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Romans 12:9

Romans 12:9 in Multiple Translations

Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.

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

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Let love be without deceit. Be haters of what is evil; keep your minds fixed on what is good.

Love must be genuine. Hate what is evil; hold on tightly to what is good.

Let loue be without dissimulation. Abhorre that which is euill, and cleaue vnto that which is good.

The love unfeigned: abhorring the evil; cleaving to the good;

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

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

Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good.

Love others sincerely! Hate what is evil! Continue to eagerly do what God considers to be good!

Don’t just pretend to love other people. You have to love them properly. That means you have to hate everything that is bad for them and love everything that is good for them.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 12:9

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Romans 12:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK η αγαπη ανυποκριτος αποστυγουντες το πονηρον κολλωμενοι τω αγαθω
η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF
αγαπη agapē G26 love Noun-NSF
ανυποκριτος anupokritos G505 genuine Adj-NSF
αποστυγουντες apostugeō G655 to abhor Verb-PAP-NPM
το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN
πονηρον ponēros G4190 evil/bad Adj-ASN
κολλωμενοι kollaō G2853 to join Verb-PPP-NPM
τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSN
αγαθω agathos G18 good Adj-DSN
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 12:9

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF
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.
αγαπη agapē G26 "love" Noun-NSF
Unconditional love or affection, like the love God shows to humanity in John 3:16. It's also used to describe love between people, like in John 13:35.
Definition: ἀγάπη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX for אַהֲבָה, which is also rendered by ἀγάπησις and φιλία ;] love, goodwill, esteem. Outside of bibl. and eccl. books, there is no clear instance (with Deiss., LAE, 18:4, 70:2, cf. the same writer in Constr. Quar., ii, 4; and with MM, VGT, see word, cf. Dr. Moulton in Exp. Times, xxvi, 3, 139). In NT, like ἀγαπάω, -ῶ, __1. Of men's love: __(a) to one another, Jhn.13:35; __(b) to God, 1Jn.2:5. __2. Of divine love; __(a) God's love: to men, Rom.5:8; to Christ, Jhn.17:26; __(b) Christ's love to men: Rom.8:35. __3. In pl., love feasts: Ju 12 (DB, iii, 157). SYN.: φιλία. ἀ., signifying properly (see: ἀγαπάω) love which chooses its object, is taken over from LXX, where its connotation is more general, into NT, and there used exclusively to express that spiritual bond of love between God and man and between man and man, in Christ, which is characteristic of Christianity. It is thusdistinct from φιλία, friendship (Jas.4:4 only), στοργή, natural affection (in NT only in compounds, see: ἄστοργος) and ἔρως, sexual love, which is not used in NT, its place being taken by ἐπιθυμία. (Cf. ἀγαπάω; and see Abbott, Essays, 70f.; DB, vol. i., 555; Cremer, 13, 593; MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love See also: 1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Peter 4:8.
ανυποκριτος anupokritos G505 "genuine" Adj-NSF
The Greek word for genuine or sincere, meaning without hypocrisy, is used in Romans 12:9 and 2 Timothy 1:5 to describe true love and faith. It means being real and authentic in our relationships with God and others. This word emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity.
Definition: ἀν-υπόκριτος, -ον (ά- neg., ὑποκρίνομαι) [in LXX: Wis.5:18 18:16 * ;] unfeigned: Rom.12:9, 2Co.6:6, 1Ti.1:5, 2Ti.1:5, Jas.3:17, 1Pe.1:22 (Cremer, 380; MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: without dissimulation (hypocrisy), unfeigned See also: 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Timothy 1:5; James 3:17.
αποστυγουντες apostugeō G655 "to abhor" Verb-PAP-NPM
To abhor means to completely detest or hate something, like in Romans 12:9 where it says to abhor evil. It's a strong feeling of dislike or hatred.
Definition: ἀπο-στυγέω, -ῶ (στυγέω, to hate), to abhor: Rom.12:9.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: abhor See also: Romans 12:9.
το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN
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.
