Devine Scripture

Romans 1:12

What does Romans 1:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 1:12 means

Paul clarifies that his desire is not one-sided. He expects to be comforted together with them, each by the other’s faith. Mutual encouragement is a hallmark of Christian fellowship: leaders and congregations strengthen one another. Paul’s humility shines—he does not see himself as beyond needing their faith. The gospel creates a community where shared trust in Christ produces resilience and joy. Comfort here is not mere sentiment but real strengthening, especially amid trials. Paul’s anticipated visit is thus a two-way blessing: he brings apostolic teaching; they supply living testimony of faith that refreshes him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that is, that I with you may be comforted in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that is, that I with you may be comforted in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

That is to say, that all of us may be comforted together by the faith which is in you and in me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and that is, that I may be comforted together among you, through the faith in one another, both yours and mine.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That is to say, that I may be comforted together in you by that which is common to us both, your faith and mine.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that is, to have mutual comfort among you, each by the faith [which is] in the other, both yours and mine.

Context

Verse 12 explains verse 11’s aim by highlighting reciprocity. This prepares for verse 13, where Paul will discuss his intention to come and bear fruit among them, as among other Gentiles, but also admit repeated hindrances. The relational tone here fosters goodwill, so when Paul later unfolds hard truths about sin and righteousness (vv.16–32), the readers remember his affection and hope for shared growth.

v.11For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

v.12This passage

v.13And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the Gentiles.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 1:1

    Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ:

  • 2 Corinthians 2:1

    But I determined this for myself, that I would not come again to you with sorrow.

  • Titus 1:4

    to Titus, my true child after a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.

  • 3 John 1:3

    For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:13

    Therefore we have been comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all.

  • Acts 11:23

    who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord:

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