Romans 8:18 Meaning: How Paul Measures Suffering Against Glory
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.
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 of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.
For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory about to be revealed in us;
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy [to be compared] with the coming glory to be revealed to us.
Meaning in one sentence
Romans 8:18 reveals Paul's confidence that our present hardships cannot match the future glory. A devotional on finding hope in the comparison.
Context
Paul has just said that if we suffer with Christ, we will also be glorified with him (Romans 8:17). Now he follows that thought with a carefully weighed statement. He wants the Roman Christians, people facing persecution, poverty, and the daily strain of living in a hostile empire, to see their pain through the lens of what is coming. In the verses that follow, Paul describes creation groaning and waiting for the day when the children of God will be fully revealed. This verse is the hinge: the quiet, confident conclusion he draws before he expands on the hope that sustains us.
Key Words
The Greek word behind “I consider” is logizomai. It means to calculate or to count up, the way you balance a ledger. Paul is not sharing a vague feeling. He is doing deliberate maths with eternity. The word for “worthy” is axios, which originally referred to something that tips a scale, equal weight for equal value. Paul says the sufferings and the glory do not even go on the same scale. And the word for “time” is kairos, not just any stretch of time but the present season of hardship, which is critical and limited. Together these words build a picture: this hard season is real, but it is temporary and will be measured against something so vast that it simply cannot compare.
How Christians Read This Verse
Across Christian traditions, readers have found deep comfort in this verse. Matthew Henry (Presbyterian) saw it as a reason to endure temporary afflictions for an eternal reward. John Wesley (Methodist) noted that the mention of suffering and glory points to the moment when the sons of God will be revealed. Calvin (Reformed) read it as encouragement to avoid being crushed by trials, since the coming glory far outweighs them. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) points out that Paul uses a word for calculation, making a striking contrast between the rapture of glory and the careful cost of suffering. All agree: the glory, whether understood as an inward transformation or an outward gift, eclipses every hardship.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse and think Paul is telling us that our suffering does not matter or that we should not feel pain. In fact, the Greek word for “worthy” is an accounting term. Paul is placing two things on the scales and saying they do not belong on the same scale at all. He acknowledges the suffering is real, he calls it “sufferings” not “inconveniences”, but he insists that the coming glory is so overwhelming that any comparison fails.
Living This Out
This week, try Paul's exercise. When a specific struggle presses in, a tense conversation, a health worry, a financial strain, pause and name it. Then whisper to yourself: “This season is heavy, but it will not have the last word.” Let the promise of glory that will be unveiled in you stand next to that pain. You are not pretending the pain is small. You are trusting that something greater is coming.
Main takeaway: Your present suffering is real, but it will be swallowed up by a glory so great it cannot be compared.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Sometimes we get hurt or feel sad. God promises that one day He will make everything wonderful, and that happiness will be bigger than any sadness we feel now.
For ages 9, 12
When life is hard, it is easy to think the pain will last forever. Paul tells us to take a different view. He says the amazing future God has for us is so great that even the toughest times now cannot compare. That does not mean our feelings do not matter. It means there is a hope big enough to hold them.
Questions People Ask
What does Paul mean by "I reckon" in Romans 8:18?
The Greek word "logizomai" means to calculate or count up. Paul is not expressing a feeling but making a deliberate, reasoned judgment. He is counting the value of suffering on one side and glory on the other, and concluding that the glory wins by an infinite margin.
Is the suffering in Romans 8:18 only about persecution?
Paul certainly had persecution in mind, but the word "sufferings" covers any hardship believers experience, sickness, loss, grief, disappointment. The whole chapter talks about creation's groaning and our own groaning, so it includes all the pain of life in a fallen world.
How will the glory be revealed, in us or to us?
Different translations say "in us" or "to us." The Greek preposition can mean toward, upon, or into. Many commentators see the glory being poured out on us, inwardly transforming us and surrounding us. Either way, it is a real, personal, overwhelming experience of God's glory.
Can I really believe this verse when I'm in deep pain?
That is exactly the struggle Paul addresses. He does not pretend suffering is easy. But he invites you to take a long view, to let the certain hope of future glory weigh against the present heaviness. It may not remove the pain, but it can give you strength to endure.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study