King James Version

What Does Romans 12:10 Mean?

Romans 12:10 in the King James Version says “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; with: or, in the love of the...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; with: or, in the love of the brethren”

Romans 12:10 · KJV

Love

Context

8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. giveth: or, imparteth with simplicity: or, liberally

9

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

10

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; with: or, in the love of the brethren

11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Read Romans 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Paul specifies what sincere love looks like in the Christian community. Kindly affectioned (φιλόστοργοι, philostorgoi) describes the natural affection within families—tender, warm-hearted devotion. This word appears only here in the New Testament, combining philos (friendship) and storgē (family affection). Paul adds brotherly love (φιλαδελφίᾳ, philadelphia), another compound: love for siblings. Together, these terms paint the church as a family bound not by blood but by Christ. Believers should feel toward one another the instinctive affection of brothers and sisters.

The second phrase, in honour preferring one another (τῇ τιμῇ ἀλλήλους προηγούμενοι, tē timē allēlous proēgoumenoi), literally means 'going before one another in honor'—taking the lead in showing respect. This command subverts the Roman honor-shame culture, where social climbing and self-promotion dominated. Paul calls Christians to outdo each other not in status-seeking but in honor-giving. This is countercultural love: instead of demanding respect, bestow it; instead of asserting your rights, yield them. Philippians 2:3-4 captures this attitude: 'in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman society was obsessed with honor (Latin dignitas)—public recognition, social rank, and reputation determined one's worth. Competitions for honor drove politics, patron-client relations, and daily interactions. Honor was a limited commodity: gaining it meant taking it from someone else. Into this honor-shame culture, Paul introduces a revolutionary ethic: Christians compete to give honor away, not accumulate it. This upside-down value system reflected Jesus's teaching that greatness comes through service (Mark 10:42-45).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing fellow believers as family ('kindly affectioned,' 'brotherly love') change the way you treat them?
  2. In what relationships are you demanding honor rather than 'preferring' others—insisting on your rights instead of yielding them?
  3. What would it look like this week to 'go before' someone in honor—actively seek ways to recognize, appreciate, and elevate them?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
τῇ1 of 9
G3588

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

φιλαδελφίᾳ2 of 9

“with brotherly love”

G5360

fraternal affection

εἰς3 of 9

“one to another”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀλλήλους4 of 9

“one another”

G240

one another

φιλόστοργοι5 of 9

“Be kindly affectioned”

G5387

fond of natural relatives, i.e., fraternal towards fellow christian

τῇ6 of 9
G3588

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

τιμῇ7 of 9

“in honour”

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

ἀλλήλους8 of 9

“one another”

G240

one another

προηγούμενοι9 of 9

“preferring”

G4285

to lead the way for others, i.e., show deference

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 12:10 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 12:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 2:3John 13:34-35Hebrews 13:11 John 4:111 Peter 3:8-91 Peter 1:22

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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