Romans 12:12 kjv
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Romans 12:12 nkjv
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Romans 12:12 niv
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 esv
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 nlt
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 12:12 | Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. | Rom 5:2 (Hope through Christ), Col 1:11 (Endurance), Eph 6:18 (Pray without ceasing) |
| Psa 16:9 | therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also rests secure | Psa 16:9 (Joy in God's presence), Heb 12:2 (Jesus, author and finisher of faith) |
| Jer 29:11 | "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." | Jer 29:11 (God's promises), John 14:1 (Do not let your hearts be troubled) |
| Gal 6:9 | Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. | Gal 6:9 (Perseverance), James 5:7-8 (Patient endurance) |
| 1 Thes 5:17 | pray continually; | 1 Thes 5:17 (Constant prayer), Acts 12:5 (Constant prayer for Peter) |
| 2 Cor 1:6 | If we are distressed, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. | 2 Cor 1:6 (Suffering producing endurance), Rom 5:3 (Suffering produces perseverance) |
| Phil 4:6 | Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. | Phil 4:6 (Prayer and thanksgiving), Matt 7:7-8 (Ask, seek, knock) |
| Col 3:12 | Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. | Col 3:12 (Attributes of the chosen), Gal 5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirit) |
| Rom 15:5 | May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, | Rom 15:5 (Unity and encouragement), Phil 2:5 (Christ's humility) |
| Acts 6:4 | and we will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” | Acts 6:4 (Prayer and the Word), Heb 4:16 (Boldness in prayer) |
| Eph 6:18 | And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. | Eph 6:18 (Praying in the Spirit), Jude 1:20 (Building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit) |
| Luke 18:1 | Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. | Luke 18:1 (Parable of persistent widow), Luke 11:9-13 (Ask, seek, knock) |
| 1 Tim 2:8 | Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. | 1 Tim 2:8 (Proper attitude in prayer), Psalm 134:3 (Lifting up holy hands) |
| James 5:16 | Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. | James 5:16 (Effective prayer), 1 John 1:9 (Confession) |
| Rev 14:12 | This calls for the endurance of the Lord’s people who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus. | Rev 14:12 (Endurance and commands), 1 John 5:3 (Keeping God's commands) |
| John 15:5 | “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” | John 15:5 (Abiding in Christ), 1 Cor 15:58 ( Steadfastness) |
| Rom 8:25 | But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. | Rom 8:25 (Patient waiting), Gal 5:5 (Faith and hope) |
| 1 Peter 4:7 | The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind, so that you may pray. | 1 Peter 4:7 (Sober minded prayer), Matt 26:41 (Watch and pray) |
| Romans 12:2 | Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. | Romans 12:2 (Transformation), Phil 3:10 (Knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection) |
Romans 12 verses
Romans 12 12 Meaning
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. This verse encapsulates three essential Christian virtues that should characterize a believer's life. Joy in hope speaks to an unwavering confidence in God's promises, even amidst challenging circumstances. Patience in affliction highlights the endurance and steadfastness that comes from relying on God through suffering. Faithfulness in prayer emphasizes the consistent and devoted communication with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. Together, these principles form a practical guide for living a Christ-like life, reflecting inner spiritual reality through outward action and attitude.
Romans 12 12 Context
Romans chapter 12 begins a significant shift in the letter. Having thoroughly expounded on the doctrine of justification by faith in the first eleven chapters, Paul now turns to practical exhortations for Christian living. This chapter outlines the believer's responsibilities in light of God's mercy shown in Christ. Verse 12 falls within a section (verses 9-21) that provides specific instructions on how to live authentically within the Christian community and in the world. The preceding verse (v. 11) urges believers to "never be lazy, but serve the Lord with great energy and enthusiasm." Verse 12 then elaborates on the inner attitudes that fuel such energetic service: joy in hope, patience in suffering, and persistence in prayer. The overall context of Romans emphasizes the transformation of the believer through the power of the Holy Spirit, leading to a life that honors God. The historical context of the Roman church, a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, would have faced various pressures and opportunities, making these practical instructions particularly relevant.
Romans 12 12 Word Analysis
Be joyful (alexō): Rejoice; to feel and express gladness. In the New Testament, this joy is often rooted in Christ and His salvation, not mere worldly happiness.
in hope (elpidi): In expectation; confident trust. This refers to the sure hope of eternal life and Christ's return.
patient (hypomonous): Steadfast; enduring. It describes an ability to bear adversities without complaint, demonstrating resilience.
in affliction (thlipsei): In distress; tribulation. This encompasses the difficulties, trials, and persecutions believers may face.
faithful (proskarterountas): Constantly devoted; persevering in. This emphasizes commitment and unwavering persistence.
in prayer (proseuche): To pray; communication with God. This signifies the habitual practice of approaching God.
Group Analysis: The verse presents a triad of continuous attitudes: rejoicing amidst an assured future hope, enduring present trials with steadfastness, and consistently engaging in prayer. These are not sequential steps but simultaneous disciplines that characterize a spiritual life, empowered by God.
Romans 12 12 Bonus Section
The Greek phrasing implies continuous action – "being joyful," "being patient," and "being faithful" – highlighting these as ongoing dispositions rather than isolated acts. This exhortation is a reflection of the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, which includes joy, patience, and can be associated with the constant prayer aspect. The ability to maintain these attitudes is a result of the indwelling Holy Spirit’s power at work within the believer, enabling them to live consistently for Christ despite worldly opposition. The call to prayer is fundamental to maintaining the spiritual vitality needed for both joyful hope and patient endurance.
Romans 12 12 Commentary
This verse serves as a cornerstone for practical Christian conduct. Joy in hope isn't conditional on favorable circumstances but arises from the certainty of God's promises, particularly eternal life through Jesus. Patience in affliction is not passive resignation but active endurance, empowered by God’s strength to face trials without losing faith. Faithfulness in prayer is the lifeline that sustains these attitudes, fostering an ongoing, dependence-filled conversation with God that renews strength and perspective. These three aspects work in synergy: hope fuels patience, and both are nourished through faithful prayer. They are expressions of a transformed life, actively engaging with God's will, even when it involves suffering.