King James Version
What Does Romans 12:13 Mean?
“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
Context
11
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Distributing to the necessity of saints.**—By “saints” is here meant simply “Christians.” So, in Ephesians 1:1, we find the salutation addressed to the “saints which are at Ephesus.” (Comp. Acts 9:13; Acts 26:10.) The reference is to the well-known poverty of the early Christian communities.
**Necessity.**—Some of the Græco-Latin manuscripts and fathers here read, *memories,* or *commemorations,* by a slight change of letters, “taking part in the commemorations of the saints,” as if the allusion was to the later ecclesiastical usage of holding festivals in honour of martyrs. The best manuscripts are wonderfully free from corruptions of this kind, and even inferior manuscripts admit them to a much smaller extent than might have been expected. Other examples would be the insertion of the phrase “and fasting” in Mark 9:29, and the addition of the doxology to the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:13.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 12:13 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 12:13
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge