Romans 12:6 kjv
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Romans 12:6 nkjv
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
Romans 12:6 niv
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
Romans 12:6 esv
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
Romans 12:6 nlt
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
Romans 12 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 12:3 | If anyone has a gift... not to think of himself more highly | Connects to not overestimating one's gifts |
| 1 Cor 12:1 | Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. | Introduces the topic of spiritual gifts |
| 1 Cor 12:4-6 | Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; varieties of service, but the same Lord; varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. | Highlights diversity of gifts and unity |
| 1 Cor 12:7 | To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. | Stresses the purpose of gifts |
| Eph 4:7 | But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. | Relates grace to the measure of gift |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, equipping the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ. | Gifts equip for ministry and edification |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. | Emphasizes stewardship and service |
| 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. | Connects all actions to God's glory |
| 1 Tim 4:14 | Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you. | Exhorts not to neglect gifts |
| 2 Tim 1:6 | That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. | Encourages stirring up gifts |
| Matt 25:14-30 | Parable of the talents | Illustrates faithful use of God's gifts |
| Acts 2:42 | And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. | Early church fellowship and practice |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Unity in Christ regardless of background |
| Phil 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. | Promotes humility and considering others |
| Rom 12:7-8 | If to serve, in our serving; if to teach, in our teaching; if to exhort, in our exhorting; if to give, with generosity; if it leads, with zeal; if it shows mercy, with cheerfulness. | Lists specific ways to use gifts |
| 1 Cor 1:7 | So that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you await the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. | God's gifts are present in the church |
| 2 Cor 1:11 | You also must help us by prayer, so that many may give thanks for the great gift bestowed on us by the prayers of many. | Prayer supports the use of gifts |
| 1 Pet 4:11 | Whoever speaks, as one speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one serves with the strength that God supplies—in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. | Directs how gifts should be exercised |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Connects good deeds and sharing to pleasing God |
| John 15:16 | You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide. | Christ appoints believers for fruitfulness |
Romans 12 verses
Romans 12 6 Meaning
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. This verse introduces the principle of employing spiritual gifts. It emphasizes that these gifts are not for hoarding but for active use within the body of Christ. The foundation for using these gifts is the grace God has extended to believers.
Romans 12 6 Context
Romans chapter 12 shifts from theological exposition to practical exhortation. Following the profound truths about God's grace and the transformation of believers, Paul now outlines how this new life should be lived out in the community of faith. Specifically, chapter 12 begins by urging believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, a continual act of worship. This leads into the idea of spiritual transformation and renewing the mind. Then, Paul begins to discuss the importance of understanding oneself in relation to others within the body of Christ, emphasizing humility and not thinking too highly of oneself. Chapter 12 verse 6 directly follows this encouragement to have a sober judgment about one's spiritual gifts, and it moves to instruct believers on the purpose and application of these gifts. The immediate context is the functional operation of the church, where diverse gifts are given for the common good and the building up of the body. The broader context of Romans deals with salvation by grace through faith and its implications for righteous living, including our responsibilities towards one another in the Church.
Romans 12 6 Word analysis
- ἔχοντες (echontes): Present active participle of ἔχω (echo), meaning "to have," "to possess," "to hold." In this context, it signifies possessing or having been given spiritual gifts.
- διακονίαις (diakoniais): Dative plural of διακονία (diakonia), meaning "service," "ministry," "administration." Refers to different kinds of services or ministries, highlighting the functional aspect of gifts.
- εἰς (eis): A preposition indicating direction, purpose, or goal, "into," "unto," "for." It points to the purpose for which the gifts are given.
- τὴν (tēn): Definite article, feminine accusative singular.
- ἀντίστοιχον (antistichon): Adjective, "corresponding," "suitable," "proportionate." This describes the measure of the gifts relative to the grace received.
- δωρεὰν (dōrean): Accusative singular of δωρεά (dōrea), meaning "gift," "grace." This reinforces that the gifts are gratuitous.
- τῇ (tē): Definite article, feminine dative singular.
- κατὰ (kata): A preposition indicating distribution or proportion, "according to," "in proportion to."
- χάριν (charin): Accusative singular of χάρις (charis), meaning "grace," "favor," "kindness." This signifies the divine source and measure of the gifts.
- τῆς (tēs): Definite article, feminine genitive singular.
- δοθείσης (dothēsis): Perfect passive participle of δίδωμι (didōmi), "to give." "which was given," indicating that the grace and, by extension, the gifts are divinely bestowed.
- ἡμῖν (hēmin): Dative plural of ἐγώ (egō), "to us," "for us." This emphasizes that these gifts are given to believers collectively.
- ὅς (hos): Relative pronoun, "which" or "if." Introduces a conditional or descriptive clause about having differing gifts.
- ἔχομεν (echomen): Present indicative active of ἔχω (echo), "we have," "we possess."
- διαφέροντα (diapheronta): Present active participle of διαφέρω (diapherō), "to differ," "to be superior." It implies that the gifts vary among believers.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "gifts that differ according to the grace given to us": This phrase underscores the diversity and divine origin of spiritual abilities bestowed upon believers. The "grace given to us" acts as both the source and the governing principle for these differing gifts.
- "If one has a gift of ministry, let him use it": This part is an exhortation for practical application. "Let him use it" (χρηματετω - chrematetō, a stronger form implying diligent application) emphasizes intentional and active engagement with the giftedness received.
Romans 12 6 Bonus section
The Greek word "antistichon" implies a proportional relationship. This means that just as grace was measured out to each person, so too are the specific manifestations of spiritual gifts. This emphasizes a balanced distribution within the body of Christ, where no single part has everything, but each part contributes according to its assigned role and measure. It also suggests that the gifts are appropriate for the responsibilities God calls believers to. This connects to the body analogy in 1 Corinthians 12, where each member has its function. The ultimate aim is the functioning of the entire organism, not the prominence of any single part.
Romans 12 6 Commentary
The core message of this verse is the functional aspect of spiritual gifts. God doesn't give gifts for them to lie dormant. They are meant to be actively employed in service. The measure of one's gift is directly tied to the measure of grace God has sovereignly dispensed. This perspective should prevent pride, as the gift is from God's grace, not earned. It also encourages faithfulness, as the gift, though from grace, is to be utilized diligently. This usage is for the benefit of the whole body, ministering in distinct ways that collectively build up the church. Different gifts fulfill different needs, all coordinated by God's sovereign plan.
- Example: Someone gifted in teaching should actively prepare and deliver God's word faithfully. Someone gifted in mercy should seek opportunities to show kindness and compassion to those in need, with genuine joy.