King James Version

What Does Romans 12:7 Mean?

Romans 12:7 in the King James Version says “Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;” — study this verse from Romans chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 12:7 · KJV

Context

5

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7

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

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.

Read Romans 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Paul continues his list of spiritual gifts with ministry (διακονίαν, diakonian), a general term for service that could include practical care for the poor, hospitality, or administrative support. The phrase let us wait on our ministering (ἐν τῇ διακονίᾳ, en tē diakonia, literally 'in the ministry') means devotion to one's specific service without distraction or neglect. Next, he that teacheth (ὁ διδάσκων, ho didaskōn) refers to those who explain and apply doctrine, distinct from prophets who speak with immediate Spirit-inspiration. Teaching requires careful study of Scripture, systematic instruction, and patient repetition—on teaching (ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, en tē didaskalia) means focused attention on this calling.

Paul's structure is significant: he pairs each gift with an exhortation to faithfulness. The danger is neglecting your gift to covet another's, or exercising your gift half-heartedly. Teachers shouldn't try to be prophets; servants shouldn't envy teachers. Each gift requires dedicated cultivation: the minister must minister, the teacher must teach. This principle of vocational focus contradicts both envy (wishing for a different gift) and laziness (neglecting the gift you have).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christian worship involved multiple participants exercising diverse gifts—prophets, teachers, exhorters, singers, pray-ers, and servers all contributed to edification (1 Corinthians 14:26). This contrasted with both synagogue worship (dominated by the rabbi) and pagan temples (led by professional priests). Teachers in the church transmitted apostolic tradition, catechized new believers, and defended against heresy. Servants managed practical needs—food distribution for widows, hospitality for traveling missionaries, care for the sick and imprisoned.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is your primary spiritual gift—the function God has given you in the body—and are you faithfully 'waiting on' it?
  2. Are you tempted to neglect your gift while envying someone else's more visible ministry?
  3. How can you more intentionally develop your gift through study, practice, and mentoring from those further along?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
εἴτε1 of 11

“Or”

G1535

if too

διακονίᾳ2 of 11

“ministry”

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

ἐν3 of 11

“let us wait on”

G1722

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

τῇ4 of 11
G3588

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

διακονίᾳ5 of 11

“ministry”

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

εἴτε6 of 11

“Or”

G1535

if too

ὁ7 of 11
G3588

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

διδάσκων8 of 11

“he that teacheth”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἐν9 of 11

“let us wait on”

G1722

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

τῇ10 of 11
G3588

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

διδασκαλίᾳ11 of 11

“teaching”

G1319

instruction (the function or the information)

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 12:7 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 12:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:112 Timothy 4:21 Timothy 5:17Acts 13:1Ezekiel 3:17-21Colossians 1:28-29

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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