Romans 5:3
οὐ μόνον δέ, ἀλλὰ καὶ καυχώμεθα ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν, εἰδότες ὅτι ἡ θλῖψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται,
And not only this, but we also boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces endurance,
From Peace to Perseverance
οὐ μόνον δέ, ἀλλὰ καὶ – “And not only that, but also…”
This phrase introduces a progression of thought from peace and hope (Rom 5:1–2) into the paradox of joy in suffering. It’s a rhetorical structure common in both Classical and Pauline Greek to intensify the next claim.
This phrase introduces a progression of thought from peace and hope (Rom 5:1–2) into the paradox of joy in suffering. It’s a rhetorical structure common in both Classical and Pauline Greek to intensify the next claim.
Rejoicing in Pressure
καυχώμεθα ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν – “we boast in tribulations.”
- καυχώμεθα – present middle indicative of καυχάομαι, “to boast, exult.” In Paul, this verb often denotes joyful confidence in God or his works, not arrogant pride.
- ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν – “in the afflictions,” dative plural of θλῖψις, meaning pressure, trouble, hardship. Paul doesn’t just endure tribulations—he exults in them.
Knowledge as the Foundation
εἰδότες ὅτι – “knowing that…”
- εἰδότες – perfect active participle of οἶδα, functioning causally: “because we know…”
- This participial phrase expresses confident knowledge of a spiritual principle—the logical basis for rejoicing in suffering.
The Fruit of Affliction
ἡ θλῖψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται – “tribulation produces endurance.”
- ἡ θλῖψις – the subject: “tribulation,” nominative singular.
- ὑπομονὴν – accusative singular: “endurance, perseverance,” the ability to remain under pressure without collapsing.
- κατεργάζεται – present middle indicative of κατεργάζομαι, “to produce, to bring about by labor.” In Classical usage, it can imply crafting or achieving through effort. In Paul, it denotes the productive effect of suffering under God’s sovereign plan.
Summary Table
| Greek Phrase | Translation | Form | Function / Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| οὐ μόνον δέ, ἀλλὰ καὶ | not only that, but also | Coordinating conjunctions | Builds rhetorical progression |
| καυχώμεθα ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν | we boast in tribulations | Verb + prepositional phrase | Rejoicing in hardship through spiritual lens |
| εἰδότες ὅτι | knowing that | Perfect participle + ὅτι clause | Provides the rationale for boasting |
| ἡ θλῖψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται | tribulation produces endurance | Nominative + accusative + verb | Describes the sanctifying effect of affliction |
Closing Insight
Paul’s Greek here carries profound theological logic: affliction is not meaningless—it crafts character. The grammar tightens the logic, and the vocabulary transforms suffering from loss into gain. In the crucible of pressure, endurance is forged—not by accident, but by divine design.
