Romans 2:4
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Paul addresses those who judge others while practicing the same sins, warning that God's patience is not a license to continue but an opportunity to turn back. The chapter stresses that God judges according to truth.
What Does Romans 2:4 Mean?
Paul asks a piercing question: do we treat God's kindness with contempt, failing to see that His goodness is meant to draw us to repentance? Here Paul confronts the person who judges others while excusing himself. Rather than condemning, God has shown "riches" of goodness, forbearance, and patience -- holding back deserved judgment and giving time to change. The danger Paul names is taking that mercy for granted, mistaking God's patience for indifference or approval of sin.
The heart of the verse is its purpose statement: "the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." God's kindness is not weakness; it is an invitation. Every delay of judgment, every undeserved blessing, every fresh morning is meant to soften the heart and turn it back toward God. Repentance here is a genuine change of mind and direction, made possible because God patiently leaves the door open. To despise that goodness is to harden against the very thing designed to save. Paul calls his readers to recognize mercy for what it is and to respond -- not by presuming on it, but by turning to the God whose patience has been quietly pursuing them all along.
In the Original Language
"Goodness" translates the Greek "chrēstotēs," kindness and benevolence. "Forbearance" renders "anochē," a holding back or restraint, and "repentance" comes from "metanoia," a change of mind that turns the whole life around.
Cross References
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
- 2 Peter 3:9
“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.”
- Romans 11:22
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
- Psalms 86:15
Application
When life goes well or judgment is delayed, believers can recognize God's patient kindness as an invitation to turn to Him rather than a sign that sin does not matter.