Meaning of Romans 12:12

romans 12 12 meaning

The New Testament contains letters to various churches with the core message of the gospel of Christ. It shows how the apostles preached the gospel and taught the disciples of Christ the right way to live 🙏🏻.

Romans 12:12 verse

The books in the New Testament are actually letters the apostles wrote to the churches they started at the time. The book of Romans is one such letter where you find chapter 12 and verse 12 which says, 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12

1) Who Wrote Romans 12 ?

📜 The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans, which includes chapter 12. We know this because he starts by identifying himself at the beginning of the book. 

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.”
Romans 1:1

apostle paul

Paul wrote the letter to the Roman church to tell them about the essence of the gospel of Christ. He explains faith in Christ, our righteousness through Christ, and that in Christ, Jews and Gentiles are one ✝️.

Romans 12 has a passage that teaches how to behave like a Christian. This is where we find verse 12.

2) Meaning of Romans 12:12 in the NIV Bible Version

Romans 12:12 in the NIV Bible version reads, 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12

The above verse shows us how we are to respond in various situations we face in life. Our hearts should be full of joy because we have hope in Christ. When facing troubles, patience will prevent us from giving up before seeing our victory. Prayer is something we do always and in every situation knowing God will answer our prayers.

book of Romans

Romans 12:12 is a simple exhortation to behave in a way that shows we trust God in all situations we face in life. 

A. Meaning of “Be joyful in hope”

As Christians, we are to rejoice because of the hope we have in Christ. In Him, we have hope despite our circumstances because He has promised us victory. You can find rest in God when you put your hope in Him and not anything else.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5

This means that your heart will be full of joy knowing you have God’s peace in any situation ❤.

joyful in hope

Titus 3:7 says we have hope of eternal life meaning we can look forward to an eternity with God because of our faith in Jesus. Because of this promise, our hearts have joy as we wait for our Savior to return.

"so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
Titus 3:7

B. Meaning of “Patient in affliction”

We are to be patient in our afflictions because they don’t last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says:

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17

Afflictions are for a season and when they are over, we know that the glory of God will be evident to all who see us 👍🏻.

patient in affliction

According to Isaiah 48:10, God refines us in the furnace of affliction and this process makes us pure and equipped to live a life that pleases Him. By being patient, you allow God to transform you into a better person who reflects the true nature of Christ in the world.

"See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."
Isaiah 48:10

C. Meaning of “Faithful in prayer”

When we don’t see answers to our prayers, we fall into the temptation to stop praying. But when we stop praying, we deny God the chance to intervene in our lives 😥.

Being faithful in prayer means praying always without giving up and with all kinds of prayers and requests.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
Ephesians 6:18

faithful in prayer

Praying faithfully requires a heart that keeps trusting that God answers all prayers. A person who believes he or she will see what they are praying for will more likely pray always. As Christians, we should devote ourselves to prayer where we continually seek God for guidance and help ✊🏻.

 

3) Romans 12:12 Commentary and Conclusion

Romans 12:12 is a simple Scripture but packed with a powerful message. By taking the time to understand its meaning, you will find a lot of wisdom for your everyday living 👼.

God uses His word to teach us how to live right and the three nuggets of wisdom in Romans 12:12 show us how to do just that 😊.

Romans 12:12 Bible verse

Read next: Meaning of Proverbs 4:23 to you as a Christian. The Bible is a book of wisdom that God uses to show us how to live our lives. In it, you will find the book of Proverbs which shows you the right way to deal with the various situations in your life...
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

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  • Shahbaz Pervaiz on

    I bless full this topic

  • Youngson Palibendipo on

    Romans 12:12 is explained in a wonderful way I never thought of… thank you

  • Edmundo Tolentino on

    I’m so thankful for this message I use to share in the church of God.on my place in the Philippines.God bless us and more power to your ministry.

  • Shirley McClure on

    Thank, such encouraging word really blessed me today

  • Zvikomborero on

    This is very powerful, thank you very much. May the grace of God be with you all.

  • Enrique sosa on

    I have failed MANY times. But my Lord Jesus tender mercies always comforts and protect s. Me. AMEN

  • Erica Minta-Asare on

    Thank you, the message is very helpful and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be learn from it.

  • Bismark Baffour Arthur on

    This is a powerful message by all standard, as a Christ fellowers we have to rejoice in hope because of the hope we have in Christ, be patient in tribulations, no matter the circumstances we have to be persistent in waiting and pray faithfully, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourage us to pray without ceasing, we have to pray always because as a Christian prayer is your key weapon to fight against the forces in the world.
    Thank you.

  • Dineo Tana on

    So much wisdom in this verse, Thank you for the revelation of this scripture.Thank you and may the Lord we serve continue to give you more wisdom.

  • Dennis thangal on

    Thanks you for wonderful insight.regarding Roman 12.12 God bless.

  • David Mutakwa on

    This is a powerful verse and you have explained it well may God bless you abundantly. Amen and Grow much more in His wisdom.

  • Pavell Garner on

    Thank you for sharing your insights of God ’s words. Be blessed

  • Vickie Dulaney on

    Hi Kayla,
    I am originally from Fulton, MS, and it is so refreshing to read your writings, as I am a literature enthusiast as well as a Christian. Best wishes in all you do for our awesome God and Savior.😊

  • Keeartris Love on

    Thank you for the insight. May the lord continue to bless your writing endeavors.

