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Romans 12:18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
<!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 12:18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/12-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/45_Rom_12_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 12:18 - Forgiveness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/12-17.htm" title="Romans 12:17">◄</a> Romans 12:18 <a href="/romans/12-19.htm" title="Romans 12:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />if possible of you, living at peace with all men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />if possible, so far as it depends on you, being at peace with all men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and do your best to live at peace with everyone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If you can, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with all the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If possible—so far as in you—with all men being in peace;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />if possible of you, living at peace with all men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If possible -- so far as in you -- with all men being in peace;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If possible of you, living peaceably with all men.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If it be possible, as much as is in you, have peace with all men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If it is possible, in so far as you are able, be at peace with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.<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 />And if it is possible, according to what is within you, make peace with every person.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />If possible, as far as may be in your power, be at peace with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />If possible, so far as it is within your power, living in peace with all men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />If possible, as far as you can, be at peace with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />do all you can to live peaceably, if it be possible, with all mankind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If you can, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with all the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />if it <i>be</i> possible, so far as <i>it depends on</i> you, being at peace with all men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />If <i>it be</i> possible, as much as ye can, live peaceably with all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/12-18.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=3153" 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">Forgiveness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If it is</a> <a href="/greek/1415.htm" title="1415: dynaton (Adj-NNS) -- (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.">possible</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">on</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your part,</a> <a href="/greek/1514.htm" title="1514: eirēneuontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To be peaceful, keep the peace, be at peace. From eirene; to be peaceful.">live at peace</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everyone.</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”…<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="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">1 Peter 3:11</a></span><br />He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39-41</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; / if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:13</a></span><br />In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-7.htm">Proverbs 16:7</a></span><br />When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-11.htm">2 Corinthians 13:11</a></span><br />Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17-18</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-15.htm">1 Corinthians 7:15</a></span><br />But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-50.htm">Mark 9:50</a></span><br />Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-3.htm">Ephesians 4:3</a></span><br />and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-15.htm">Colossians 3:15</a></span><br />Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-29</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. / If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/14-17.htm">Romans 14:17,19</a></b></br> For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">2 Samuel 20:19</a></b></br> I <i>am one of them that are</i> peaceable <i>and</i> faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14</a></b></br> Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Depends</a> <a href="/romans/11-28.htm">Far</a> <a href="/acts/27-12.htm">Lieth</a> <a href="/romans/10-15.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/daniel/11-24.htm">Peaceably</a> <a href="/romans/9-22.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/3-18.htm">Depends</a> <a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Far</a> <a href="/genesis/28-11.htm">Lieth</a> <a href="/romans/14-17.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Peaceably</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/romans/15-23.htm">World</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>If it is possible on your part</b><br>This phrase acknowledges the reality that peace is not always achievable due to circumstances beyond one's control. It emphasizes personal responsibility in the pursuit of peace, suggesting that believers should do everything within their power to foster harmony. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that while God desires peace, human free will and sin can create obstacles. The phrase echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>, where Jesus blesses peacemakers, indicating that peace is a valued pursuit in the Christian life.<p><b>live at peace</b><br>The call to live at peace is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting the peace that Christ brings to believers (<a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a>). This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic sense of well-being and reconciliation with God and others. Historically, the early Christian communities faced persecution and internal disputes, making this exhortation particularly relevant. The Apostle Paul, who authored Romans, often addressed divisions within the church, urging unity and peace as seen in <a href="/ephesians/4-3.htm">Ephesians 4:3</a>. The peace mentioned here is both a personal and communal goal, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.<p><b>with everyone</b><br>This phrase extends the call to peace beyond the Christian community to include all people, regardless of their beliefs or actions. It reflects the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which breaks down barriers between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, as stated in <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>. The historical context of the Roman Empire, with its diverse population and frequent social tensions, underscores the radical nature of this command. By urging peace with everyone, Paul challenges believers to transcend cultural and ethnic divisions, embodying the love of Christ in all relationships. This universal approach to peace is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls believers to be ambassadors of reconciliation (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-20</a>).<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, including both 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 early church, which faced persecution and internal conflicts, making the call for peace particularly relevant.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_conditional_nature_of_peace.htm">The Conditional Nature of Peace</a></b><br>The phrase "if it is possible" acknowledges that peace may not always be achievable, but the effort is required.