Paul introduces this verse with a formula (literally “but not only, but also”) which is found elsewhere in his writings (5.11; 8.23; 9.10; 2 Corinthians 8.19). In the Good News Translation this appears as and … also, while the New English Bible translates it “more than this,” Moffatt “not only so,” An American Translation* “more than that,” and the Jerusalem Bible “but that is not all.” Because of the contrast in verse 3 compared with verse 2, it seems more appropriate to employ some kind of adversative particle or phrase—for example, “but in contrast,” “but on the other hand,” or “but … also.”

On the problem of translating we rejoice, see Rom 5.2.

The word translated troubles (so An American Translation*; New English Bible, Jerusalem Bible, Revised Standard Version “sufferings”) originally applied to troubles brought on one from without. It is possible, though not necessary, to understand troubles in the specific sense of those difficulties that Paul and the early believers felt would come on them because they were living in the last age of time. It was a firm belief of the early church that the coming of Christ had inaugurated the end of time, and in light of their Jewish background they looked for the last days of history to bring suffering upon those people who were faithful to God.

Rejoice in our troubles may be rendered as “rejoice because of what we suffer.” A meaning of concession (“rejoice even though we suffer”) should be carefully avoided. Paul’s attitude toward such troubles was far more positive.

Most modern translations render Paul’s next term by endurance along with the Good News Translation (so also in 5.4; see the comment at 2.7; in 8.25 and 15.4, 5 it is rendered patience).

It is difficult in many languages to speak of experiences such as trouble, endurance, or approval as being agents of such events as produces, brings … approval, and creates. The basic relation, however, is one of cause and effect, and this should be preserved in translation. Therefore, one may translate: “for we know that because we suffer we learn how to endure better” or “we know that we become better in enduring because we have suffered trouble.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .