Bible Strands
Romans 12:7
if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman congregation in the practical section of the letter (ch. 12–16), listing specific gifts as concrete duties rather than abstract virtues.
The words — The Greek pairs the noun διακονία (diakonia, "service") with its verbal form in the same clause, so the gift and the act are the same word; εἴτε (eite, "or") frames each gift as an alternative, not a rank.
The thread — Serving and teaching appear together as recognized church roles in Acts 13:1 and Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 5:17 singles out those who labor in teaching as worthy of double honor, confirming the pairing.
Why it lands — The verse gives no hierarchy between serving and teaching; it asks the reader to stop measuring their gift against another's and simply do the thing they were given.
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
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Cross-references
- Acts 13:1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.
- Ephesians 4:11 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,
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
- 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
- Psalms 34:11 Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
- Psalms 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.
- Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
- Matthew 24:45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?
- Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
- Luke 12:42 And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time?