Romans 5:3 (KJV)

Passage

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Nearby Context

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Romans 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "only", "glory", "tribulations", "knowing", "worketh", and "patience". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "only" and "glory", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 2's "By whom also we have access by..." into verse 4's "And patience experience and experience hope...", so "only" and "glory" belong inside that flow. In Romans context, the local focus is righteousness by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, and God's covenant faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "only" and "glory" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.