in Rome were already facing hostility. Many were marginalized, treated as outcasts, and some lost their livelihoods for following Christ. For Jewish Christians, the trauma of being expelled from Rome under Emperor Claudius still lingered.
In this environment, Paul’s words were a source of courage. He reminded them that no amount of earthly suffering could outweigh the eternal glory secured in Christ. His message was not abstract theology but practical encouragement to a community under pressure.
Broader Biblical Context
The theme of suffering leading to glory runs throughout Scripture:
Jesus’ teaching: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
2 Corinthians 4:17: Paul calls suffering “light affliction” compared to the “eternal weight of glory.”
1 Peter 4:13: Believers share in Christ’s sufferings so that they may also rejoice in His glory.
Romans 8:18 echoes this consistent biblical pattern: the path to glory passes through suffering, but suffering is temporary while glory is eternal.
Theological Context
Theologically, Romans 8:18 fits into Paul’s larger teaching about salvation history. Suffering is part of the “present time” marked by sin and decay, but glory belongs to the “age to come” inaugurated by Christ’s resurrection. Paul sees history as moving toward a climactic transformation when creation itself will be renewed (Romans 8:19–21).
Thus, this verse is not just personal encouragement; it is eschatological hope. It points believers to the ultimate future when God’s purposes will be fulfilled and His glory revealed in and through His people.
Lessons from Romans 8:18 for Christians Today
Romans 8:18 is not simply an encouragement for the first-century church—it is a timeless word for believers in every generation. The truth that present sufferings are incomparable to future glory shapes how Christians respond to hardship, persevere in faith, and live with hope. Below are several key lessons this verse offers for Christians today.
1. Suffering Is Temporary, Glory Is Eternal
The first lesson is perspective. Paul calls the trials of life “the sufferings of this present time.” They may feel overwhelming in the moment, but they are temporary compared to eternity. Cancer, grief, betrayal, poverty, persecution, or loneliness may last a season, but glory is forever.
This encourages believers to endure with patience. Suffering may seem long, but it is short in comparison to the endless joy that awaits. As 2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds us, we look not at what is seen but at what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2. Perspective Transforms Endurance
Paul uses the word “reckon” or “consider” to show that perspective is not automatic—it requires deliberate reflection. Christians must “weigh the scales,” reminding themselves that eternal glory far outweighs present pain.
This means believers today should regularly reframe hardships in light of eternity. Instead of being consumed by despair, we choose to look at trials through the lens of God’s promises. This perspective doesn’t erase suffering but gives it meaning, helping us endure with hope.
3. Suffering Produces Spiritual Growth
Romans 8:18 reminds us that suffering is not wasted. In the larger context, Paul says that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28). Trials refine faith, deepen dependence on God, and shape believers into the image of Christ.
For Christians today, this means hardship has purpose. The pain of today may be the instrument God uses to grow our patience, compassion, or perseverance. What feels like loss may be preparation for greater glory.
4. Hope Sustains Faith
Paul’s comparison points believers to the future: “the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Hope is essential for survival in seasons of pain. Without hope, suffering leads to despair. With hope, suffering becomes bearable because we know it is not the end of the story.
Christians today are called to anchor their hope not in circumstances but in the promises of God. No matter what trials come, the future glory of resurrection and eternal life sustains our faith.
5. Union with Christ Is the Key
Romans 8:17 and 18 connect suffering with Christ’s own experience. Just as Jesus suffered before entering glory, so believers share in His path. This reminds Christians that suffering is not a sign of abandonment but a mark of identification with Christ.
For modern believers, this truth reframes suffering as fellowship with Jesus. In persecution, we walk the road He walked. In pain, we identify with His cross. And just as His suffering led to resurrection, so ours leads to eternal glory.
6. Comfort for the Persecuted Church
For Christians facing persecution today—in parts of Africa, Asia, or the Middle East—Romans 8:18 remains a lifeline. It affirms that present hardship is not the final word. The promise of glory gives courage to endure injustice, imprisonment, or even death with confidence in God’s faithfulness.
