Romans 12:7

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Romans 12:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

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;

Free Bible Version FBV

If it's the ministry of service then you should serve; if teaching then you should teach;

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Or an office, let vs waite on the office: or he that teacheth, on teaching:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

or ministration — 'In the ministration!' or he who is teaching — 'In the teaching!'

World English Bible WEB

or service, let’s give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

Those whom God has enabled to serve others should do that. Those whom God has enabled to teach his truth should do that.

Plain English Version PEV

Or maybe God gave you the power to help other people, well you have to do that. Or if God gave you the power to teach other people, well he wants you to do that.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 12:7

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Romans 12:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ειτε διακονιαν εν τη διακονια ειτε ο διδασκων εν τη διδασκαλια

ειτε eite G1535 whether Conj

διακονιαν diakonia G1248 service Noun-ASF

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

διακονια diakonia G1248 service Noun-DSF

ειτε eite G1535 whether Conj

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

διδασκων didaskō G1321 to teach Verb-PAP-NSM

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

διδασκαλια didaskalia G1319 teaching Noun-DSF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 12:7

ειτε eite G1535 "whether" Conj

This word means 'whether' or 'if', used in conditions and questions, like in Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25. It helps us understand choices and possibilities in the Bible.

Definition: εἴτε, see: εἰ. εἰ, conjunctive particle, used in conditions and in indirect questions. __I. Conditional, if; __1. with indic, expressing a general assumption; __(a) pres.: before indic, pres., Mat.11:14, Rom.8:25, al.; before imperat., Mrk.4:23 9:22, Jhn.15:18, 1Co.7:9, al.; before fut. indic., Luk.16:31, Rom.8:11, al.; before pf. or aor., with negation in apodosis, Mat.12:26, Rom.4:14, al.; similarly, before impf., Luk.17:6, Jhn.8:39; before quæst., Mat.6:23, Jhn.5:47 7:23 8:46, 1Pe.2:20; __(b) fut.: Mat.26:33, 1Pe.2:20; __(with) pf.: Jhn.11:12, Rom.6:5, al.; __(d) aor.: Luk.16:11 19:8, Jhn.13:32, 18:23, Rev.20:15, al. __2. Where the assumption is certain = ἐπεί: Mat.12:28, Jhn.7:4, Rom.5:17, al. __3. Of an unfulfilled condition, with indic, impf., aor. or plpf., before ἄν, with imp. or aor. (see: ἄν, I, i). __4. C. indic., after verbs denoting wonder, etc., sometimes, but not always, coupled with an element of doubt: Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13, al. __5. C. indic., as in LXX (Num.14:3o, 1Ki.14:45, al. = Heb. אִם), in oaths, with the formula of imprecation understood in a suppressed apodosis (WM, 627; Burton, §272): Mrk.8:12, Heb.3:11" (LXX) 4:3 (LXX). __6. Rarely (cl.) with optative, to express a merely possible condition: Act.24:19 27:39, 1Co.14:10 15:37, I Pe3:14, 17. __II. Interrogative, if, whether. __1. As in cl., in indir. questions after verbs of seeing, asking, knowing, saying, etc.: with indic. pres., Mat.26:63, Mrk.15:36, Act.19:2, 2Co.13:5, al.; fut., Mrk.3:2, Act.8:22, al.; aor., Mrk.15:44, 1Co.1:16, al.; with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 194), Php.3:12. __2. As in LXX (= Heb. אִם and interrog. הֲ, Gen.17:17, al.; see WM, 639f.; Viteau, i, 22), in direct questions: Mrk.8:23 (Tr., WH, txt.), Luk.13:23, 22:49, Act.19:2, al. __III. With other particles. __1. εἰ ἄρα, εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μήγε, see: ἄρα, γε. __2. εἰ δὲ καί, but if also: Luk.11:18; but even if, 1Co.4:7, 2Co.4:3 11:16. __3. εἰ δὲ μή, but if not, but if otherwise: Mrk.2:21, 22 Jhn.14:2, Rev.2:5, al. __4. εἰ καί, if even, if also, although: Mrk.14:29, Luk.11:8, 1Co.7:21, 2Co.4:16, Php.2:17, al. __5. καὶ εἰ, even if, see: καί __6. εἰ μή, if not, unless, except, but only: Mat.24:22, Mrk.2:26 6:5, Jhn.9:33, 1Co.7:17 (only), Gal.1:19 (cf. ἐὰν μή, 2:16; see Hort., Ja., xvi); ἐκτὸς εἰ μή, pleonastic (Bl., §65, 6), 1Co.14:5 15:2, 1Ti.5:19. __7. εἰ μήν = cl. ἦ μήν (M, Pr., 46), in oaths, surely (Eze.33:27, al.): Heb.6:14. __8. εἴ πως, if haply: Act.27:12, Rom.1:10. __9. εἴτε . . . εἴτε, whether . . . or; Rom.12:6-8, 1Co.3:22 13:8, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 29 NT verses. KJV: if, or, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 2:13.

