• Romans 2:4
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 4 ἢ Or τοῦ of the πλούτου riches τῆς of the χρηστότητος kindness αὐτοῦ of him καὶ and τῆς of the ἀνοχῆς forbearance καὶ and τῆς of the μακροθυμίας longness of spirit καταφρονεῖς, you are despising, ἀγνοῶν not knowing ὅτι that τὸ the χρηστὸν kind [quality] τοῦ of the θεοῦ God εἰς into μετάνοιάν repentance σε you ἄγει; is leading?

  • Romans 2:4
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 4 Or the riches of his kindness and forbearance and long-suffering dost thou despise,—Not knowing that the kindness of God unto repentance is leading thee?

  • Romans 2:4
    King James Version

    • 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

  • Romans Study Notes—Chapter 2
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 2:4

      forbearance: Or “tolerance.” In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the Greek noun a·no·kheʹ appears only here and at Ro 3:25. It literally means “a holding back” and could also be rendered “restraint.” A related Greek verb is used in a number of verses, where it is rendered “put up with” or “patiently endure” in connection with difficult circumstances. (Mt 17:17; 1Co 4:12; Eph 4:2) The verb is also used in the Greek Septuagint in reference to Jehovah’s showing restraint. (Isa 42:14; 64:12; LXX) Throughout human history, God has shown extraordinary kindness, tolerance, and patience by putting up with the blaspheming of his name, the cruel torture and execution of his Son, and the mistreatment of his loyal worshippers. God shows these qualities because he “is trying to lead [people] to repentance.” The apostle Peter also pointed this out.​—2Pe 3:9.

      repentance: Lit., “change of mind.” In Biblical usage, the term refers to a change of mind accompanied by heartfelt regret over a former way of life, wrong actions, or what one has failed to do. In this context, “repentance” refers to a person’s desire to build or restore a good relationship with God. Genuine repentance produces fruitage, a changed course of action.​—See study notes on Mt 3:2, 8; Ac 3:19; 26:20 and Glossary.