Romans 12:18 kjv
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18 nkjv
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18 niv
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18 esv
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:18 nlt
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Romans 12 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 5:9 | Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. | Blessedness of peacemakers |
| Hebrews 12:14 | Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. | Pursuit of peace and holiness |
| 1 Peter 3:11 | Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. | Turn from evil, seek and pursue peace |
| Mark 9:50 | Be at peace with each other. | Instruction for peace |
| Colossians 3:13 | Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another… | Forbearance and forgiveness |
| Ephesians 4:2 | With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. | Qualities for unity |
| Philippians 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Humility and valuing others |
| Genesis 13:8 | So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no quarrel between you and me, or between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. | Abraham seeking peace with Lot |
| 1 Corinthians 7:15 | But if the unbelieving partner separates, let him do so. In such cases the brother or sister is not bound. | Circumstances allowing separation |
| Proverbs 15:1 | A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. | Impact of words |
| Romans 14:19 | So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual edification. | Pursuit of peace and edification |
| Galatians 5:22 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, | Peace as fruit of the Spirit |
| 2 Corinthians 5:20 | So we are ambassadors for Christ, certain as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. | Reconciliation |
| Acts 7:26 | "Men, brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham… | Stephen's plea for peace |
| Psalm 34:14 | Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. | Seeking and pursuing peace |
| Isaiah 32:17 | And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the labor of righteousness quietness and trust forever. | Righteousness leads to peace |
| 2 Timothy 2:24 | And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, | Servant's attitude toward others |
| Matthew 5:40 | And if anyone would sue you and take your cloak, let him have your tunic as well. | Turn the other cheek |
| Proverbs 17:14 | The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. | Avoiding strife beginnings |
| Romans 12:2 | Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind... | Transformation for godly living |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:11 | And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you... | Living a quiet life |
| Ephesians 4:3 | striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. | Unity and peace |
| Romans 12:17 | Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. | Honorable conduct |
Romans 12 verses
Romans 12 18 Meaning
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people." This verse emphasizes the believer's responsibility to pursue peace with everyone, acknowledging that external factors or the actions of others may sometimes hinder this. The effort to live peaceably is paramount.
Romans 12 18 Context
This verse is the concluding admonition in Romans chapter 12, a chapter dedicated to practical Christian living following Paul's theological discourse on God's grace. Chapter 12 outlines how believers are to live as transformed individuals, presenting their bodies as living sacrifices and exercising their spiritual gifts within the community. It calls for sincere love, enthusiasm in service, endurance in suffering, and kindness. This final instruction to live peaceably with all extends the previous verses which warned against repaying evil for evil and instead emphasized doing good and acting honorably.
Romans 12 18 Word Analysis
- εἰ (ei) - If
- δυνατόν (dynaton) - possible, potential, able. Indicates a condition or possibility, not always guaranteed by the human will alone.
- ὅσον (hōson) - as much as, to the extent that, so far as. This modifies "depends on you," highlighting personal agency.
- ἐξ (ex) - out of, from. Denotes the source or origin.
- ὑμῶν (hymōn) - you (plural). Refers to the readers, the believers.
- εἰρήνη (eirēnē) - peace. Hebrew equivalent is "shalom," encompassing wholeness, welfare, tranquility, and prosperity. It is more than just the absence of conflict.
- μετὰ (meta) - with. Indicates companionship or association.
- πάντων (panton) - all. Universality.
- ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) - people, mankind.
Group Analysis:
- "εἰ δυνατόν, ὅσον ἐξ ὑμῶν" (ei dynaton, hōson ex hymōn) - "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you." This phrase contains two key qualifiers. "If it is possible" acknowledges that true peace may sometimes be out of our direct control due to external circumstances or the recalcitrance of others. "As far as it depends on you" places the primary emphasis on personal responsibility. The believer must exert all their effort and influence to foster peace. It speaks to the believer's intent and active pursuit.
- " εἰρηνεύοντες" (eirēneuontes) - "living peaceably." This is a present active participle, indicating an ongoing lifestyle, a continuous state of actively working for peace, not a passive state.
- "μετὰ πάντων ἀνθρώπων" (meta pantōn anthrōpōn) - "with all people." This denotes an inclusive scope, extending the pursuit of peace beyond fellow believers to include all of humanity, regardless of their beliefs, backgrounds, or how they treat us.
Romans 12 18 Bonus Section
The concept of peace ("shalom") in the Old Testament carried a much richer meaning than mere absence of strife. It encompassed welfare, completeness, and flourishing. Therefore, "living peaceably" here isn't about passive complacency or sacrificing truth, but about actively contributing to the well-being and harmony of relationships and communities to the best of one's ability, without compromising core biblical ethics. This directive aligns with Jesus' command to love one's neighbor as oneself and even to love one's enemies. It reflects the character of God, who is the God of peace.
Romans 12 18 Commentary
This verse is a practical command rooted in the Christian imperative of love. It's not merely about avoiding arguments but actively cultivating a peaceful disposition and environment wherever possible. The inclusion of "if possible" and "as far as it depends on you" provides a realistic boundary; we cannot force peace upon unwilling hearts, nor are we responsible for the ultimate outcome. Our duty lies in our consistent effort and the disposition we project. This proactive stance involves practicing forbearance, kindness, and a willingness to yield where it doesn't compromise core principles. It's a call to be agents of reconciliation, reflecting God's own work of bringing peace through Christ.
- Practical application: When wronged, respond with grace rather than retaliation.
- Practical application: Be approachable and open to dialogue.
- Practical application: Seek to understand others' perspectives, even when you disagree.
- Practical application: Avoid gossip and slander, which destroy peace.
- Practical application: Pray for peace in difficult relationships and communities.