The word rendered God’s approval is a relatively rare term and is used in the New Testament in only three other places (2 Corinthians 2.9; 9.13; Philippians 2.22). This word is related to the verb used in 2.18, and it describes something that is put to the test and then is approved if it passes the test (see New English Bible “proof that we have stood the test”). In the present context both testing and approval are involved, and it is God who makes the judgment. For that reason it is proper to make the meaning of the term explicit, as God’s approval. It is also possible to take this word in the sense of that which receives approval, in this context one’s character (so Revised Standard Version, An American Translation*, Moffatt). On the meaning of hope, see Rom 5.2.

The relation between endurance and God’s approval is likewise one of cause and effect. It may be rendered in some languages as “because we are better in enduring, God approves of us” or “God approves of us because we have learned how to endure.” The same relation of cause and effect is to be found in the connection between his approval and hope. Therefore one may translate: “because he approves of us, we have hope.” In some cases, however, one must make explicit certain components of approval—for example, “because God has tested us and seen that we are fit.”

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 .