Devine Scripture

Romans 12:7

What does Romans 12:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 12:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 12:7 means

Those gifted for service should give themselves to serving; teachers should devote themselves to teaching. The emphasis is on focused, faithful application rather than distraction or self-promotion. “Ministry” covers a wide range of practical helps—meeting needs, organizing care, supporting the body’s functioning. Teaching imparts sound doctrine and practical instruction so believers grow in truth. Each role matters. The call is not to covet another’s gift but to steward the one entrusted. Concentrated effort in one’s assigned task benefits the whole body, while half-hearted or misdirected energy weakens the church’s health and unity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Or the position of a Deacon of the church, let a man give himself to it; or he who has the power of teaching, let him make use of it;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

or ministration--`In the ministration!' or he who is teaching--`In the teaching!'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Or ministry, in ministering; or he that teacheth, in doctrine;

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

or service, [let us occupy ourselves] in service; or he that teaches, in teaching;

Context

Continuing the gift list, Paul moves from prophecy to service and teaching. He underscores that each gift should be exercised in its proper sphere and with diligence. Verse 8 will add further examples—exhortation, giving, leading, showing mercy—with fitting attitudes. The progression shows a broad spectrum of ministries, from word-centered to hands-on, all essential and complementary. This keeps Paul’s earlier point vivid: many members, different offices, one body. The instruction also models how renewed thinking expresses itself in focused, humble service.

v.6And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

v.7This passage

v.8or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 24:45

    Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?

  • Ezekiel 33:7

    So thou, son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

  • Ezekiel 3:17

    Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

  • 1 Timothy 2:7

    whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

  • Deuteronomy 33:10

    They shall teach Jacob thine ordinances, And Israel thy law: They shall put incense before thee, And whole burnt-offering upon thine altar.

  • Luke 12:42

    And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

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