King James Version

What Does Romans 12:9 Mean?

Romans 12:9 in the King James Version says “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 12:9 · KJV

Love

Context

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.

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;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Paul transitions from spiritual gifts to practical ethics, beginning with love. The Greek phrase love be without dissimulation (ἡ ἀγάπη ἀνυπόκριτος, hē agapē anypokritos) literally means 'unhypocritical love' or 'sincere love'—anypokritos means 'without a mask,' contrasting genuine affection with theatrical pretense. Christian love isn't sentimental feeling but active, sacrificial commitment to another's good. It must be authentic, not performance. Two participles follow, describing what sincere love looks like: abhor that which is evil (ἀποστυγοῦντες τὸ πονηρόν, apostygountes to ponēron)—the verb means 'detest utterly, shrink from with horror.' True love hates sin.

The second command, cleave to that which is good (κολλώμενοι τῷ ἀγαθῷ, kollōmenoi tō agathō), uses a strong verb meaning 'glue oneself to, cling to'—the same word for marriage union (Genesis 2:24 LXX). Love isn't morally neutral; it requires moral discrimination. You can't love people well without hating the evil that destroys them and clinging to the good that blesses them. This verse introduces a cascade of practical exhortations (verses 9-21) on how transformed minds (verse 2) produce transformed relationships.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman friendship was often transactional—alliances based on mutual benefit, status, or political advantage. Hypocrisy was endemic in Roman social life, where public honor concealed private vice. Jewish law emphasized holiness through separation from evil, but sometimes became pharisaical—external righteousness masking internal corruption. Paul calls Christians to a higher standard: genuine love that both rejects evil and embraces good, rooted not in law but in the renewed mind's discernment of God's will.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where in your relationships might you be wearing a 'mask'—showing affection while harboring resentment, judgment, or selfish motives?
  2. How can you better 'abhor evil' in a culture that celebrates moral ambiguity and calls intolerance the only sin?
  3. What 'good' should you be 'clinging to' more intentionally—habits, relationships, truth—that bless others and glorify God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Ἡ1 of 9
G3588

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

ἀγάπη2 of 9

“Let love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ἀνυπόκριτος3 of 9

“be without dissimulation”

G505

undissembled, i.e., sincere

ἀποστυγοῦντες4 of 9

“Abhor”

G655

to detest utterly

τὸ5 of 9
G3588

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

πονηρόν6 of 9

“that which is evil”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

κολλώμενοι7 of 9

“cleave”

G2853

to glue, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to stick (figuratively)

τῷ8 of 9
G3588

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

ἀγαθῷ9 of 9

“to that which is good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

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 12:9 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 12:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 34:141 Peter 4:81 Timothy 1:51 John 3:18-201 Peter 3:10-111 Thessalonians 5:21

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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