King James Version
What Does Romans 12:14 Mean?
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
Context
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.
16
Be of the same mind one toward another . Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. condescend: or, be contented with mean things
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Bless them which persecute you.**—Apparently with allusion to Matthew 5:44. It was probably just about the time that St. Paul was writing this Epistle, or at most a year or two later, that the series of compositions which ultimately took the shape of our present Gospels began. It is not, however, necessary to suppose that St. Paul had actually seen one of these. The record of our Lord’s teaching was no doubt at first preserved and circulated in the Church orally, and it would be in this form that St. Paul first became acquainted with the precept to which he here seems to allude. There is, perhaps, another reference to the Sermon on the Mount in 1Corinthians 7:10. Such references occur (as we should expect) more frequently in the Epistle of St. James.
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 12:14 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 12:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge