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Romans 12:11

Romans 12:11 in Multiple Translations

Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

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

in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Be not slow in your work, but be quick in spirit, as the Lord's servants;

Don't be unwilling to work hard; serve the Lord with an enthusiastic spirit.

Not slouthfull to do seruice: seruent in spirit seruing the Lord,

in the diligence not slothful; in the spirit fervent; the Lord serving;

not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,

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

In carefulness not slothful. In spirit fervent. Serving the Lord.

Do not be lazy. Instead, be eager to serve the Lord God!

Don’t get lazy as you work for God, but work hard and be really happy about it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 12:11

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Romans 12:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω κυριω δουλευοντες
τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF
σπουδη spoudē G4710 diligence Noun-DSF
μη G3361 not Particle-N
οκνηροι oknēros G3636 lazy Adj-NPM
τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSN
πνευματι pneuma G4151 spirit/breath: spirit Noun-DSN
ζεοντες zeō G2204 be fervent Verb-PAP-NPM
τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM
κυριω kurios G2962 lord: God Noun-DSM
δουλευοντες douleuō G1398 be a slave Verb-PAP-NPM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 12:11

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
σπουδη spoudē G4710 "diligence" Noun-DSF
Diligence is about showing eagerness and earnestness in what you do, like when Paul in Romans 12:11 encouraged Christians to be diligent in their work. It involves being speedy and zealous in your efforts. Paul urged Christians to be diligent.
Definition: σπουδή, -ῆς, ἡ (σπεύδω), [in LXX chiefly for בָּהַל, its parts and derivatives ;] __1. haste, speed: μετὰ σ. (Wis.19:2), Mrk.6:25, Luk.1:39. __2. zeal, diligence, earnestness: Rom.12:11, 2Co.7:11-12 8:7-8; ἐν σ., Rom.12:8 (see M, Pr, 104); before ὑπέρ, 2Co.8:16; σπουδὴν ἐνδείκνυσθαι, Heb.6:11; σ. παρεισφέρειν, 2Pe.1:5; πᾶσαν σ. ποιεῖσθαι, Ju 3 (see MM, xxiii; M, Pr., 214; Deiss., BS, 361, 364).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: business, (earnest) care(-fulness), diligence, forwardness, haste See also: 2 Corinthians 7:11; Hebrews 6:11; Romans 12:8.
μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
οκνηροι oknēros G3636 "lazy" Adj-NPM
This term describes someone who is lazy or slothful, as in Matthew 25:26 and Romans 12:11. It can also refer to something that is irksome or causes hesitation. The KJV translates it as grievous or slothful.
Definition: ὀκνηρός, -ά, -όν (ὀκνέω), [in LXX forPro.6:6, 9 al. ;] shrinking, hesitating, timid: with dative (Bl., § 38, 2), Rom.12:11; hence, slothful: Mat.25:26. Of things, that which causes shrinking, irksome: Php.3:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: grievous, slothful See also: Matthew 25:26; Philippians 3:1; Romans 12:11.
τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
πνευματι pneuma G4151 "spirit/breath: spirit" Noun-DSN
The Greek word for spirit or breath refers to the vital principle or mental disposition of a person, as seen in John 3:8 and 1 Corinthians 5:5. It can also mean a superhuman spirit, like the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:2.
