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Romans 5 · a question people ask

"we also rejoice in our sufferings" (5:3). Does that mean being glad that hard things happen?

In the text

The verse goes straight on to say why: "knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (5:3-5). The chapter names no particular suffering, and it says what suffering produces. It says no more than that here, and these notes add nothing to it. The letter speaks of sufferings again in chapter 8: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us." (8:18).

The verses

“Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5 · World English Bible
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.”
Romans 8:18 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Romans 5

Romans 5: While we were yet sinners

Romans 5 says reigned or reign five times, the same Greek verb each time: death reigned (5:14, 5:17), those who receive the abundance of grace will "reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ" (5:17), and "as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life" (5:21).

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Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions