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 those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 12:17 word by word

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

• Do not repay anyoneἀποδίδωμιapodidōmi · to payG591
• Do not repay anyoneμηδείςmēdeis mēdemia mēden · nothingG3367
• evilκακόςkakos · evil/harm: evilG2556
• forἀντίanti · forG473
• Carefully considerπρονοέωpronoeō · to care forG4306
• what is rightκαλόςkalos · goodG2570
• in the eyes ofἐνώπιονenōpion · beforeG1799
• everybodyπᾶςpas · allG3956
• everybodyἄνθρωποςanthrōpos · a humanG444

Cross-references for Romans 12:17

• Romans 12:19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
• Proverbs 20:22Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
• Matthew 5:39But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
• 1 Peter 3:9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
• Romans 14:16Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.
• 1 Corinthians 6:6Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers!
• 1 Corinthians 13:4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
• 2 Corinthians 8:20We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
• Philippians 4:8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
• Colossians 4:5Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:12Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:22Abstain from every form of evil.
• 1 Timothy 5:14So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
• 1 Peter 2:12Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
• 1 Peter 3:16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior 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