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_responsibility.htm">Personal Responsibility</a></b><br>"On your part" emphasizes individual responsibility in pursuing peace, regardless of others' actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/universal_scope.htm">Universal Scope</a></b><br>"With everyone" extends the call for peace beyond the church to all people, including those outside the faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_pursuit_of_peace.htm">Active Pursuit of Peace</a></b><br>Peacemaking is an active endeavor, requiring intentional actions and attitudes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflection_of_christ's_character.htm">Reflection of Christ's Character</a></b><br>Living at peace with others reflects the character of Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.<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_to_live_peacefully_with_all.htm">How can we live peacefully with everyone?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'he_is_faithful'_mean.htm">How can we live peacefully with everyone?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible_advice_on_handling_difficult_people.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer on difficult people?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_avoid_fights_and_promote_peace.htm">How can we avoid quarreling and promote peace?</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>(18) The Christian can only be responsible for himself. So far as he is concerned, he is to do his best to maintain peace. The history of St. Paul himself, which is one of almost constant conflict, shows that this would not always be possible.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 18-21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath</span>. The thought in ver. 19 seems to follow from what precedes. It may sometimes be impossible to he at peace with all; but at any rate, do not increase bitterness by avenging yourselves. <span class="accented">Give place unto wrath</span> (<span class="greek">τῇ ὀργῇ</span>), has been taken by some to mean that we are to give scope to the wrath of <span class="accented">our enemy</span>, instead of being exasperated to resist it (cf. <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a>, etc.). But there has been no particular reference <span class="accented">to a wrathful</span> adversary. Another view is that our own wrath is intended, to which we are to allow time to expend itself before following its impulse; <span class="greek">δότε τόπον</span> being taken as equivalent to <span class="accented">data spatium</span> in Latin (cf. Lactantius, 'De Ira,' 18, "Ego vero laudarem, si, cum fuisset iratus, <span class="accented">dedis-set irae suae spatium</span>, ut, residente per intervallum temporis animi tumore, haberet modum castigatio." Also Livy, 8:32, "Legati circumstantes sellam orabant, ut rem in posterum diem differret, et <span class="accented">irae suae spatium</span>, et consilio tempus <span class="accented">daret."</span> There seems, however, to be no known instance elsewhere of this use of the Greek phrase. Chrysostom, Augustine, Theodoret, and most commentators, understand the meaning to be that we are to <span class="accented">give place to</span> the <span class="accented">wrath of God</span>, not presuming to forestall it. <span class="accented">The wrath</span>, used absolutely, might be an understood expression for the Divine wrath against sin (cf. <a href="/romans/5-9.htm">Romans 5:9</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-10.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:10</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-16.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:16</a>); and this interpretation suits the usual sense of <span class="greek">δότε τόπον</span>. It is not thus implied that the falling of Divine vengeance on our enemy should be our desire and purpose, but only this - that, if punishment <span class="accented">is</span> due, we must leave it to the righteous God to inflict it; it is not for us to do so. And this interpretation suits what immediately follows. <span class="cmt_word">For it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord</span> (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a>, quoted freely from the Hebrew, but with the words <span class="greek">ἐκδίκησις</span> and <span class="greek">ἀνταποδώσω</span> as found in the LXX. The fact that the same form of quotation occurs also in <a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm">Hebrews 10:30</a> seems to show that it was one in current use). <span class="cmt_word">But</span> (so rather than <span class="accented">wherefore</span>, as in the Authorized Version) <span class="cmt_word">if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head</span>. This whole verse is from <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21, 22</a>, where is added, "and the Lord shall reward thee." What is meant by the "coals of fire," both in the original and in St. Paul's citation, has been much discussed. Undoubtedly, the expression in itself, in view of its usual significance in the Old Testament, suggests only the idea of Divine vengeance (see <a href="/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12</a>; <a href="/psalms/120-4.htm">Psalm 120:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/140-10.htm">Psalm 140:10</a>; and especially 2 Esdras 16:53. Cf. also <a href="/psalms/11-6.htm">Psalm 11:6</a>; <a href="/habakkuk/3-5.htm">Habakkuk 3:5</a>); and this especially as it occurs here almost immediately after "Vengeance is mine." Hence Chrysostom and other Fathers, as well as some moderns, have taken it to mean that by heaping benefits on our enemy we shall aggravate his guilt, and expose him to severer punishment from God. But it is surely incredible that the apostle should have meant to suggest such a motive for beneficence; and the whole tone of the context is against it, including that of ver. 21, which follows. Jerome saw this, writing," Carbones igitur congregabis super caput ejus, non in maledictum et condemnationem, ut <span class="accented">plerique existimant</span>, sed in correctionem et poenitudinem." But if the "coals of fire" mean the Divine judgment on our enemy, there is nothing to suggest a corrective purpose. The view, held by some, that the softening effect of fire on metals is intended, is hardly tenable. Heaping coals of fire on a person's head would be an unnatural way of denoting the softening of his heart. More likely is the view which retains the idea of coals of fire carrying with it, as elsewhere, that of punishment and the infliction of pain, but regards the pain as that of shame and compunction, which may induce penitence. This appears to be the most generally received view. It is, however, a question whether any such effect is definitely in the writer's view. He may mean simply this: Men in general desire vengeance on their enemies, expressed proverbially by heaping coals of fire on the head. Hast thou an enemy? Do him good. This is the only vengeance, the only coals of fire, allowed to a Christian. Then follows naturally, <span class="cmt_word">Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good</span>. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/12-18.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">If [it is]</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">possible</span><br /><span class="grk">δυνατόν</span> <span class="translit">(dynaton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1415.htm">Strong's 1415: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξ</span> <span class="translit">(ex)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your [part],</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hymōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">live at peace</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰρηνεύοντες</span> <span class="translit">(eirēneuontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1514.htm">Strong's 1514: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be peaceful, keep the peace, be at peace. From eirene; to be peaceful.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">μετὰ</span> <span class="translit">(meta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">everyone.</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντων</span> <span class="translit">(pantōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">NT Letters: Romans 12:18 If it is possible as much as (Rom. 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