Romans 12:8
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Berean Literal Bible
or exhorting, in the exhortation; giving, in generosity; leading, in diligence; showing mercy, in cheerfulness.

King James Bible
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.

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

New American Standard Bible
or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

NASB 1995
or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

NASB 1977
or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Legacy Standard Bible
or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Amplified Bible
or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.

Christian Standard Bible
if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

American Standard Version
or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Contemporary English Version
If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.

English Revised Version
or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If it is encouraging others, devote yourself to giving encouragement. If it is sharing, be generous. If it is leadership, lead enthusiastically. If it is helping people in need, help them cheerfully.

Good News Translation
if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully.

International Standard Version
If it is encouraging, devote yourself to encouraging others. If it is sharing, share generously. If it is leading, lead enthusiastically. If it is helping, help cheerfully.

Majority Standard Bible
if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

NET Bible
if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.

New Heart English Bible
if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, in generosity; leading, in diligence; showing mercy, in cheerfulness.

Webster's Bible Translation
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Weymouth New Testament
The teacher must do the same in his teaching; and he who exhorts others, in his exhortation. He who gives should be liberal; he who is in authority should be energetic and alert; and he who succours the afflicted should do it cheerfully.

World English Bible
or he who exhorts, to his exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
or he who is exhorting, in the exhortation; he who is sharing, in simplicity; he who is leading, in diligence; he who is doing kindness, in cheerfulness.

Berean Literal Bible
or exhorting, in the exhortation; giving, in generosity; leading, in diligence; showing mercy, in cheerfulness.

Young's Literal Translation
or he who is exhorting -- 'In the exhortation!' he who is sharing -- 'In simplicity!' he who is leading -- 'In diligence?' he who is doing kindness -- 'In cheerfulness.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Whether he beseeching, in supplication: he imparting, in simplicity; he placed before, in earnestness; he compassionating, in cheerfulness.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that exhorteth, in exhorting; he that giveth, with simplicity; he that ruleth, with carefulness; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Catholic Public Domain Version
he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, in simplicity; he who governs, in solicitude; he who shows mercy, in cheerfulness.

New American Bible
if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

New Revised Standard Version
the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Some of consolation, in consoling: he that gives, let him do it with sincerity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
One has that of a comforter, which is in his comforting, and a giver in generosity, and a top leader with diligence, and that of caregiver with cheerfulness.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
or, if any exhorts, let him attend to exhortation; if any one gives, let him do it with sincerity; he that rules, with diligence: he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Godbey New Testament
or he that exhorteth, in exhortation; or he that giveth, with a single eye; he that presideth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Haweis New Testament
or he that exhorteth, in exhortation; he that distributes, let him do it with simplicity; he that presideth, with diligence; he that is employed in acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Mace New Testament
on exhortation: he that giveth, let him be disinterested; he that presideth, let him be diligent; he that sheweth mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness.

Weymouth New Testament
The teacher must do the same in his teaching; and he who exhorts others, in his exhortation. He who gives should be liberal; he who is in authority should be energetic and alert; and he who succours the afflicted should do it cheerfully.

Worrell New Testament
or he that exhorts, in his exhortation; he that imparts, let him do it with liberality; he that presides, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Worsley New Testament
he that distributeth, let him do it with integrity: he that presideth, with diligence: he that sheweth mercy, with chearfulness.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Living Sacrifices
7if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 9Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

1 Peter 4:10-11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. ...

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Ephesians 4:11-12
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

1 Timothy 4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

1 Timothy 5:17
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

2 Timothy 1:6
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.

Proverbs 11:25
A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

exhorteth.

Acts 13:15
And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Acts 15:32
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

Acts 20:2
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

giveth.

Romans 12:13
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Deuteronomy 15:8-11,14
But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth…

Job 31:16-20
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; …

with simplicity.

2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

2 Corinthians 8:2
How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

ruleth.

Romans 13:6
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Genesis 18:19
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Psalm 101:1-8
A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing…

with diligence.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

shewth.

Deuteronomy 16:11,14,15
And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there…

Jump to Previous
Acts Afflicted Aid Alert Authority Comforting Contributing Diligence Diligently Encourage Encouraging Exhortation Exhorting Freely Generously Gives Govern Joy Leads Liberality Mercy Mind Needs Others Power Rules Ruleth Ruling Serious Sharing Sheweth Shews Showeth Showing Shows Simplicity Teacher Teaching Zeal
Jump to Next
Acts Afflicted Aid Alert Authority Comforting Contributing Diligence Diligently Encourage Encouraging Exhortation Exhorting Freely Generously Gives Govern Joy Leads Liberality Mercy Mind Needs Others Power Rules Ruleth Ruling Serious Sharing Sheweth Shews Showeth Showing Shows Simplicity Teacher Teaching Zeal
Romans 12
1. God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.
3. No man must think too well of himself;
6. but everyone attend to the calling wherein he is placed.
9. Love, and many other duties are required of us.
19. Revenge is especially forbidden.














