King James Version

What Does Romans 1:12 Mean?

Romans 1:12 in the King James Version says “That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. with: or, in — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. with: or, in

Romans 1:12 · KJV


Context

10

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

11

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

12

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. with: or, in

13

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto ,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. among: or, in

14

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Paul immediately qualifies his statement in verse 11 to avoid appearing condescending: touto de estin sunparaklēthēnai en humin dia tēs en allēlois pisteōs humōn te kai emou (τοῦτο δέ ἐστιν συμπαρακληθῆναι ἐν ὑμῖν διὰ τῆς ἐν ἀλλήλοις πίστεως ὑμῶν τε καὶ ἐμοῦ, 'that is, that I may be mutually encouraged together with you through each other's faith, both yours and mine'). The compound verb sunparaklēthēnai (to be mutually encouraged/comforted together) emphasizes reciprocity—Paul will give and receive.

Dia tēs en allēlois pisteōs (through each other's faith) shows that genuine faith is visible, shareable, and mutually strengthening. Paul, despite his apostolic authority and profound theology, expected to be encouraged by the faith of believers in Rome. This models Christian humility and the interdependence of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). No believer, regardless of maturity or giftedness, is self-sufficient. We need each other's testimonies, struggles, and growth to spur us on in faith (Hebrews 10:24-25).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient culture was strongly hierarchical—patrons and clients, masters and slaves, elders and youth. Paul's expression of mutual encouragement with those he had not met was countercultural. In the church, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. While offices and roles differ, all believers share the same faith and are fellow heirs of grace (1 Peter 3:7). This mutual encouragement was vital for persecuted Christians facing marginalization and suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's model of mutual encouragement challenge your tendency toward spiritual self-sufficiency or celebrity culture in the church?
  2. From whom has God unexpectedly used to strengthen your faith, and how have you expressed gratitude?
  3. What barriers (pride, busyness, theological differences) prevent you from experiencing 'mutual faith' (ἐν ἀλλήλοις πίστις) with other believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
τοῦτο1 of 15
G5124

that thing

δέ2 of 15

That

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐστιν3 of 15

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

συμπαρακληθῆναι4 of 15

that I may be comforted together

G4837

to console jointly

ἐν5 of 15

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν6 of 15

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

διὰ7 of 15

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς8 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν9 of 15

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀλλήλοις10 of 15

the mutual

G240

one another

πίστεως11 of 15

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὑμῶν12 of 15

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τε13 of 15

both

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ14 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐμοῦ15 of 15

me

G1700

of me


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study