πονηρον ponēros G4190 "evil/bad" Adj-ASN
The Greek word for evil or bad, describing something that causes harm or is morally wrong, used in the New Testament to describe people and things, like in Matthew 7:11 and Ephesians 5:16.
Definition: πονηρός, -ά, -όν (πονέω, to toil), [in LXX chiefly for רַע ;] __1. __(a) of persons, oppressed by toils (Hes.); __(b) of things, toilsome, painful (καιρός, Sir.51:12): Eph.5:16 6:13 Rev.16:2. __2. bad, worthless; __(a) in physical sense: καρπός, Mat.7:17-18; __(b) in ethical sense, bad, evil, wicked; __(α) of persons: Mat.7:11 12:34-35 18:32 25:26, Luk.6:45 11:13 19:22, Act.17:5, 2Th.3:2, 2Ti.3:13; γενεά, Mat.12:39, 45 16:4, Luk.11:29; πνεῦμια, Mat.12:45, Luk.7:21 8:2 11:26, Act.19:12-13, 15-16; as subst., οἱ π., opposite to δίκαιοι, Mat.13:49; to ἀγαθοί, Mat.5:45 22:10; οἱ ἀχάριστοι καὶ π., Luk.6:35; sing., ὁ π., Mat.5:39, 1Co.5:13; id. esp. of Satan, the evil one, Mat.5:37 6:13 (see Lft., Notes, 125 ff.; but cf. McN, in l) Mat.13:19, 38, Luk.11:4 (WH, R, om.), Jhn.17:15, Eph.6:16, 2Th.3:3 (Lft., Notes, l.with), 1Jn.2:13-14 Jn 3:12 Jn 5:18-19; __(β) of things: Mat.5:11 12:35 15:19, Luk.6:22, 45, Jhn.3:19 7:7, Act.18:14 25:18, Gal.1:4, Col.1:21, 1Ti.6:4, 2Ti.4:18, Heb.3:12 10:22, Jas.2:4 4:16, 1Jn.3:12, II Jn 11, 3Jn.10; ὀφθαλμός (which see), Mat.6:23 20:15, Mrk.7:22, Luk.11:34; as subst., neut., τὸ π., Act.28:21, 1Th.5:22; opposite to ἀγαθόν, Luk.6:45, Rom.12:9; pl., Mat.9:4, Mrk.7:23, Luk.3:19. † SYN.: see: ἄθεσμος (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 72 NT verses. KJV: bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:13; Luke 6:45; Hebrews 3:12.
κολλωμενοι kollaō G2853 "to join" Verb-PPP-NPM
The Greek word for joining or sticking together, as used in Matthew 19:5 and 1 Corinthians 6:17. It can describe a strong emotional or physical bond between people, and is also used to describe our relationship with God.
Definition: κολλάω, -ῶ (κόλλα, glue), [in LXX chiefly for דָּבַק ;] __1. to glue or cement together. __2. Generally, to unite, to join firmly. Pass., to cleave to, join (oneself to): with dative of person(s), Mat.19:5(LXX), Luk.10:11 15:15, Act.5:13 (but see Field, Notes, 118) Act.9:26 10:28 (see Field, l.with) Act.17:34; τ. πόρνῃ, 1Co.6:16; τ. Κυρίῳ, 1Co.6:17; with dative of thing(s), ἅρματι, Act.8:29; τ. ἀγαθῴ, Rom.12:9; of sins joining together, ἄχρι τ. οὐρανοῦ, Rev.18:5, of dust, Luk.10:11 (cf. τροσ-κολλάω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: cleave, join (self), keep company See also: 1 Corinthians 6:16; Acts 10:28; Revelation 18:5.
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.
αγαθω agathos G18 "good" Adj-DSN
Good or beneficial, as seen in Luke 8:8 where it describes good soil producing a good crop. This word means something that is pleasant, useful, or morally good. In the Bible, it is used to describe things that are pleasing to God and beneficial to people.
Definition: ἀγαθός, -ή, -όν, [in LXX chiefly for טוֹב ;] in general, good, in physical and in moral sense, used of persons, things, acts, conditions, etc., applied to that which is regarded as "perfect in its kind, so as to produce pleasure and satisfaction, . . . that which, in itself good, is also at once for the good and the advantage of him who comes in contact with it" (Cremer, 3): γῆ, Luk.8:8; δένδρον, Mat.7:18; καρδία, Luk.8:15; δόσις, Jas.1:17; μέρις, Luk.10:42; ἔργον (frequently in Pl.), Php.1:6; ἐλπίς, 2Th.2:16; θησαυρός, Mat.12:35; μνεία, 1Th.3:6 (cf. 2Ma.7:20); as subst., τὸ ἀ, that which is morally good, beneficial, acceptable to God, Rom.12:2; ἐργάζεσθαι τὸ ἀ, Rom.2:10, Eph.4:28; πράσσειν, Rom.9:11, 2Co.5:10; διώκειν, 1Th.5:15; μιμεῖσθαι, III Jo 11; κολλᾶσθαι τῷ ἀ, Rom.12:9; ερωτᾶν περὶ τοῦ ἀ., Mat.19:17; διάκονος εἰς τὸ ἀ., Rom.13:4; τὸ ἀ. σου, thy favour, benefit, Phm 14; pl., τὰ ἀ., of goods, possessions, Luk.12:18; of spiritual benefits, Rom.10:15, Heb.9:11, 10:1. ἀ is opposite to πονηρός, Mat.5:45, 20:5; κακός, Rom.7:19; φαῦλος, Rom.9:11, 2Co.5:10 (cf. MM, VGT, see word). SYN.: καλός, δίκαιος. κ. properly refers to goodliness as manifested in form: ἀ. to inner excellence (cf. the cl. καλὸς κἀγαθός and ἐν καρδία κ. καὶ ἀ., Luk.8:15). In Rom.5:7, where it is contrasted with δ., ἀ. implies a kindliness and attractiveness not necessarily possessed by the δίκαιος, who merely measures up to a high standard of rectitude (cf. ἀγαθωσύνη). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: benefit, good(-s, things), well See also: 1 Peter 2:18; Luke 16:25; 1 Peter 3:10.