Definition: πνεῦμα, -τος, τό, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for רוּחַ ;] __1. of air in motion; __(a) wind: Jhn.3:8; pl., Heb.1:7 (LXX); __(b) breath: π. ζωῆς, Rev.11:11; π. τοῦ στόματος, figuratively, 2Th.2:8 (cf. Ps 32 (33)6). __2. Of the vital principle, the spirit (Arist., Polyb., al.): Luk.8:55, Jhn.19:30, Act.7:59, al.; opposite to σάρξ, Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38, 1Co.5:5, al.; to σῶμα, Rom.8:10, 1Co.6:17 7:34, 1Pe.4:6; to ψυχή, Php.1:27, Heb.4:12; τὸ π. καὶ ἡ ψ. καὶ τ. σῶμα, 1Th.5:23 (M, Th., in l.); dative, τῷ π., in spirit, Mrk.2:8 8:12, Jhn.11:33 13:21, Act.18:25, Rom.12:11, 1Co.7:34, 1Pe.3:18, al.; of the human spirit of Christ, Rom.1:4, 1Ti.3:16. __3. spirit, i.e. frame of mind, disposition, influence: Luk.1:17, Rom.8:15, 1Co.4:21, Gal 6:1, Eph.2:2, 2Ti.1:7, 1Jn.4:6, al. __4. An incorporeal being, a spirit: Luk.24:37, 39 Act.23:8; π. ὁ θεός, God is spirit, Jhn.4:24; πατὴρ τῶν π., Heb.12:9; of disembodied human beings, Heb.12:23, 1Pe.3:19 (ICC, in l.; DB, iii, 795); of angels. Heb.1:14; of demons or evil spirits, Mat.8:16, Mrk.9:20, Luk.9:39, al.; π. πύθυωνα, Act.16:16; πνεύματα δαιμονίων, Rev.16:14; π. δαιμονίου ἀκαθάρτου, Luk.4:33; π. ἀσθενείας (Bl., §35, 5), Luk.13:11; π. ἀκάθαρτον, Mat.10:1, Mrk.1:23, Luk.4:36, Act.5:16; π. ἄλαλον (καὶ κωφόν), Mrk.9:17, 25; πονηρόν, Luk.7:21, Act.19:12, al. __5. Of the Holy Spirit, π. ἅγιον, τὸ ἅ. π., τὸ π. τὸ ἅ. τὸ π., π. (the article as a rule being used when the Spirit is regarded as a Person or a Divine Power, and omitted when the reference is to an operation, influence or gift of the Spirit; see WM, 151:5; Bl., §46, 7): anarth., Mat.1:18 3:11, 16 4:1, Mrk.1:8 (Swete, in l.), ib.10, Luk.1:15, Jhn.7:39, Act.19:2, Rom.5:5, 1Co.2:4, al.; with art., Mat.4:1 12:31, 32 Mrk.1:10 3:29, Luk.2:26, Jhn.7:36 14:26, Act.4:31 5:3, Rom.8:16, al.; (τὸ) π. (τοῦ) θεοῦ, Mat.3:16, Rom.8:9, Eph.3:16, 1Jn.4:2, al.; τὸ π. τ. πατρός, Mat.10:20; π. θεοῦ ζῶντος, 2Co.3:3; (τὸ) π. τοῦ κυρίου, Luk.4:18, Act.5:9 8:39; τὸ π. Ἰησοῦ, Act.16:7; Χριστοῦ, Rom.8:9; Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, Php.1:19; τὸ π. τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.15:26 16:13, 1Jn.4:6; λείγει (μαρτυρεῖ) τὸ π. (τὸ ἅγιον), Act.21:11 28:25, 1Ti.4:1, Heb.3:7 10:15, Rev.14:13; before τ. ἐκκλησίαις, Rev.2:7, 11 17, 29, 3:6, 12, 22; ἐν τ. π., Luk.2:27; κατὰ πνεῦμα, Rom.8:4, 5; ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ π., Jhn.3:5, διὰ πνεύματος αἰωνίου, Heb.9:14; ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος, 2Th.2:13, 1Pe.1:2; ἓν π., 1Co.12:13, Eph.2:18 4:4; ὁ δὲ κύριος τὸ π. ἐστιν, 2Co.3:17; of that which is effected or governed by the Spirit, opposite to γράμμα, Rom.2:29 7:6, 2Co.3:6. SYN.: νοῦς, which in NT is contrasted with π. as "the action of the understanding in man with that of the spiritual or ecstatic impulse" (DB, iv, 612); ψυχή — the usual term in cl. psychology—in NT, "expresses man as apart from God, a separate individual, π. expresses man as drawing his life from God" (DB, 1-vol., 872). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 350 NT verses. KJV: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind See also: 1 Corinthians 2:4; Acts 7:59; 1 Peter 1:2.
ζεοντες zeō G2204 "be fervent" Verb-PAP-NPM
To be fervent means to have a strong and passionate feeling, like being on fire for something. In Acts 18:25 and Romans 12:11, it describes being enthusiastic and dedicated to serving God. This kind of fervor is about being wholeheartedly devoted to a cause.
Definition: ζέω [in LXX for רוּם, רָתַח, metaphorically, 4Ma.18:20 ;] to boil, be hot; metaphorically, of anger, love, zeal: ptcp., fervent: τ. πνεύματι, Act.18:25, Rom.12:11.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: be fervent See also: Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11.
τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
κυριω kurios G2962 "lord: God" Noun-DSM
The Greek word for lord or master, used to address God or a person in authority, showing respect and power. In the New Testament, it appears in Matthew 9:38 and Mark 12:9. It signifies a controller or ruler.
Definition: κύριος, -α, -ον (also -ος, -ον), [in LXX (subst.) chiefly for יהוה, also for בַּעַל ,אָדוֹן, etc. ;] having power (κῦρος) or authority; as subst., ὁ κ., lord, master; __1. in general: with genitive of thing(s), Mat.9:38 20:8, Mrk.12:9 13:35, Luk.19:33; τ. σαββάτου, Mat.12:8, Mrk.2:28, Luk.6:5; with genitive of person(s), δούλου, etc., Mat.10:24, Luk.14:21, Act.16:16, al.; absol, opposite to οἱ δοῦλοι, Eph.6:5, 9 al.; of the Emperor (Deiss., LAE, 161), Act.25:26; θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κ. πολλοί, 1Co.8:5; of a husband, 1Pe.3:6; in voc, as a title of respect to masters, teachers, magistrates, etc., Mat.13:27 16:22 27:63, Mrk.7:28, Luk.5:12, Jhn.4:11, Act.9:5, al. __2. As a divine title (frequently in π.; Deiss., LAE, 353 ff.); in NT, __(a) of God: ὁ κ., Mat.5:33, Mrk.5:19, Luk.1:6, Act.7:33, Heb.8:2, Jas.4:15, al.; anarth. (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.21:9, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:17, Heb.7:21, 1Pe.1:25, al.; κ. τ. οὐρανοῦ καὶ τ. γῆς, Mat.11:25; τ. κυριευόντων, 1Ti.6:15; κ. ὁ θεός, Mat.4:7, 10 al.; id. before παντοκράτωρ, Rev.4:8; κ. σαβαώθ, Rom.9:29; (ὁ) ἄγγελος κυρίου, Mat.1:20 2:13, Luk.1:11, al.; πνεῦμα κυρίου, Luk.4:18, Act.8:39; __(b) of the Christ: Mat.21:3, Mrk.11:3, Luk.1:43 20:44, al.; of Jesus after his resurrection (Dalman, Words, 330), Act.10:36, Rom.14:8, 1Co.7:22, Eph.4:5, al.; ὁ κ. μου, Jhn.20:28; ὁ κ. Ἰησοῦς, Act.1:21, 1Co.11:23, al.; id. before Χριστός, Eph.1:2, al.; ὁ κ. ἡμῶν, 1Ti.1:14, Heb.7:14, al.; id. before Ἰησοῦς, 1Th.3:11, Heb.13:20, al.; Χριστός, Rom.16:18; Ἰ Χ., 1Co.1:2, 1Th.1:3, al.; Ἰ. Χ. (Χ. Ἰ) ὁ κ. (ἡμῶν), Rom.1:4, Col.2:6, Eph.3:11, al.; ὁ κ. καὶ ὁ σωτὴρ, 2Pe.3:2; id. before Ἰ. Χ., ib. 18; anarth., 1Co.7:22, 25 Jas.5:4, al.; κ. κυρίων, Rev.19:16; with prep., ἀπὸ (κατὰ, πρὸς, σὺν, etc.) κ., Col.3:24, al. SYN: see: δεσπότης. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 686 NT verses. KJV: God, Lord, master, Sir See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3.
δουλευοντες douleuō G1398 "be a slave" Verb-PAP-NPM
To be a slave means to serve or be subject to someone or something, as seen in Matthew 6:24 and Romans 7:6. It can be voluntary or involuntary, like serving God or being a slave to sin.
Definition: δουλεύω (δοῦλος), [in LXX for עָבַד, as Gen.14:4, exc. Da TH Dan.7:14, 27 (פְּלַח), Isa.56:6 (שָׁרַת pi.)* ;] to be a slave, be subject to, serve: absol., Rom.7:6, Gal.4:25, 1Ti.6:2; with dative of person(s), Mat.6:24, Luk.15:29 16:13, Rom.9:12" (LXX) ; of nations, Jhn.8:33, Act.7:7" (LXX) ; θεῷ, τ. κυρίῳ, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, Act.20:19, Rom.12:11 (R, mg., καιρῷ) Rom.16:18, Eph.6:7, Col.3:24, 1Th.1:9; τ. Χριστῷ, Rom.14:18, Col.3:24; νόμῳ θεοῦ, Rom.7:25; τ. θεοῖς, Gal.4:8; τ. καιρῷ, Rom.12:11 (R, mg. for κυρίῳ); ἀλλήλοις, Gal.5:13; σὺν ἐμοί Php.2:22; τ. ἁμαρτίᾳ, Rom.6:6; νόμῳ ἁμαρτίας, Rom.7:25; ἐπιθυμίαις κ. ἡδοναις, Tit.3:3; τ. κοιλία, Rom.16:18; μαμωνᾷ, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13; τ. στοιχείοις τ, κόσμου, Gal.4:9 (Cremer, 217).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: be in bondage, (do) serve(-ice) See also: 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Luke 15:29; Romans 6:6.

