Romans 12:14
What does Romans 12:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 12:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 12:14 means
Believers are called to bless those who persecute them—to speak well of and pray for their good—rather than curse. This resists the natural impulse for retaliation. It follows the pattern of the Lord Jesus, who taught and embodied love for enemies. Blessing does not deny wrongdoing or abandon justice, but it refuses to mirror hatred. It entrusts vindication to God and seeks the offender’s repentance and welfare. Such speech and prayer reflect confidence that God can overcome evil hearts by His grace. This is costly obedience, possible only for those transformed by mercy and grounded in the hope of God’s righteous rule.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give blessing and not curses to those who are cruel to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Bless those persecuting you; bless, and curse not;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Bless them that persecute you: bless, and curse not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.
Context
After describing generosity within the church, Paul broadens the horizon to how believers respond to hostility. This command sets the tone for verses 15–21, which outline a countercultural ethic of empathy, humility, peaceableness, and non-retaliation. The flow shows love’s reach: from caring for the saints to blessing persecutors. These instructions will culminate in overcoming evil with good. Reading this verse in that sequence highlights that enemy-love is not sentimental but part of a coherent, God-trusting way of life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 4:12
and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;
- Acts 7:60
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
- Job 31:29
If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, Or lifted up myself when evil found him
- Luke 6:28
bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.
- Matthew 5:44
but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;
- Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
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