Bible Strands
Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul, writing to the Roman church, in the practical exhortation block (12:1–21) that follows his theological argument. The verse sits between patience in affliction and blessing persecutors, grounding abstract virtues in concrete acts.
The words — koinōnountes (G2841) carries the sense of "contributing" or "participating together," the same root as "communion" and "fellowship," framing material aid as shared life rather than one-directional charity.
The thread — Hebrews 13:16 calls sharing "a sacrifice God is pleased with"; 2 Corinthians 9:12 describes the same ministry as overflowing into thanksgiving; 1 John 3:17 warns that withholding from a brother in need extinguishes the love of God.
Why it lands — It is a present-participle command, not a suggestion: the reader is to be actively contributing and actively pursuing hospitality, directed specifically at fellow believers who are in need.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
- 2 Corinthians 9:12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
- 1 John 3:17 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
- Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
- Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- 1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
- Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
- 1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
- Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,
- 1 Timothy 5:10 and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.