Devine Scripture

Romans 12:9

What does Romans 12:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 12:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 12:9 means

Love must be genuine, not a mask for self-interest. It does not blur moral lines; it hates evil and clings to what is good. Real love delights in what pleases God and recoils from what corrupts. It is more than sentiment; it makes discerning choices, aligning affection with truth. Hypocrisy fractures community, but sincere love builds trust and stability. The call binds together heart and holiness: a church full of gifts will still harm itself without this anchor. Love’s authenticity appears in what we embrace and what we reject, holding fast to the good even when it costs us.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let love be without deceit. Be haters of what is evil; keep your minds fixed on what is good.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The love unfeigned: abhorring the evil; cleaving to the good;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let love be unfeigned; abhorring evil; cleaving to good:

Context

After listing gifts and their proper manner, Paul turns to the overarching ethic that must govern everything: love without hypocrisy. Verses 10–13 will unpack how such love behaves among believers—in affection, honor, zeal, hope, endurance, prayer, generosity, and hospitality. Then verses 14–21 will extend love’s reach to enemies and outsiders. Placing love first provides the lens for all the coming commands. It ensures the use of gifts flows from a heart aligned with God’s goodness, not from ambition or mere duty.

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.

v.9This passage

v.10In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

Cross references

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

  • John 12:6

    Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein.

  • Psalms 45:7

    Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

  • Matthew 26:49

    And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him.

  • 1 Peter 4:8

    above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:15

    See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.

  • Psalms 55:21

    His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords.

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