Romans 5:3
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
Truth to Learn
We also rejoice in difficult times because these are the times when we learn to endure hardship.
Behind the Words
The Greek word that is translated “glory” in the current verse is the word kauchomai, which means “to boast (either in a good or a bad sense)” or “to rejoice.” However, in the previous verse the word translated “glory” is a different Greek word. It is the word doxes, which primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion,” and thus in a secondary sense “reputation, praise or honor.” But the word in the previous verse that is translated “rejoice” is kauchomai. Therefore, to be consistent in our translation, we see that the word “glory” in the current verse should probably be translated “rejoice.”
“Tribulations” is translated from thlipsis, which is derived from the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush, compress, or squeeze.” Hence, we can see that thlipsis refers to “pressure, affliction, distress, or tribulation.”
The word translated “perseverance” is hupomonē, which is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under or beneath” and a form of menō, which means “to stay or to remain.” It is a picture of a beast of burden who, when loaded with a heavy burden, remains under the load. That is, he perseveres under the load with patience.
Meaning Explained
Paul now tells us that not only do we rejoice in our confident expectation of standing in the glory of God one day, but we also glory or rejoice in afflictions.
So, what Paul is saying in this verse is that we rejoice in tribulation, distress, or affliction. But that doesn’t make sense, does it? When we are in the midst of tribulation, do we feel like rejoicing? No! But Paul says that we should. Why? Because when we are undergoing trials and tribulations and we realize that Jesus went through even greater trials and tribulation (leading up to and while on the cross), we can identify with Him and gain some comfort in the fact that He knows what we are going through. This, then, helps us endure the tribulation, and by enduring it we learn patience.
Patience is one of those things that everyone wants to have without having to earn it. Unfortunately, though, patience can only be learned and fully developed under trying circumstances, and even then only by trusting in God to carry us through. James teaches us a very similar thing regarding trials which test our faith:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (James 1:2-3)
The word translated “patience” in James is the same word as the one translated “perseverance” in today’s verse.
Application
Beware of asking God for patience unless you’re really serious. God may very well give it to you by taking you through trying or distressing situations through which you will develop patience if you remain under the load.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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