Study Notes — Romans 12:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
2 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
3 1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.
4 1 John 3:18–20 Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence: Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.
5 1 Peter 3:10–11 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
6 1 Thessalonians 5:21 but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.
7 Psalms 101:3 I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
8 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.
9 Amos 5:15 Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
10 Psalms 97:10 Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Romans 12:9 Summary

This verse reminds us that our love for others must be real and genuine, without pretending or hypocrisy. We should hate what is evil and love what is good, just like God does, as seen in Psalms 97:10. This means being honest and kind in our relationships, and promoting good values and behaviors, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8-9. By doing so, we can build strong and healthy relationships with others, and reflect God's love in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for love to be sincere?

For love to be sincere, it must be genuine and without hypocrisy, as seen in Romans 12:9, and demonstrated in our actions, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40, where we are to love God and our neighbors with all our heart, soul, and mind.

How can we detest what is evil and cling to what is good?

We can detest what is evil by turning away from sinful behaviors and thoughts, as warned in Psalms 101:3, and cling to what is good by following God's commandments and principles, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 30:19.

Is it possible to love someone and still hate their evil actions?

Yes, it is possible to love someone and still hate their evil actions, as seen in the example of God's love for us, where He hates sin but loves the sinner, as expressed in Proverbs 6:16-19 and Romans 5:8.

How does this verse relate to our relationships with others?

This verse relates to our relationships with others by reminding us to love them sincerely, which involves being honest and genuine in our interactions, as taught in Ephesians 4:25, and to promote good and discourage evil, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can show sincere love to those around me today?
  2. How can I discern what is evil and what is good in my daily life, and make choices that align with God's will?
  3. What are some evil actions or behaviors that I need to detest and turn away from in my own life?
  4. How can I balance loving someone with confronting and addressing their evil actions, without being judgmental or hypocritical?
  5. What are some good things that I can cling to and promote in my relationships and community?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 12:9

Let love be without dissimulation,.... The apostle having given out suitable exhortations to the officers of this church, ministers and deacons, proceeds to stir up to the exercise of grace, and the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 12:9

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. [Let] love be without dissimulation - `Let your love be unfeigned' (as in 2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Peter 2:22; and see 1 John 3:18).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 12:9