For those not facing direct persecution, this verse challenges us to stand with our suffering brothers and sisters in prayer, support, and solidarity.
7. Suffering Does Not Define Identity
One of the dangers of suffering is that it can make us feel worthless or abandoned. But Romans 8:18 reminds us that glory is already secured. Our identity is not shaped by our pain but by our status as heirs with Christ.
For Christians today, this truth liberates us from shame or despair. We may suffer, but we are still beloved children of God, destined for glory.
8. Live With Eternity in Mind
Finally, Romans 8:18 calls Christians to live with an eternal perspective. Earthly suffering should remind us not to hold too tightly to this world. Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
This affects how we make decisions, spend time, handle resources, and respond to trials. Every hardship becomes an opportunity to fix our eyes on Christ and long for His coming kingdom.
Supporting Bible Verses
The message of Romans 8:18—that present suffering cannot compare to future glory—is echoed throughout the Bible. From Old Testament prophets to the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles, Scripture consistently points believers to endurance in suffering and hope in God’s promises. Here are key supporting verses.
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 – Momentary Troubles, Eternal Glory
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Paul uses the same comparison here as in Romans 8:18. Suffering is real but temporary. Glory is eternal and immeasurably weighty. This passage reinforces the idea that perspective is key—believers are to fix their eyes on the unseen reality of eternity.
1 Peter 5:10 – Restoration After Suffering
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Peter acknowledges that suffering is part of the Christian journey but assures believers that it is temporary and purposeful. God Himself will restore, strengthen, and establish His people after they endure.
John 16:33 – Peace in the Midst of Tribulation
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus prepared His disciples for suffering by assuring them of His victory. Trials are inevitable, but His triumph guarantees peace and ultimate victory for His followers. This ties directly to Romans 8:18, which points us to Christ as the anchor of our hope.
Revelation 21:4 – The End of Suffering
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
This ultimate vision of glory shows the fulfillment of Romans 8:18. Present sufferings will give way to eternal joy, free of pain and death. The promise of a new creation assures believers that suffering is temporary but glory is everlasting.
Philippians 3:10–11 – Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings and Resurrection
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”
Paul embraces suffering as fellowship with Christ, knowing it leads to resurrection glory. This verse complements Romans 8:18 by showing that the pathway to glory is patterned after Christ Himself.
Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus, the Example of Endurance
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus endured suffering because of the joy set before Him. Likewise, believers can endure trials by keeping their eyes fixed on the glory to come.
Conclusion
Romans 8:18 is one of the most comforting verses in Scripture. With just a few words, Paul gives believers a lens through which to view suffering: not as meaningless, not as eternal, but as temporary in light of the eternal glory that awaits. His words acknowledge the reality of pain while simultaneously lifting our eyes beyond it to the certainty of God’s promises.
This verse assures us that our trials, no matter how heavy they feel now, are incomparable to the joy and glory we will experience in eternity. Suffering belongs to “this present time,” but glory belongs to the age to come. Paul’s conclusion is not an emotional reaction but a reasoned conviction rooted in the resurrection of Christ and the hope of eternal life.
For Christians today, Romans 8:18 offers several vital reminders. First, suffering is part of the Christian journey, but it is not the destination. Second, perspective matters—when we “reckon” as Paul did, we see that glory vastly outweighs pain. Third, hope sustains us—God’s promise of transformation and renewal gives us courage to endure.
Most importantly, this verse points us to Christ Himself. He suffered before entering glory, and those who belong to Him share in both His sufferings and His triumph. The path may be difficult, but the destination is certain. And just as Christ’s glory was revealed, so too will God’s glory be revealed in us, transforming us completely and forever.
In a world marked by pain, loss, and uncertainty, Romans 8:18 stands as a beacon of hope. It tells us that suffering is not the final word—glory is. Our future with Christ will so far outweigh our present struggles that they cannot even be compared. This truth invites us to endure with faith, to live with courage, and to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, eternal, and glorious.
