Bible Strands
Romans 12:8
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 Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church in the practical section (ch. 12–16) that follows his doctrinal argument, addressing the whole body rather than any single office-holder.
The words — μεταδιδοὺς (metadidous), "giving over" or "transferring," carries a sense of moving something from one hand to another, not merely handing out. The present participle marks ongoing, habitual action, not a one-time act of charity.
The thread — The "cheerfully" on mercy echoes 2 Corinthians 9:7's "God loves a cheerful giver"; "lead with diligence" parallels 1 Timothy 5:17's "lead effectively"; and the whole list of distinct functions mirrors 1 Corinthians 12:28's catalogue of appointed roles in the body.
Why it lands — Each gift is paired with a manner, so the verse demands not just the right act but the right quality of it. No one is exempt from doing what they can, and no one may do it half-heartedly.
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 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.
Cross-references
- 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.
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
- 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 Timothy 3:4 An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.
- Acts 15:32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.
- Acts 13:15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.”
- Acts 20:2 After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece,
- Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12 But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
- Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.