The former exhortations respect church officers in particular; those that follow concern all Christians in general. He begins with love, because that is a radical grace; other graces, and gracious actions, do spring from it, and must be accompanied with it. By love here, you may understand the love of God, or of our neighbour: the latter seems chiefly to be intended. The great requisite in love is this, that it be without dissimulation, or (as the word is) without hypocrisy; i.e. that it be sincere and unfeigned, . It must not be in word and in tongue only, but in deed and in truth, . Abhor that which is evil; do not only avoid it, but hate it, and that as hell itself. The simple verb imports extreme detestation, and it is aggravated by the composition: see . Cleave to that which is good; be glued to it; so the word signifieth. Things that are glued together are hardly disjoined. The same word is used of the union and conjunction between man and wife: see .

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 12:9

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Ver. 9. Abhor that which is evil] Hate it as hell itself, αποστυγουντες, so the word signifies; Mihi certe Auxentius nunquam aliud quam diabolus erit, quia Arianus, saith Hilary, I shall look upon Auxentius no otherwise than as upon a devil, so long as he is an Arian.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 12:9

(9-21) Now follow to the end of the chapter a number of general exhortations, not addressed to particular persons or classes, but to the Church at large.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 12:9

Verse 9. Let love be without dissimulation.] Ἡαγαπηανυποκριτος· Have no hypocritical love; let not your love wear a mask; make no empty professions. Love God and your neighbour; and, by obedience to the one and acts of benevolence to the other, show that your love is sincere. Abhor that which is evil] Αποστυγουντεςτοπονηρον· Hate sin as you would hate that hell to which it leads. στυγεω signifies to hate or detest with horror; the preposition απο greatly strengthens the meaning. στυξ, Styx, was a feigned river in hell by which the gods were wont to swear, and if any of them falsified this oath he was deprived of his nectar and ambrosia for a hundred years; hence the river was reputed to be hateful, and στυγεω signified to be as hateful as hell. Two MSS. read μισουντες, which signifies hating in the lowest sense of the term. The word in the text is abundantly more expressive, and our translation is both nervous and appropriate. Cleave to that which is good.] Κολλωμενοιτῳαγαθῳ· Be CEMENTED or GLUED to that which is good; so the word literally signifies. Have an unalterable attachment to whatever leads to God, and contributes to the welfare of your fellow creatures.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 12:9

9–21. Christian practice: in further detail, with regard to personal and social duty9. love] Lit. the love; your love, Christian love.Abhor, &c.] Lit. Abhorring the evil, cleaving to the good. Here participles, as very frequently through this context, practically stand for hortative verbs; describing in order to set a standard for endeavour.—On the subject here, cp. Psalms 97:10.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 12:9

Let love - The apostle proceeds to specify the duties of Christians in general, that they might secure the beauty and order of the church. The first which he specifies is love.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 12:9

9. Love be without dissimulation—Literally, unhypocritical. Let it be in the reality, in opposition to its non-existence; and let it be pure from any factitious display or even pretence.

Sermons on Romans 12:9

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Sharing the Grief of God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by thanking God for his blessings and acknowledging Jesus and the Holy Ghost. He asks for forgiveness for forgetting what God has done and prays
Vance Havner Getting Used to the Dark (Alternate) by Vance Havner In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive trends in society, particularly in the behavior of children. He emphasizes the importance of self-assertiveness and discipline
Walter A. Henrichsen Many Aspire, Few Attain by Walter A. Henrichsen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and reviewing the truths of the Bible. He encourages the audience to hold tenaciously to these truths and make
John Piper Boiling for Christ by John Piper In this sermon, Pastor John Piper emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly loving and serving the Lord. He encourages believers to have intensity and focus in their devotion to
Zac Poonen (Romans) Romans 12:1-8 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of a lack of fellowship in churches. He emphasizes that the problem is not a lack of activity or programs, but rather a higher estim
A.W. Tozer Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 1 by A.W. Tozer The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of hating sin and loving righteousness. It encourages listeners to flee from iniquity and pursue godliness. The speaker also highlig
Leonard Ravenhill His Majestic Birth by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of God's love and its significance in the world. He emphasizes the depth and incomprehensibility of God's love, describing it as

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