Study Notes — Romans 12:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Hebrews 6:10–11 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
2 Acts 18:25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
3 Revelation 3:15–16 I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!
4 Proverbs 13:4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
5 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
6 Colossians 3:22–24 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
7 Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
8 Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.
9 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
10 Proverbs 26:13–16 The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed. The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.

Romans 12:11 Summary

[This verse is telling us to keep our passion and excitement for serving God strong, just like a fire that keeps burning, as described in Acts 18:25. We should not let our love for the Lord fade away, but instead, keep it fresh and new, as seen in Revelation 2:4-5. To do this, we need to stay close to God and remember why we started following Him in the first place, as it says in 1 Peter 1:13-16. By keeping our zeal for the Lord strong, we will be motivated to serve Him with all our hearts, and give Him the glory He deserves, as seen in Isaiah 26:8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to not let our zeal subside?

It means to maintain our enthusiasm and passion for serving the Lord, just as the apostle Paul instructed in Romans 12:11, and to keep our hearts ablaze for God, as described in Luke 24:32.

How can we keep our spiritual fervor?

We can keep our spiritual fervor by regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, such as Psalm 119:97, and by staying connected with other believers, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, and Hebrews 10:24-25.

What is the relationship between zeal and serving the Lord?

Our zeal for the Lord should motivate us to serve Him wholeheartedly, just as we see in Colossians 3:23-24, where it says that whatever we do, we should do it with all our heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives?

This verse encourages us to live each day with purpose and passion for God, just as it says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we should do it all for the glory of God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate my zeal for the Lord in my daily life?
  2. How can I balance my enthusiasm for serving the Lord with the need to rest and recharge, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30?
  3. What are some things that might cause my zeal to subside, and how can I overcome them, with the help of Philippians 4:13?
  4. In what ways can I serve the Lord with spiritual fervor, as seen in the examples of the early church in Acts 4:32-37?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business,.... Meaning not worldly business, or the affairs of life; though slothfulness in this respect is scandalous to human nature, and especially in persons under a profession of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (Be) Not slothful in business , [ tee (G3588) spoudee (G4710)]. The word here rendered "business" means 'zeal,' 'diligence,' 'purpose;' denoting energy of action.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business; this clause may be expounded by : q.d. In all the duties of thy particular and general calling, in every thing that respects the glory of God, thine own or neighbours’ good, take heed of slothfulness: see ,27 Hebrews 6:12. Fervent in spirit; this is added to the former, as the cure of it. Zeal and fervency will drive away sloth. This spiritual warmth is often recommended to us in Scripture; see . See examples of it in 4:34 . Serving the Lord; i.e. diligently performing all things that are required to his service and honour: see . Some copies read it, serving the times, in such a sense as it is in , and .

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 12:11

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Ver. 11. Not slothful] Or, not driving off till it be too late (ακνηρος, cunctator the delayer). Charles, the son of Charles Duke of Anjou, who was king of Sicily and Jerusalem, was called Carolus Cunctator, not in the sense as Fabius, because he stayed till opportunity came, but because he stayed till opportunity was lost. Fervent in spirit] Gr. ζεοντες, seething hot. God, who is himself a pure act, loveth activeness in men; the very rest of heavenly bodies is in motion in their proper places.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 12:11

(11) In business.—Rather, in zeal; the reference is to the spiritual and not to the practical life, as the English reader might suppose. Fervent.—In the literal and etymological sense boiling or seething. The temperament of the Christian is compared to water bubbling and boiling over the flame. In spirit—i.e., not “in the Holy Spirit,” but “in that part of you which is spirit.” Serving the Lord.—Some of the extant Græco-Latin codices, and others known to Origen and Jerome, read here by a slight change of vowels “serving the time”; no doubt wrongly, though the expression might be compared with 1 Corinthians 7:29; Ephesians 5:16, et al.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 12:11

Verse 11. Not slothful in business] That God, who forbade working on the seventh day, has, by the same authority, enjoined it on the other six days. He who neglects to labour during the week is as culpable as he is who works on the Sabbath. An idle, slothful person can never be a Christian. Fervent in spirit] τωπνευματιζεοντεςυ Do nothing at any time but what is to tho glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged. Be always in earnest, and let your heart ever accompany your hand. Serving the Lord] Ever considering that his eye is upon you, and that you are accountable to him for all that you do, and that you should do every thing so as to please him. In order to this there must be simplicity in the INTENTION, and purity in the AFFECTIONS. Instead of τωΚυριωδουλευοντες, serving the Lord, several MSS., as DFG, and many editions, have τωκαιρωδουλευοντες, serving the time-embracing the opportunity. This reading Griesbach has received into the text, and most critics contend for its authenticity. Except the Codes Claromontanus, the Codex Augiensis, and the Codex Boernerianus, the first a MS. of the seventh or eighth century, the others of the ninth or tenth, marked in Griesbach by the letters DFG, all the other MSS. of this epistle have Κυριω, the Lord; a reading in which all the versions concur. Καιρω, the time, is not found in the two original editions; that of Complutum, in 1514, which is the first edition of the Greek Testament ever printed; and that of Erasmus, in 1516, which is the first edition published; the former having been suppressed for several years after it was finished at the press. As in the ancient MSS. the word Κυριω is written contractedly, ΚΩ, some appear to have read it καιρω instead of Κυριω; but I confess I do not see sufficient reason after all that the critics have said, to depart from the common reading.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 12:11

11. not slothful in business] Better, in point of earnest diligence, not slothful. The precept includes an exhortation to thoroughness in earthly duty, but much more besides.fervent in spirit] Better, as regards the spirit, fervent. “The spirit” here probably means the human spirit, though the grammar admits as easily a reference to the Holy Spirit. The context, which hitherto has referred to the acts of human thought and energy, favours the reference to man’s spirit, renewed and animated by grace. Same words as Acts 18:25. Cp. Acts 17:16.serving the Lord] Another reading, but inferior on many grounds, is serving the occasion; the Gr. originals of “Lord” and “occasion” being very similar in form.—It is well remarked (by De Wette, in Alford,) that “the Christian should certainly employ the opportunity, but not serve it.” He will often have to go apparently counter to it, in the path of duty.—The special mention of bondservice to the Lord here is perhaps due to the last two clauses: the diligence and the fervour of the Christian are to be elevated and regulated by his consciousness of sacred bondservice.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 12:11

Not slothful - The word rendered “slothful” refers to those who are slow, idle, destitute of promptness of mind and activity; compare Matthew 25:16. In business - τῇσπουδῇ tē spoudē.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 12:11

11. Business—Literally, zeal. The word does not apply to secular employments, but to Christian earnestness. Lord—For Κυριω, Lord, a well supported reading is Καιρω, occasion or opportunity.

Sermons on Romans 12:11

SermonDescription
J. Oswald Sanders The Maturity of a Spiritual Leader by J. Oswald Sanders In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having someone behind us pouring on oil to keep us moving and generating power in our leadership positions. He encourages l
J. Oswald Sanders Take Heed to Yourself by J. Oswald Sanders In this sermon, Billy Graham reflects on the life of a man who dedicated himself to one thing rather than dabbling in many things. He emphasizes the importance of finding the one t
Zac Poonen Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate for God's glory. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness o
Compilations A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson by Compilations This sermon emphasizes the importance of anguish in the church and in individual believers' lives, highlighting the need for deep sorrow and distress over the spiritual condition o
Zac Poonen (God and Man) Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in our faith. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness of t
J. Edwin Orr The Movements Between World Wars by J. Edwin Orr This sermon recounts historical revivals and movements of God in various countries, highlighting the impact of prayer, powerful preaching, and the work of true Christians in bringi
C.H. Spurgeon One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives.

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