New International Version
Romans 12:8
8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:8 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
- English Standard Version (ESV)the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
- New King James Version (NKJV)he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
- New Living Translation (NLT)If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Context of Romans 12:8
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Read all of Romans 12Romans 12:8 word by word
εἴτε ὁ παρακαλῶν ἐν τῇ παρακλήσει, ὁ μεταδιδοὺς ἐν ἁπλότητι, ὁ προϊστάμενος ἐν σπουδῇ, ὁ ἐλεῶν ἐν ἱλαρότητι.¶Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
- Orεἴτεeite · whetherG1535
- he that exhortethὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
- he that exhortethπαρακαλέωparakaleō · to plead/comfortG3870
- onἐνen · in/on/amongG1722
- exhortationπαράκλησιςparaklēsis · encouragementG3874
- he that givethμεταδίδωμιmetadidōmi · to shareG3330
- simplicityἁπλότηςhaplotēs · opennessG572
- he that rulethπροΐστημιproistēmi · to set beforeG4291
- diligenceσπουδήspoudē · diligenceG4710
- he that sheweth mercyἐλεέωeleeō · to have mercyG1653
- cheerfulnessἱλαρότηςhilarotēs · cheerfulnessG2432
Cross-references for Romans 12:8
- Acts 13:15After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.”
- Acts 15:32Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.
- Acts 20:2He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,
- 1 Corinthians 14:3But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
- 1 Timothy 4:13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
- Hebrews 10:25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
- Hebrews 13:22Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.
- Romans 12:13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
- Deuteronomy 15:8Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.
- Job 31:16“If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary,
- Psalms 112:9They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.
- Proverbs 22:9The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
- Ecclesiastes 11:1Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.
- Isaiah 32:5No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
- Isaiah 58:7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Commentaries on Romans 12:8
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 8Or he that exhorteth - ̔ , The person who admonished and reprehended the unruly or disorderly; and who supported the weak and comforted the penitents, and those who were under heaviness through manifold temptations. He that giveth - He who distributeth the alms of the Church, with simplicity - being influenced by no partiality, but dividing to each according to the necessity of his case. He that ruleth - ̔ ̈́, He that presides over a particular business…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 8He that exhorteth - This word properly denotes one who urges to the practical duties of religion, in distinction from one who teaches its doctrines. One who presents the warnings and the promises of God to excite men to the discharge of their duty. It is clear that there were persons who were recognised as engaging especially in this duty, and who were known by this appellation, as distinguished from prophets and teachers. How long this was continued…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 3-8Verses 3-8 Pride is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. All the saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body, and the common Centre of their unity. In the spiritual body, some are fitted for and called to one sort of work; others for another sort of work. We are to do all the good we can, one to another, and for the common benefit. If we duly thought about the powers we have, and how far we fail properly…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 8give generously: See also 2 Corinthians 8:2; 9:11, 13.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 6-86-8. Having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us--Here, let it be observed, all the gifts of believers alike are viewed as communications of mere grace. whether--we have the gift of prophecy--that is, of inspired teaching (as in Ac 15:32). Anyone speaking with divine authority--whether with reference to the past, the present, or the future--was termed a prophet (Ex 7:1). let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith--rather, "of…Read the comment
Topics related to Romans 12:8
In the dictionaries
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
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