Romans 12 18

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 verses

Romans 12 18 Meaning

Romans 12:18 is an exhortation to Christians to actively pursue and maintain peace in all their relationships. It underscores a personal responsibility to make every possible effort to live harmoniously with everyone, acknowledging that achieving complete peace is sometimes hindered by factors beyond one's control or the unwillingness of others. The verse calls believers to initiate and foster an environment of peace wherever and whenever their actions can influence it.

Romans 12 18 Context

Romans 12 initiates a critical shift in Paul's epistle, moving from profound theological exposition (chapters 1-11) to practical ethical exhortations for daily Christian living. The chapter begins by calling believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to transform their minds (vv. 1-2), leading to a transformed life of service within the body of Christ (vv. 3-8) and ethical conduct towards all people (vv. 9-21). Verses 14-21 specifically address how believers should interact with antagonists and the wider, often hostile, world. In a Roman society where Christians faced suspicion, occasional persecution, and social ostracism, this instruction provided a blueprint for how to embody the teachings of Christ by fostering peace, even when confronted with hostility, aligning with the principles of blessing persecutors (v. 14) and overcoming evil with good (v. 21).

Romans 12 18 Word analysis

• If (Εἰ, Ei): This is a conditional particle, suggesting possibility or circumstance. It does not mean "if and only if" but rather "to the extent that" or "insofar as." It realistically acknowledges that while peace is the ideal, its complete attainment may be hindered by external forces or the refusal of others to reciprocate peaceful overtures.
• it is possible (δυνατόν, dynaton): Derived from the root meaning "to be able," "powerful," or "strong." Here it means "feasible," "achievable," or "within the realm of what can be done." It qualifies the pursuit of peace, indicating that the believer is not responsible for impossible outcomes, but for all that is reasonably within reach.
• as much as depends on you (τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν, to ex hymōn): This crucial phrase places the primary locus of action and responsibility squarely on the individual believer. It signifies "your part," "that which proceeds from you," or "as far as your efforts extend." It is a call for diligent, active initiative and a commitment to personal contribution towards harmony, implying that if peace fails, it should not be due to a lack of effort or will on the Christian's part.
• live peaceably (εἰρηνεύοντες, eirēneuontes): A present participle of the verb eirēneuō, meaning "to be at peace," "to live in peace," or "to strive for peace." The present tense signifies continuous action and an ongoing disposition. It's not merely the absence of conflict but the active, continuous pursuit of goodwill, harmony, and reconciliation. It derives from eirēnē, the comprehensive biblical concept of "peace" (shalom).
• with all men (μετὰ πάντων ἀνθρώπων, meta pantōn anthrōpōn): This phrase underscores the universal scope of the command. It extends beyond fellow believers, encompassing neighbors, colleagues, strangers, and even those who might be antagonistic or hostile towards Christians. It demands a broad application of peacemaking, demonstrating Christ's love to everyone regardless of their stance.

Words-group Analysis:

• "If it is possible, as much as depends on you": This pairing creates a balanced yet demanding ethical imperative. It acknowledges the complexity of relationships in a fallen world while simultaneously insisting on maximum personal effort. It implies that while we cannot control the hearts or actions of others, we are entirely responsible for our own contributions to peace. Our commitment to peace must be steadfast, but it must also be realistic about others' responses.
• "live peaceably with all men": This collective command encapsulates the active and inclusive nature of Christian peacemaking. It directs the believer towards a continuous lifestyle of pursuing harmony and goodwill, not just within their community but universally, embodying the peace that God offers and desires for all humanity. This active living requires patience, forgiveness, and sometimes turning the other cheek, even to those outside the faith or those who seek to cause harm.

Romans 12 18 Bonus section

• Christian Peacemaking as Active Initiative: The verse challenges any passive notion of peace. It's not merely about avoiding conflict, but actively "living peaceably," meaning to seek it, foster it, and make deliberate efforts towards its establishment. This active stance includes forgiving offenses, seeking understanding, and initiating reconciliation where appropriate.
• Realistic Optimism: This instruction embodies a unique Christian tension. It holds a high aspiration for universal peace ("with all men") derived from the nature of God, who is peace, while simultaneously being realistic about the impediments to this peace in a fallen world ("If it is possible"). It teaches resilient hope, continuing to sow seeds of peace even when full harvest is uncertain.
• The Boundaries of Peace: The qualifying phrase "as much as depends on you" is crucial. It sets the boundary for a believer's responsibility. One is not commanded to compromise truth, condone sin, or submit to abusive situations in the name of peace. Rather, it implies that the fault for a broken peace should not lie with the Christian's unwillingness to pursue it. There are times when withdrawing or standing firm on convictions might be the only option, after all peaceful efforts have been exhausted without success.

Romans 12 18 Commentary

Romans 12:18 is a core principle for Christian ethical conduct in a contentious world. It exhorts believers to exert maximum personal effort in cultivating harmonious relationships with everyone they encounter. The inclusion of "If it is possible" and "as much as depends on you" is not an excuse for passivity, but a realistic acknowledgement that some situations, due to the stubbornness or hostility of others, may not allow for perfect peace. The Christian's duty is to tirelessly and proactively demonstrate peace-loving attitudes and actions, taking the initiative in reconciliation and avoiding all forms of retaliation. This commitment extends universally, "with all men," regardless of their character or stance towards the believer. Ultimately, this verse calls us to be agents of divine peace, radiating God's reconciling love, while recognizing that the ultimate outcome often rests in the hands of God and the choices of others. For instance, a Christian leader should strive to build consensus in a divided community, extending grace and seeking common ground, even if not all members reciprocate their efforts. Similarly, a believer unjustly accused at work should respond with measured, truthful communication and kindness, avoiding heated arguments or vengeful actions, thus keeping their conscience clear and maintaining their testimony.