Romans 12:11 kjv
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Romans 12:11 nkjv
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
Romans 12:11 niv
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11 esv
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Romans 12:11 nlt
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Romans 12 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 12:1 | Present your bodies a living sacrifice... | Strong exhortation to devoted living |
| 1 Cor 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. | Steadfastness in service |
| Col 3:23 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, | Diligence in all actions |
| 1 Thess 5:19 | Do not quench the Spirit. | Maintaining spiritual vitality |
| Eph 4:30 | And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. | Respecting the Spirit's presence |
| Gal 5:22 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, | Manifestation of the Spirit's work |
| Gal 5:25 | If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. | Walking in accordance with the Spirit |
| Acts 18:25 | He was instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. | Zeal and accurate teaching |
| Rom 8:14 | For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. | Guidance by the Spirit |
| Rom 8:27 | And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. | The Spirit's intercessory role |
| John 6:63 | It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. | The Spirit as life-giver |
| 1 Peter 1:22 | Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, | Earnest love for one another |
| Phil 3:3 | for we are the true circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— | Worship empowered by the Spirit |
| 1 Chron 29:3 | Moreover, in my devotion to the house of my God I give to the gold and silver that I have, over and above all that I have prepared for the house of my God: | Devotion and preparation for God's house |
| 2 Chron 7:14 | if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. | Humility, prayer, and seeking God's face |
| Ps 37:5 | Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. | Committing one's path to the Lord |
| Ps 119:2 | Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, | Seeking God with one's whole heart |
| Isa 26:9 | At night my soul longs for you; within me my spirit seeks you, for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. | Spiritual longing and seeking |
| Jer 29:13 | You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. | The promise of finding God |
| Acts 7:51 | "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. | Resistance to the Spirit |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of, | The Word's penetrating power |
| Heb 6:11 | but we desire each of you to show the same earnestness to the fullness of hope until the end, | Earnestness towards hope |
| Eph 6:6 | not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, | Doing God's will wholeheartedly |
| Col 3:17 | And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. | Doing all in the name of the Lord |
Romans 12 verses
Romans 12 11 Meaning
To be fervent in spirit.
Romans 12 11 Context
Romans 12 shifts from doctrinal instruction to practical application of faith within the Christian community and the world. Chapter 12 begins with an exhortation to present oneself as a living sacrifice, a call to consecrate one's entire being to God. This is followed by a discussion on spiritual gifts and how believers should use them within the body of Christ. The chapter then moves to exhortations on genuine love, mutual service, and enduring hardship. Verse 11, "Be fervent in spirit. Serve the Lord," encapsulates the passionate and devoted attitude expected of believers in their service to God and in their interactions with others, directly flowing from the concept of being a living sacrifice and exercising spiritual gifts with love.
Romans 12 11 Word Analysis
Zealoute (ζηλοῦντες - zelountes):
- Meaning: To be zealous, to be fervent, to boil over, to be eager.
- Usage: This Greek word implies an intense passion and earnestness, not a cold or indifferent service. It suggests an internal fervor that is visibly expressed.
Tō Pneumati (τῷ Πνεύματι - tō Pneumati):
- Meaning: "the Spirit." This refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who empowers and guides believers.
- Context: Being fervent "in the Spirit" means this fervor originates from and is sustained by the Holy Spirit's presence and work within the believer, rather than human emotion or effort alone.
Prōpteuontes (προσθεύοντες - prostheuoantes):
- Meaning: To serve, to be a servant, to minister.
- Usage: This word carries the idea of actively serving and ministering, often in a position of subordination. In this context, it refers to serving "the Lord."
Tō Kuriō (τῷ Κυρίῳ - tō Kuriō):
- Meaning: "the Lord." This is a direct reference to Jesus Christ, who is recognized as Lord.
- Significance: The exhortation is to direct one's fervent service specifically towards Christ, acknowledging His authority and Lordship.
Words/Phrases Group Analysis:
- "Be fervent in spirit" (ζηλοῦντες τῷ Πνεύματι - zelountes tō Pneumati): This phrase emphasizes that the passion and intensity of service should not be a superficial display but an inner disposition fueled by the Holy Spirit. It is about being enthusiastic and ardent in one's spiritual life and service, guided by divine empowerment.
- "Serve the Lord" (προσθεύοντες τῷ Κυρίῳ - prostheuoantes tō Kuriō): This part of the verse clearly directs the focus of this fervent spirit towards service for Christ. It connects the internal fervor with an outward action, serving Jesus as Lord. This is the outcome and practical expression of being fervent in the Spirit.
Romans 12 11 Bonus Section
The concept of "fervent in spirit" relates to a holistic devotion. It's not just about loud worship or energetic ministry, but also about the internal drive and dedication that permeates every action, as seen in the parallel exhortation in Romans 12:1 to present one's body as a living sacrifice. The adjective related to "zealous" (ζηλωτής - zelotes) also appears in Acts 22:3, describing Paul as "earnestly for God," though it also describes those who are zealous in ways that are not necessarily godly, highlighting the importance of the Spirit's guidance. This verse encourages a disposition of readiness and eagerness in all responsibilities undertaken for Christ, contrasting with a lukewarm or half-hearted approach.
Romans 12 11 Commentary
Believers are called to be intensely passionate and enthusiastic in their spiritual lives, with this ardor originating from and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This fervor is not to be a fleeting emotion but a consistent inner fire that fuels devoted service to Jesus Christ. Our service to the Lord should be marked by eagerness, dedication, and a deep-seated desire to honor Him in all aspects of our lives, recognizing His supreme authority and worth. It’s about an active, wholehearted commitment in spiritual endeavors.
- Practical Example: Approaching daily tasks, evangelism, or ministry opportunities with enthusiasm and dedication, driven by a genuine love for Christ rather than obligation.