Devine Scripture

Romans 12:6

What does Romans 12:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 12:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 12:6 means

God gives different gifts to His people according to grace. Therefore, none should boast, and all should use what they have. If one has prophecy—speaking God’s truth with Spirit-given insight—he must do so in line with the faith he professes, consistent with the gospel’s standard and with sober restraint. The point is proportion and fidelity, not spectacle. Gifts vary, but each is a trust from God to be exercised responsibly. Grace assigns both capacity and measure. Faithfulness means employing the gift, neither burying it from fear nor stretching it beyond what God has actually given.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And having different qualities by reason of the grace given to us, such as the quality of a prophet, let it be made use of in relation to the measure of our faith;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having gifts, different according to the grace that was given to us; whether prophecy--`According to the proportion of faith!'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And having different gifts, according to the grace that is given us, either prophecy, to be used according to the rule of faith;

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But having different gifts, according to the grace which has been given to us, whether [it be] prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

Context

After affirming unity in diversity, Paul begins listing representative gifts and how to use them properly. Verse 6 introduces the principle—gifts differ by grace—and starts with prophecy, urging measured, faithful use. Verses 7–8 will continue with other forms of service. The flow keeps humility central: since gifts are grace, we cannot claim superiority; since they vary, we must not demand uniformity. This verse transitions from the body metaphor to actionable counsel, anchoring practice in the theology of grace.

v.5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.

v.6This passage

v.7or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching;

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 23:34

    Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city:

  • Acts 2:17

    And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:

  • Ephesians 3:5

    which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

  • 1 Corinthians 14:3

    But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:6

    Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:1

    Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

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