διακονιαν diakonia G1248 "service" Noun-ASF

Service refers to the work of helping others, like the ministry of the Christian church, as seen in Acts 6:1. It is about using one's skills to benefit others.

Definition: διακονία, -ας, ἡ (διάκονος), [in LXX for נַעַר, שָׁרַת pi.: Est.6:3, Est.6:5 A; 1Ma.11:58 * ;] the office and work of a διάκονος, service, ministry; __(a) of domestic duties (Field, Notes, 63): Luk.10:40 __(b) spec. of religious ministration, and the exercise of ministerial functions in the Church: Act.1:17, 25 6:1, 4 11:29 12:25 20:24; 21:19, Rom.11:13 12:7 15:31, 1Co.16:15, 2Co.4:1 6:3 8:4 9:1, 13, Eph.4:12, Col.4:17, 1Ti.1:12, 2Ti.4:5, 11, Heb.1:14, Rev.2:19; δ. τ. θανάτου, 2Co.3:7; τ. πνεύματος, 2Co. 3:8; τ. κατακρίσεως, τ, δικαιοσύνης, 2Co. 3:9; τ. καταλλαγῆς, 2Co. 5:18; τ. λειτουργίας, 2Co. 9:12; with obj. genitive, τὴν ὑμῶν δ., ib. 11:8; pl., 1Co.12:5.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: (ad-)minister(-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service(-ing) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:5; Acts 1:17; Hebrews 1:14.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

διακονια diakonia G1248 "service" Noun-DSF

Service refers to the work of helping others, like the ministry of the Christian church, as seen in Acts 6:1. It is about using one's skills to benefit others.

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: (ad-)minister(-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service(-ing) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:5; Acts 1:17; Hebrews 1:14.

ειτε eite G1535 "whether" Conj

This word means 'whether' or 'if', used in conditions and questions, like in Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25. It helps us understand choices and possibilities in the Bible.

Usage: Occurs in 29 NT verses. KJV: if, or, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 2:13.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

διδασκων didaskō G1321 "to teach" Verb-PAP-NSM

This word means to teach or instruct someone, like Jesus teaching his disciples in Matthew 5:2. It can also mean to teach a thing or concept.

Definition: διδάσκω [in LXX chiefly for למד pl., also for ידע hi., ירה hi., etc. ;] to teach (i.e. instruct) a person, teach a thing; __1. trans.: with accusative of person(s), Mat.5:2, Mrk.1:22, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.8:31; περί, 1Jn.2:27; with inf., Luk.11:1; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.6:30 12:14; with cogn. accusative, Mat.15:9 (LXX); with dupl. accusative, Mrk.4:2, Jhn.14:26; pass., Gal.1:12, 2Th.2:15; with dative of person(s) (like Heb., cf. Job.21:23, but prob. a vernac. usage, see Swete, in l.), Rev.2:14. __2. Absol., to teach, give instruction: Mat.4:23, Mrk.1:21, and often in Gosp., Rom.12:7, 1Co.4:17, 1Ti.2:12, al. SYN.: παιδεύω (cf. Westc., Heb., 402; Cremer, 180). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 91 NT verses. KJV: teach See also: 1 Corinthians 4:17; Luke 6:6; Hebrews 5:12.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

διδασκαλια didaskalia G1319 "teaching" Noun-DSF

This word refers to the act of teaching or instruction, as seen in Romans 12:7 and Ephesians 4:14. It can also mean doctrine or learning.

Definition: διδασκαλία, -ας, ἡ (διδάσκω), [in LXX: Pro.2:17 (אַלּוּף), Isa.29:13 (לָמַד), Sir.24:33 39:8 * ;] teaching, instruction, in both active and objective senses, most frequently the latter: Rom.12:7 15:4, Eph.4:14, 1Ti.4:6, 13, 16 5:17 6:1, 3, 2Ti.3:10 3:16, Tit.2:7, 10; ὑγιαινοῦσα δ., 1Ti.1:10, 2Ti.4:3, Tit.1:9 2:1; pl., δ. τ. ἀνθρώπων, Col.2:22; δ. δαιμονίων, 1Ti.4:1, δ. διδάσκειν, Mat.15:9, Mrk.7:7" (LXX) (Cremer, 182).† SYN.: διδαχή (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: doctrine, learning, teaching See also: 1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Romans 12:7.

Study Notes — Romans 12:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Romans 12:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Romans 12:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 12:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 12:7
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 12:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 12:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 12:7
Cambridge Bible on Romans 12:7
Barnes' Notes on Romans 12:7
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 12:7
Sermons on Romans 12:7

Context — Living Sacrifices

5so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. 6We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;

7if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;

8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 9Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ephesians 4:11	And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
2	2 Timothy 4:2	Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
3	Acts 13:1	Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.
4	1 Timothy 5:17	Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
5	Matthew 24:45–47	Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
6	Psalms 51:13	Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.
7	Colossians 4:17	Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
8	1 Timothy 2:7	For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.
9	Acts 6:1	In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
10	Deuteronomy 33:10	He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar.

Romans 12:7 Summary

This verse is saying that if you have a gift for serving, then you should use it to help others, and if you have a gift for teaching, then you should use it to instruct and guide others. This is not just about what you do, but about how you can use your gifts to show love and care for others, as Jesus taught us in John 13:35. By using our gifts in this way, we can build up the body of Christ and demonstrate our love for one another, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Remember, your gifts are a way to serve and bless others, so use them freely and generously, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to serve in the context of Romans 12:7?

To serve in this context means to use one's gifts and abilities to care for the needs of others, as seen in Galatians 5:13, where we are called to serve one another in love.

Is teaching a spiritual gift that only some people have?

According to Romans 12:7, teaching is indeed a spiritual gift, and those who have it are called to use it to instruct and guide others in the faith, as also seen in Ephesians 4:11-12.

How can I know if my gift is serving or teaching?

You can know your gift by paying attention to how God has wired you and what you are passionate about, as well as seeking feedback from others, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14, where it says that plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Does this verse imply that some people are only meant to serve or teach, while others do something else?

No, this verse does not imply that people are limited to only one role, but rather that we should use whatever gift we have been given to serve and build up the body of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, where it talks about the variety of gifts and services.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways you can use your gifts to serve others, whether in your church or in your community?
How can you use your teaching gift to instruct and guide others in the faith, whether through formal teaching or informal conversations?
What are some things that might be holding you back from using your gifts to serve or teach, and how can you overcome those obstacles?
How can you balance the desire to serve or teach with the need to also care for your own needs and priorities, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 12:7

Or ministry, [let us wait] on our ministry,.... The word διακονια sometimes signifies the whole ecclesiastical ministry, even the office of apostleship, as well as the ordinary ministration of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 12:7

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or ministry [let us wait] on (or 'be occupied with') our ministering [ diakonia (G1248)] The familiar Or ministry [let

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 12:7

Ministry; under this word are comprehended all ordinary ecclesiastical functions, which afterwards divideth into two sorts; the first relating to the word; the second, to other pious works. Let us wait on our ministering: the words, let us wait, are not in the text, but fitly supplied: q.d. Let all that be called to the office of the ministry be diligent in it, and attend to it: see . Teaching, in the latter end of this verse, and exhortation, in the beginning of the next, are mentioned as the two great works of those that minister and labour in the word and doctrine. Some think they are distinct offices; see ; and that in the primitive church, where they had variety of ministers, some had the office of teachers, and chiefly exercised themselves in instructing their hearers in the principles of religion, in laying down sound doctrine and confuting of errors: others had the office of pastors, and attended chiefly to exhortation and admonition; pressing points of practice, and making application thereof. Others think that they are distinct gifts, but not diverse offices; some have a gift to teach that have none to exhort, and e contra. The apostle, , calls them differing gifts: sometimes these two are found in the same persons, and they are excellently gifted both for teaching and exhorting.

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 12:7

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Ver. 7. Or ministry] Take it either largely for the whole ministry, as 1 Corinthians 12:5; Acts 1:24-26; or more strictly for the office of a deacon, as Acts 6:1-6.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 12:7

(7) Ministry.—The word used is the technical term for the discharge of the office of deacon. The institution of this office is described in Acts 6:1-5. Its object was to provide for the practical business as opposed to the spiritual ministrations of the Church. It included more especially the distribution of alms and the care of the poor, the sick, widows, etc. The functions of the diaconate are called “serving tables” (i.e., in the literal sense, “providing food” for those who needed it) in Acts 6:2-3, and “helps” in 1 Corinthians 12:28. Let us wait on . . .—These words are supplied in the English, “Let us be absorbed in, devoted to, our ministering.” He that teacheth.—Comp. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 5:17. It would seem from the first of these passages (“thirdly teachers”) that teaching was considered as a special office, though not, perhaps, confined to special persons.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 12:7

Verse 7. Or ministry] διακονια simply means the office of a deacon; and what this office was, see in Clarke's note on "Acts 6:4", where the subject is largely discussed. Or he that teacheth] The teacher, διδασκαλος, was a person whose office it was to instruct others, who thereby catechizing, or simply explaining the grand truths of Christianity.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 12:7

7. ministry—ministering] Lit. whether service, in the service. The word rendered “ministry” is diaconia; (same word as Romans 11:13, where it means the apostolic service). It is a largely inclusive word; the main fixed idea being that of active, “practical,” duty in the Church, of whatever kind or degree. Almost any work other than that of inspired utterance, or miracle-working, may be included in it here.—“In the service:”—i.e. “let us be really in it; devoted to it.” So “in the teaching,” “in the exhortation,” just below. In 1 Timothy 4:15, the Gr. rendered “Give thyself wholly to them,” is lit. “Be in these things.”he that teacheth] In 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, (see too Ephesians 4:11,) “teachers” are mentioned as a class of commissioned workers in the Church. Perhaps they were specially the expositors of revealed truth; those who devoted themselves to explaining the application (to belief and practice) of the Scriptures and of the apostolic preaching.on teaching] Lit. in the teaching. See last note but one.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 12:7

Or ministry - διακονίαν diakonian. This word properly means service of any kind; Luke 10:40. It is used in religion to denote the service which is rendered to Christ as the Master.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 12:7

7. Ministry—The Greek term from which deacon and deaconship are derived.

Sermons on Romans 12:7

	Sermon	Description
	A Neccesity Is Laid Upon Me by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spiritual responsibility and how it determines our destiny. He uses the parables of the minas, talents, and the good and f
	(Gifts) the Gift of Help by Dwight Pentecost	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and meeting the needs of others. He shares a personal experience of visiting a pastor's home where he felt burd
	The Gift of Teaching by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the vital role of the gift of teaching within the church, as outlined by Paul in various scriptures. He highlights that true teaching is empowered by the Hol
	Don't Judge Your Spiritual Condition by Feelings by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Thessalonians 4:1, urging the brethren to walk in a way that pleases God and to continue growing in their faith. The preacher uses the ana
	Full Salvation by Martyn-Lloyd Jones	In this sermon, the preacher highlights how people in the modern world are enslaved by various things. They are slaves to the world, being governed by what others do, think, and sa
	The Gifts of the Spirit by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and the role of the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ. He highlights the need for every member of the church to work
	(Spiritual Gifts): Gifts of the Spirit 3 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church. He criticizes those who lack the necessary qualities to effectively comm