Romans 12:17

Romans 12:17 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
• New International Version (NIV)Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Context of Romans 12:17

15Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits. Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. 19Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:17 word by word

μηδενὶ κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ ἀποδιδόντες, προνοούμενοι καλὰ ἐνώπιον πάντων ἀνθρώπων·Read the interlinear

• Renderἀποδίδωμιapodidōmi · to payG591
• manἄνθρωποςanthrōpos · a humanG444
• evilκακόςkakos · evil/harm: evilG2556
• thingsπᾶςpas · allG3956

Cross-references for Romans 12:17

• Romans 12:19Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.
• Proverbs 20:22Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee.
• Matthew 5:39but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
• 1 Peter 3:9not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
• Romans 14:16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
• 1 Corinthians 6:6but brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?
• 1 Corinthians 13:4Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
• 2 Corinthians 8:20avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us:
• Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
• Colossians 4:5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:12that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:22abstain from every form of evil.
• 1 Timothy 5:14I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:
• 1 Peter 2:12having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
• 1 Peter 3:16having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.

Commentaries on Romans 12:17

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 17Recompense, etc. - Do not take notice of every little injury you may sustain. Do not be litigious. Beware of too nice a sense of your own honor; intolerable pride is at the bottom of this. The motto of the royal arms of Scotland is in direct opposition to this Divine direction - Nemo me impune lacesset, of which "I render evil for evil to every man," is a pretty literal translation. This is both antichristian and abominable, whether in a state or in an…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 17Recompense - Render, give, or return; see the note at Matthew 5:39. This is probably one of the most difficult precepts of Christianity; but the law of Christ on the subject is unyielding. It is a solemn demand made on all his followers, and it “must” be obeyed. Provide - The word rendered “provide” means properly to “think” or “meditate beforehand.” Make it a matter of “previous thought,” of “settled plan,” of “design.” This direction would make it a…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 17-21Verses 17-21 Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another. And those that embrace religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ's. Recompense to no man evil for evil. That is a brutish recompence, befitting only animals, which are not conscious of any being above them, or of any existence hereafter. And not only do, but study and take care to do, that which is amiable…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 9-21The many instructions in these verses are not arranged in a strict or orderly pattern. The main theme, stated at the beginning, is sincere love. Paul explains how believers should show love to people inside the church (12:10, 13, 15–16). He also explains how they should show love to people outside the church (12:14, 17–21).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1717. Recompense--"Recompensing," &c.--(See on Ro 12:14). Provide--"Providing" things honest--"honorable" in the sight of all men--The idea (which is from Pr 3:4) is the care which Christians should take so to demean themselves as to command the respect of all men.Read the comment

Topics related to Romans 12:17

• Commandments
• Forgiveness
• Religion
• Retaliation
• Revenge

In the dictionaries

• Affectioned
• Cheerfulness
• Cleave
• Curse
• Dissimulation
• Distribute
• Fervent
• Honest
• Instant
• Kindly

Commentaries on Romans 12

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings