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Romans 12:11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 12:11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/12-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/45_Rom_12_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 12:11 - Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />not lagging in diligence, being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />not lagging behind in diligence, being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, <i>enthusiastically</i> serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Don't be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Never be lazy in showing such devotion. Be on fire with the Spirit. Serve the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Do not be indolent when zeal is required. Be thoroughly warm-hearted, the Lord's own servants,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />in the diligence not slothful; in the spirit fervent; serving the LORD;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />not lagging in diligence, being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> in the diligence not slothful; in the spirit fervent; the Lord serving;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In study not slothful; boiling in the spirit; serving the Lord;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />In carefulness not slothful. In spirit fervent. Serving the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />in solicitude, not lazy; in spirit, fervent; serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the LORD;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Be diligent and do not be lazy; be enthusiastic in spirit; be working for your Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />in what requires diligence, be not slothful; in spirit, be fervent; in service, be devoted to the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />not slothful in business; boiling over in spirit; serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />in business be not slothful, but of an active mind, making the best use of every incident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Do not be indolent when zeal is required. Be thoroughly warm-hearted, the Lord's own servants,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />in diligence, not slothful; in spirit, fervent, serving the Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />not slothful in business: fervent in spirit: serving the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/12-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3105" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">Do not let</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/4710.htm" title="4710: spoudē (N-DFS) -- (a) speed, haste, (b) diligence, earnestness, enthusiasm. From speudo; speed, i.e. despatch, eagerness, earnestness.">zeal</a> <a href="/greek/3636.htm" title="3636: oknēroi (Adj-NMP) -- Slothful, backward, hesitating; of things: irksome. From okneo; tardy, i.e. Indolent; irksome.">subside;</a> <a href="/greek/2204.htm" title="2204: zeontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (lit: I boil, am boiling), I burn (in spirit), am fervent. A primary verb; to be hot, i.e. be fervid.">keep your spiritual fervor,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. "></a> <a href="/greek/1398.htm" title="1398: douleuontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.">serving</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">12</span>Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7</a></span><br />Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-10.htm">Hebrews 6:10-12</a></span><br />For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. / We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. / Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10-11</a></span><br />As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-13.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:13</a></span><br />But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14-16</a></span><br />Do everything without complaining or arguing, / so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world / as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:3</a></span><br />and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">2 Timothy 1:6-7</a></span><br />For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. / For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29</a></span><br />Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a></span><br />Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a></span><br />Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a></span><br />The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a></span><br />The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;</p><p class="hdg">slothful.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/5-17.htm">Exodus 5:17</a></b></br> But he said, Ye <i>are</i> idle, <i>ye are</i> idle: therefore ye say, Let us go <i>and</i> do sacrifice to the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-9</a></b></br> Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-26.htm">Proverbs 10:26</a></b></br> As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so <i>is</i> the sluggard to them that send him.</p><p class="hdg">fervent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Matthew 24:12</a></b></br> And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Acts 18:25</a></b></br> This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12,13</a></b></br> Epaphras, who is <i>one</i> of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God… </p><p class="hdg">serving.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">1 Corinthians 7:22</a></b></br> For he that is called in the Lord, <i>being</i> a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, <i>being</i> free, is Christ's servant.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a></b></br> Servants, be obedient to them that are <i>your</i> masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-24</a></b></br> Servants, obey in all things <i>your</i> masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/24-22.htm">Business</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Diligence</a> <a href="/romans/3-11.htm">Diligent</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Fervor</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-7.htm">Flag</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Indolent</a> <a href="/romans/3-15.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/romans/10-5.htm">Required</a> <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/romans/12-7.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/romans/12-7.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/acts/27-7.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/9-28.htm">Thoroughly</a> <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Work</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Business</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">Diligence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-16.htm">Diligent</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Fervor</a> <a href="/numbers/1-52.htm">Flag</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm">Indolent</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">Required</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/romans/15-25.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/titus/1-12.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/romans/14-17.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/14-5.htm">Thoroughly</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Work</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-1.htm">God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">No man must think too well of himself;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-6.htm">but everyone attend to the calling wherein he is placed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Love, and many other duties are required of us.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Revenge is especially forbidden.