Romans 12 8

Romans 12:8 kjv

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:8 nkjv

he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:8 niv

if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:8 esv

the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:8 nlt

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12 verses

Romans 12 8 Meaning

Romans 12:8 describes various spiritual gifts, emphasizing that how these gifts are exercised is as crucial as the gifts themselves. It outlines specific attitudes or manners that should accompany the manifestation of four particular gifts: exhortation should be done wholeheartedly, giving with sincerity and generosity, leading with earnest diligence, and showing mercy with joyful cheerfulness. This verse underscores the importance of intentionality, motive, and heart in Christian service, flowing from a mind transformed by God's will.

Romans 12 8 Context

Romans chapter 12 serves as a pivotal transition in Paul's letter to the Romans, moving from deep theological exposition (chapters 1-11) to practical application for Christian living. Following his call for believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to transform their minds (Rom 12:1-2), Paul addresses the corporate life of the church. He emphasizes humility concerning spiritual gifts (Rom 12:3), affirming that each member of the body of Christ has a unique function according to God's grace (Rom 12:4-6a). Romans 12:6b-8 then lists various spiritual gifts and specifies the appropriate attitude or manner for their exercise within the community. This entire section serves to outline how a renewed mind manifests in practical, selfless service, building up the church rather than pursuing individual prestige or conforming to worldly values that often promote self-advancement or showy displays. The advice implicitly contrasts with contemporary Roman society's hierarchical and often self-serving power structures, promoting an ethos of humble, communal service motivated by love.

Romans 12 8 Word analysis

• or he who exhorts: (Greek: ὁ παρακαλῶν - ho parakalōn) This participle of `παρακαλέω (parakaleō)` means "the one who calls alongside," "to encourage," "to comfort," "to admonish," or "to appeal to." It denotes a gift of powerful, comforting, and challenging communication that moves people toward right action.
• in his exhortation; (Greek: ἐν τῇ παρακλήσει - en tē paraklēsei) This emphasizes that the gift is not merely delivered but lived out and given full commitment. The manner is intrinsic to the act itself – with full sincerity and zeal inherent in the encouraging action.
• he who gives, (Greek: ὁ μεταδιδούς - ho metadidous) This means "the one who shares" or "gives away." It speaks of practical sharing of one's resources, whether financial, material, or even time and talent.
• with liberality; (Greek: ἐν ἁπλότητι - en haplotēti) Often translated as "generosity," "sincerity," or "singleness of heart/purpose." It implies giving without hidden motives, ulterior desires, or a grudging spirit, but with pure intention and wholeheartedness. It means a lack of duplicity, freely and frankly.
• he who leads, (Greek: ὁ προϊστάμενος - ho proïstamenos) Meaning "the one who stands before," "to preside over," "to manage," or "to govern." This refers to those who take initiative in oversight, administration, and providing guidance and care, rather than a fixed hierarchical position. It encompasses careful supervision and management.
• with diligence; (Greek: ἐν σπουδῇ - en spoudē) Signifies "with earnestness," "with eagerness," "with zeal," or "with serious effort." It implies being diligent, zealous, and painstaking in fulfilling one's responsibilities, not slacking or performing duty casually.
• he who shows mercy, (Greek: ὁ ἐλεῶν - ho eleōn) This means "the one showing active pity" or "the one being compassionate." It is more than just feeling pity; it involves practical assistance and compassionate action towards those in need, suffering, or distress.
• with cheerfulness. (Greek: ἐν ἱλαρότητι - en hilarotēti) This refers to a "joyful" or "glad" disposition, doing good without reluctance, regret, or a grudging attitude. It is derived from the root `ἵλαος (hilaos)` meaning propitious or gracious, implying that mercy should be given graciously and willingly, without making the recipient feel a burden or generating embarrassment.
• Words-group analysis: The consistent "he who [action], in/with [manner]" structure highlights that the attitude accompanying the gift is as important as the gift itself. Paul underscores that divine empowering through spiritual gifts is not merely about capability, but fundamentally about a God-honoring character and spirit in which that capability is expressed.

Romans 12 8 Bonus section

This verse is part of a non-exhaustive list of spiritual gifts, illustrating the diverse ways the Holy Spirit equips believers for service within the unified body of Christ. The emphasis on proper attitude and sincerity connects back to Paul's overarching message of agape love (introduced in Rom 12:9-10), indicating that all gifts must be exercised through this lens. Furthermore, the instructions for these specific gifts serve as practical manifestations of the "living sacrifice" and "renewed mind" Paul calls for in Rom 12:1-2, showing how internal transformation impacts external actions for the common good and God's glory.

Romans 12 8 Commentary

Romans 12:8 meticulously details how particular spiritual gifts—exhortation, giving, leading, and showing mercy—are to be exercised with specific, godly attitudes. Paul emphasizes that the manner of service authenticates the gift. Exhortation must be delivered with conviction and heart; giving must stem from genuine generosity, free from self-interest; leadership requires diligent effort and conscientious oversight, not casual authority; and acts of mercy must flow from a cheerful, ungrudging spirit, bringing joy rather than embarrassment. This teaching counters a superficial use of gifts and instead champions an approach rooted in the transformation of one's inner being, ensuring that all service in the body of Christ brings glory to God and genuinely edifies others. This verse provides essential guidance for effective and truly spiritual ministry, reminding believers that the attitude reflects the heart's true posture before God.For instance:

• An exhorter doesn't just offer advice, but actively encourages and builds up with a genuine spirit.
• A giver isn't just dropping money in the plate, but freely shares out of an abundant heart.
• A leader isn't just making decisions, but diligently shepherds and cares for the flock.
• A person showing mercy doesn't offer help with a sigh, but with gladness and compassion, truly comforting.