if it is encouraging, let him encourage;
Encouragement is a spiritual gift that involves uplifting and motivating others. In the early church, encouragement was vital for the growth and perseverance of believers facing persecution. Barnabas, known as the "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36), exemplified this gift by supporting Paul and others. Encouragement is not merely about positive words but involves strengthening others in their faith, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, which urges believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. This gift reflects the comforting nature of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, who comes alongside believers to support and guide them.

if it is giving, let him give generously;
Generosity is a hallmark of Christian living, reflecting God's own generosity in giving His Son for humanity (John 3:16). The early church practiced communal sharing, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, where believers sold possessions to meet each other's needs. Giving is not limited to financial resources but includes time, talents, and hospitality. The Macedonian churches are commended for their generosity despite their poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Generosity is an act of worship and trust in God's provision, as taught in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, where cheerful giving is encouraged.

if it is leading, let him lead with diligence;
Leadership in the church requires diligence, a commitment to hard work and perseverance. Biblical leaders like Moses and Nehemiah demonstrated diligence in guiding God's people through challenges. Leadership is a service, not a position of power, as Jesus taught in Mark 10:42-45, where He emphasized servant leadership. Diligence involves being proactive, responsible, and attentive to the needs of the flock, as seen in the qualifications for overseers in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Leaders are accountable to God for their stewardship and must lead by example, as Peter instructs in 1 Peter 5:2-3.

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Mercy is a reflection of God's compassion and forgiveness, as demonstrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). Showing mercy involves acts of kindness and forgiveness, often to those who may not deserve it. The cheerful aspect of mercy highlights the attitude with which it should be extended, echoing the joy of the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Mercy is a key aspect of the Beatitudes, where Jesus blesses the merciful (Matthew 5:7). It is a reminder of the mercy believers have received from God and are called to extend to others, as seen in James 2:13, which warns that judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Church in Rome
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the capital of the Roman Empire.

3. Spiritual Gifts
The context of Romans 12:8 is a discussion on the various spiritual gifts given to believers for the edification of the church.
Teaching Points
The Gift of Encouragement
Encouragement is a vital ministry within the church. Those with this gift should actively seek to uplift and support others, recognizing the power of words to inspire and strengthen faith.

Generosity in Giving
Giving is not just about financial contributions but also about offering time, talents, and resources. Believers are called to give generously, reflecting God's abundant grace.

Diligence in Leadership
Leadership within the church requires diligence and responsibility. Leaders should guide with integrity and a servant's heart, always seeking the welfare of those they lead.

Cheerfulness in Mercy
Showing mercy involves compassion and kindness. Doing so cheerfully reflects the joy of serving others and the love of Christ.(8) He that exhorteth.--It will be observed that in the apostolic writings, the one idea of "preaching" is divided into its several branches, "speaking with tongues," "prophesying" (which appears to have had reference to the more recondite portions or relations of the faith), "teaching," "exhortation." This last form of address, corresponding perhaps rather to our word "encouragement," would be especially needed in the troubled circumstances of the early Church.

He that giveth.--In this and the following phrases the Apostle passes on from considering the definite functions of the ministry to those which were common to all members of the Church; "giveth" is therefore here to be taken in a wide sense.

Simplicity.--With singleness of motive, desiring only God's glory, and to benefit the object for which he gives, and with no secret thought of self-exaltation. He who gives "to be seen of men," or with any selfish motive, exhausts thereby the merit of the act, see Matthew 6:2 et seq.

He that ruleth.--He who holds any position of prominence or importance in the Church. The same word is applied to "presbyters" in 1Thessalonians 5:12; 1Timothy 5:17; and to heads of families in 1Timothy 3:4-5; 1Timothy 3:12. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[if it is]
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

encouraging,
παρακαλῶν (parakalōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3870: From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.

let him encourage;
παρακλήσει (paraklēsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3874: From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.

[if it is]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

giving,
μεταδιδοὺς (metadidous)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3330: From meta and didomi; to give over, i.e. Share.

let him give generously;
ἁπλότητι (haplotēti)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 572: Simplicity, sincerity, purity, graciousness. From haplous; singleness, i.e. sincerity, or generosity.

[if it is]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

leading,
προϊστάμενος (proistamenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4291: From pro and histemi; to stand before, i.e. to preside, or to practise.

[ let him lead] with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

diligence;
σπουδῇ (spoudē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4710: (a) speed, haste, (b) diligence, earnestness, enthusiasm. From speudo; 'speed', i.e. despatch, eagerness, earnestness.

[if it is]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

showing mercy,
ἐλεῶν (eleōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1653: To pity, have mercy on. From eleos; to compassionate.

[ let him do it]
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

cheerfully.
ἱλαρότητι (hilarotēti)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2432: Cheerfulness, graciousness. From hilaros; alacrity.


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NT Letters: Romans 12:8 Or he who exhorts to his exhorting: (Rom. Ro)
Romans 12:7
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