What does the Bible say about endurance?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers endure trials by God’s sustaining grace, growing in steadfast faith and hope as they fix their eyes on Christ. Romans 5:3-4 and James 1:2-4 explain that suffering, received in faith, produces endurance, proven character, and maturity. God does not tempt his children to sin, but he faithfully provides strength and a way of escape in temptation (James 1:12-18; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Hebrews 12:1-3 calls Christians to run patiently, looking to Jesus, who endured the cross for our salvation. Endurance is therefore not self-made resolve, but Spirit-given perseverance that trusts God’s promises until the promised reward is received (Hebrews 10:36; Colossians 1:11).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Romans 5:3-4 9 votes

    Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

  • James 1:12-18 6 votes

    Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin. The sin, when it is full grown, produces death. Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow. Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

  • Hebrews 10:36 5 votes

    For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

  • James 1:2-4 4 votes

    Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

  • James 1:12 4 votes

    Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him.

  • Colossians 1:11 4 votes

    strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy,

  • Romans 12:12 4 votes

    rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 3 votes

    No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

  • Hebrews 12:1-3 3 votes

    Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.

  • James 1:4 2 votes

    Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

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