Devine Scripture

Romans 12:10

What does Romans 12:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 12:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 12:10 means

Believers are to show family affection to each other, treating fellow Christians as dear siblings. This entails warmth, loyalty, and readiness to protect and support. They should “prefer” one another in honor—eager to recognize and advance others rather than themselves. Honor becomes a competition of deference, not dominance. Such a community resists rivalry and status-seeking, as each person looks for ways to affirm God’s grace in others. Brotherly love manifests in practical care and in speech that esteems, not belittles. Where honor abounds, unity deepens, and individual gifts flourish without fear of being overshadowed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Be kind to one another with a brother's love, putting others before yourselves in honour;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in the love of brethren, to one another kindly affectioned: in the honour going before one another;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood: with honour preventing one another.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

as to brotherly love, kindly affectioned towards one another: as to honour, each taking the lead in paying it to the other:

Context

Still unfolding the marks of sincere love, Paul zooms in on the family character of the church and the honoring spirit that safeguards its unity. Coming after the call to hate evil and cling to good, this verse shows positive ways that love acts among believers. Verse 11 will add the energy and focus needed to sustain such love in service to the Lord. The section builds a portrait of a community warmed by affection and safeguarded by mutual honor, preparing for the endurance and generosity that follow.

v.9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

v.10This passage

v.11in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:3

    doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;

  • John 15:17

    These things I command you, that ye may love one another.

  • 1 John 3:10

    In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

  • 1 John 4:11

    Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3

    We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;

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