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 wise in your own eyes. Repay no one evil for evil; give thought to what is good in the eyes of all people. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in shalom with all people. 19Never take your own revenge, loved ones, but give room for God’s wrath—for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” says Adonai.

Romans 12:17 word by word

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

Words taken from the KJV.

• Recompenseἀποδίδωμιapodidōmi · to payG591
• to no manμηδείςmēdeis mēdemia mēden · nothingG3367
• evilκακόςkakos · evil/harm: evilG2556
• forἀντίanti · forG473
• Provideπρονοέωpronoeō · to care forG4306
• things honestκαλόςkalos · goodG2570
• in the sight ofἐνώπιονenōpion · beforeG1799
• allπᾶςpas · allG3956
• menἄνθρωποςanthrōpos · a humanG444

Cross-references for Romans 12:17

• Romans 12:19Never take your own revenge, loved ones, but give room for God’s wrath—for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” says Adonai.
• Proverbs 20:22Do not say, “I will pay back evil!” Wait for Adonai, so He may deliver You.
• Matthew 5:39But I tell you, do not resist an evildoer. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him also the other.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.
• 1 Peter 3:9Do not repay evil for evil or insult for insult, but give a blessing instead—it is for this reason you were called, so that you might inherit a blessing.
• Romans 14:16Therefore do not let what is good for you be spoken of as evil—
• 1 Corinthians 6:6Instead, a brother goes to court against a brother—and before unbelievers at that!
• 1 Corinthians 13:4Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not brag, it is not puffed up,
• 2 Corinthians 8:20We are taking this precaution, so that no one will blame us in regard to the way we administer this generous gift.
• Philippians 4:8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise—dwell on these things.
• Colossians 4:5Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:12so you may behave properly toward outsiders and not have need of anything.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:22keep away from every kind of evil.
• 1 Timothy 5:14Therefore, I want the younger widows to get married, have children, manage a household, and give no opportunity to the enemy for slander.
• 1 Peter 2:12Keep your conduct honorable among the Gentiles. Then while they speak against you as evildoers, they may—from noticing your good deeds—glorify God in the day of visitation.
• 1 Peter 3:16yet with humility and reverence—keeping a clear conscience so that, whatever you are accused of, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Messiah may be put to shame.

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