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    Treasuring Up Wrath

    Romans 2:5 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;"
    — Romans 2:5 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Immediately after offering the goodness of God as the road to repentance (v. 4), Paul names the alternative: every refused invitation deposits wrath in an account that must one day be paid.

    Historical Context

    Paul uses the language of storing up — a deliberate inversion of the disciple who lays up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20). The hardened heart lays up wrath instead.

    Original Language Insights

    'Treasurest up' (thesaurizo) — to lay up, to accumulate.

    'Day of wrath' — eschatological judgment day.

    'Righteous judgment' (dikaiokrisia) — judgment that is exactly fair, no leniency unearned.

    Theological Significance

    Delay is not exemption. Every postponed repentance increases the debt. God's patience is meant to soften the heart; abused, it hardens it further.

    Practical Application

    If God's kindness has been calling you, today is the day to answer. The account being built up by silence is not one you want presented in full.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Romans 2:4

    "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance."

    The previous verse — the very kindness ignored becomes the wrath stored up.

    2 Peter 3:9

    "The Lord is… longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish."

    Same patience offered for the same purpose: repentance, not stored wrath.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, soften my heart while there is time. I would lay up treasure with You, not wrath against myself. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is wrath compatible with God's love?

    Yes. Love that does not finally judge evil is not love. The cross is where God's love and wrath meet — and where repentance finds refuge from both.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Romans 2 verse by verse:

    Before · Romans 2:3Exact verse

    And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

    Theme: The Self-Deception of the Moralist

    Before · Romans 2:4Exact verse

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

    Theme: God's Goodness & Repentance

    Nearest commentary in Romans

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Romans 1:16Nearest chapter

    For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

    Theme: The Gospel

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Romans 1:20Nearest chapter

    For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

    Theme: General Revelation

    Later · 1 ch forward · Romans 3:23-24Nearest chapter

    For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

    Theme: Sin & Justification

    Later · 1 ch forward · Romans 3:23Nearest chapter

    For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

    Theme: Sin & Redemption

    Read Romans 1Commentary: Romans 1:16
    Read Romans 2 (full)Nearest commentary: Romans 2:4
    Read Romans 3Commentary: Romans 3:23-24
    Previous commentary: Romans 2:4Next commentary: Romans 3:23-24

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Is Judgment Day?

    The Bible describes a final day when all people will stand before God to give account — believers at the judgment seat of Christ, and unbelievers at the Great White Throne.

    Read answer

    Who Is the Prophet Zephaniah in the Bible?

    Zephaniah warned of a coming 'day of the LORD' of universal judgment but also promised that God would rejoice over a restored remnant with singing.

    Read answer

    What Does Abomination Mean in the Bible?

    An abomination is something utterly detestable to God — a sin so grievous it provokes His wrath and demands judgment.

    Read answer

    What Is the Book of Zephaniah About?

    The Book of Zephaniah prophesies a coming day of the Lord's judgment upon Judah and the nations, followed by the restoration of a purified remnant and the conversion of the Gentiles.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Romans 12:2 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

    Romans 10:9 – Meaning & Devotional

    "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

    Romans 5:8 – Meaning & Devotional

    "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

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