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not let your zeal subside;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and passion in one's faith journey. In the early Christian context, zeal was crucial for spreading the Gospel amidst persecution and opposition. The Greek word for zeal, "spoudē," implies diligence and earnestness. This echoes the fervor of the early church as seen in <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42-47</a>, where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. The warning against letting zeal subside can be compared to the church in Laodicea, which was criticized for being lukewarm in <a href="/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15-16</a>. This call to maintain zeal is a reminder of the need for continuous spiritual growth and commitment.<p><b>keep your spiritual fervor,</b><br>The term "spiritual fervor" suggests a burning intensity in one's relationship with God, akin to the fire of the Holy Spirit described in <a href="/acts/2-3.htm">Acts 2:3-4</a> during Pentecost. The Greek word "zeontes" means to be boiling or fervent, indicating a vibrant and active faith. This fervor is not self-generated but is a result of the Holy Spirit's work within believers, as seen in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, where the fruits of the Spirit are listed. The cultural context of the Roman church, surrounded by pagan practices, required a distinct and fervent Christian witness. This fervor is also a reflection of Jesus' own zeal for God's house, as demonstrated in <a href="/john/2-17.htm">John 2:17</a>.<p><b>serving the Lord.</b><br>Service to the Lord is a central theme in Christian life, reflecting the servanthood of Christ Himself, as described in <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-7</a>. The Greek word "douleuontes" implies a bondservant's dedication, highlighting the total commitment expected of believers. This service is not limited to church activities but encompasses all aspects of life, as seen in <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a>, where believers are encouraged to work heartily as for the Lord. The historical context of Roman society, with its hierarchical structures, contrasts with the Christian call to serve one another in love, as exemplified by Jesus washing the disciples' feet in <a href="/john/13-14.htm">John 13:14-15</a>. This phrase underscores the ultimate purpose of zeal and fervor: to glorify God through dedicated service.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_christian_community.htm">The Early Christian Community</a></b><br>The broader context of the letter includes the early Christian communities who were navigating their faith in a predominantly pagan society.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/m/maintain_zeal.htm">Maintain Zeal</a></b><br>The Greek word for "zeal" (spoud?) implies diligence and earnestness. Christians are called to maintain a passionate commitment to their faith and service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_fervor.htm">Spiritual Fervor</a></b><br>The term "fervor" (ze?) suggests boiling or being hot. Believers should cultivate a vibrant and enthusiastic spiritual life, avoiding complacency.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/serving_the_lord.htm">Serving the Lord</a></b><br>Our service should be directed towards God, not merely human approval. This service is an act of worship and devotion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_apathy.htm">Avoiding Spiritual Apathy</a></b><br>It's crucial to guard against spiritual laziness or indifference, which can hinder our relationship with God and our effectiveness in ministry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_for_fervor.htm">Practical Steps for Fervor</a></b><br>Engage in regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers to keep your spiritual fervor alive.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ambition_serve_others.htm">How does ambition align with serving others selflessly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_zeal_differ_from_fanaticism.htm">What distinguishes zeal from fanaticism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_being_zealous_for_god_mean.htm">What does being zealous for God mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'fervent_in_spirit'_mean.htm">What does "fervent in spirit" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">In</span> <span class= "bld">business.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">in zeal;</span> the reference is to the spiritual and not to the practical life, as the English reader might suppose.<p><span class= "bld">Fervent.</span>--In the literal and etymological sense <span class= "ital">boiling</span> or <span class= "ital">seething.</span> The temperament of the Christian is compared to water bubbling and boiling over the flame.<p><span class= "bld">In spirit</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> not "in the Holy Spirit," but "in that part of you which is spirit."<p><span class= "bld">Serving the Lord.</span>--Some of the extant Graeco-Latin codices, and others known to Origen and Jerome, read here by a slight change of vowels "serving the time"; no doubt wrongly, though the expression might be compared with <a href="/1_corinthians/7-29.htm" title="But this I say, brothers, the time is short: it remains, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;">1Corinthians 7:29</a>; <a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm" title="Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.">Ephesians 5:16</a>, <span class= "ital">et al.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In business</span> (rather, <span class="accented">diligence</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>not slothful; in spirit fervent</span> (we are to do with our might whatever our hand finds to do; yea, with fervent zeal); <span class="cmt_word">serving the Lord</span>. For <span class="greek">τῷ Κυρίῳ</span>, (<span class="accented">the Lord</span>), some manuscripts have <span class="greek">τῷ καιρῷ</span> (<span class="accented">the time</span>, or <span class="accented">the opportunity</span>), which reading is preferred by some commentators on the ground that it is less likely to have been instituted for the familiar <span class="greek">τῷ</span> <span class="greek">Κυρίῳ</span> than <span class="accented">vice versa.</span> But <span class="greek">τῷ</span> <span class="greek">Κυρίῳ</span> is best supported, and has an obvious meaning, vie. that in the zealous performance of all our duties we are to feel that we are serving the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/12-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Do not let</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[your]</span><br /><span class="grk">τῇ</span> <span class="translit">(tē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">zeal</span><br /><span class="grk">σπουδῇ</span> <span class="translit">(spoudē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4710.htm">Strong's 4710: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) speed, haste, (b) diligence, earnestness, enthusiasm. From speudo; 'speed', i.e. despatch, eagerness, earnestness.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">subside;</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀκνηροί</span> <span class="translit">(oknēroi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3636.htm">Strong's 3636: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slothful, backward, hesitating; of things: irksome. From okneo; tardy, i.e. Indolent; irksome.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keep your spiritual fervor,</span><br /><span class="grk">ζέοντες</span> <span class="translit">(zeontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2204.htm">Strong's 2204: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: I boil, am boiling), I burn (in spirit), am fervent. A primary verb; to be hot, i.e. be fervid.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">serving</span><br /><span class="grk">δουλεύοντες</span> <span class="translit">(douleuontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1398.htm">Strong's 1398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Lord.</span><br /><span class="grk">Κυρίῳ</span> <span class="translit">(Kyriō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/12-11.htm">NT Letters: Romans 12:11 Not lagging in diligence (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/12-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 12:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 12:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/12-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 12:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 12:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>