  • Spencer on

    Thanks for the very inspiring word of God

  • Michelle on

    Thank you Kayla for this post. God has been speaking to me about the importance of patience and waiting on him. Keep doing what you are doing and God’s continued blessings be upon you and your family.

  • N.Aruljotho.pastoR on

    Wonderful May God bless you and fill your life with Deep truth of the word of God

  • Juma Aburko Osman on

    Thanks for information, kindly Almighty God bless you with your work and give you wisdom to guide you write the book

  • Jeyaram Jebaveeran on

    Good may God use you. I too like to write books in Tamil and interested in translation.

  • Evanglist Sandra White on

    Any recomendation about the best and inexpensive name of a study bible ?thank you.

  • Thanks for bible explanations on

    I appreciate the explanations and i would love to know more on bible verse about life and death, kingdom of GOD. Thank you.

  • Jonahvictorina Abuzo on

    Insightful and powerful tool to face challenges in life. Thanks 👍 for its insightful biblical ideas that keeps my faith grow , glow , and go for the glory of God 🙏

  • Emmanuel Sunday on

    Is blessing to my life , more grace

  • Eristo Erastus on

    A full time missionary under youth for Christ live in Namibia Africa. I come to understand morethen what I learnt before about Roman 12:12.

  • Marie Nyirenda on

    Pray for me also, I want to grow in the knowledge of God fully. And give him my heart so that He can use me as the way He uses You.

    Thank you.

  • Moses on

    I am really blessed after reading some very powerful verses i hope and pray that God guide us and give us light all the way

  • Pelita Lescano on

    Such a powerful word thank you, allow me to share your mesg.thank you.

  • jane anyango on

    Indeed it is a blessing to my family this morning.
    Understanding the meaning of prayer without ceasing.
    God bless you.

  • Melchior kamanabi on

    Iam really blessed with this reading and throughly touching my whole life

  • Kokoh on

    i’ve read that and take some of scriptures and also ideas in there. i use in my sermon preaching

  • Polite on

    This is a very powerful verse, thank you so much for reminding about it 🙏🏼😇

  • Rosa L Mckenzie on

    I thank U for explaining Roman 12:12 it’s A real blessing to my spirit,heart and soul.God Bless and forever keep you. Amen

  • Fr Aju K Thomas on

    It’s actually very nice message.It’s help me to making sermons

  • Daniel Kofi Adjei on

    I thank God for the privilege to read this article,it has truly blessed my soul and giving a strong meaning and understanding. May God bless you and grace you more.

  • Alhassan Okutepa on

    I have benefited from these scriptures. God bless you

  • Arlene Stiles-Davis on

    Shalom
    Thank you for reminding me of these scriptures. Yah’s Blessings Be Upon All of You.

  • Lisakhanya on

    I love the bracelet of the Cristian life given above

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published
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37 comments

  • Shahbaz Pervaiz on

    I bless full this topic

  • Youngson Palibendipo on

    Romans 12:12 is explained in a wonderful way I never thought of… thank you

  • Edmundo Tolentino on

    I’m so thankful for this message I use to share in the church of God.on my place in the Philippines.God bless us and more power to your ministry.

  • Shirley McClure on

    Thank, such encouraging word really blessed me today

  • Zvikomborero on

    This is very powerful, thank you very much. May the grace of God be with you all.

  • Enrique sosa on

    I have failed MANY times. But my Lord Jesus tender mercies always comforts and protect s. Me. AMEN

  • Erica Minta-Asare on

    Thank you, the message is very helpful and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be learn from it.

  • Bismark Baffour Arthur on

    This is a powerful message by all standard, as a Christ fellowers we have to rejoice in hope because of the hope we have in Christ, be patient in tribulations, no matter the circumstances we have to be persistent in waiting and pray faithfully, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourage us to pray without ceasing, we have to pray always because as a Christian prayer is your key weapon to fight against the forces in the world.
    Thank you.

  • Dineo Tana on

    So much wisdom in this verse, Thank you for the revelation of this scripture.Thank you and may the Lord we serve continue to give you more wisdom.

  • Dennis thangal on

    Thanks you for wonderful insight.regarding Roman 12.12 God bless.

  • David Mutakwa on

    This is a powerful verse and you have explained it well may God bless you abundantly. Amen and Grow much more in His wisdom.

  • Pavell Garner on

    Thank you for sharing your insights of God ’s words. Be blessed

  • Vickie Dulaney on

    Hi Kayla,
    I am originally from Fulton, MS, and it is so refreshing to read your writings, as I am a literature enthusiast as well as a Christian. Best wishes in all you do for our awesome God and Savior.😊

  • Keeartris Love on

    Thank you for the insight. May the lord continue to bless your writing endeavors.

  • Spencer on

    Thanks for the very inspiring word of God

  • Michelle on

    Thank you Kayla for this post. God has been speaking to me about the importance of patience and waiting on him. Keep doing what you are doing and God’s continued blessings be upon you and your family.

  • N.Aruljotho.pastoR on

    Wonderful May God bless you and fill your life with Deep truth of the word of God

  • Juma Aburko Osman on

    Thanks for information, kindly Almighty God bless you with your work and give you wisdom to guide you write the book

  • Jeyaram Jebaveeran on

    Good may God use you. I too like to write books in Tamil and interested in translation.

  • Evanglist Sandra White on

    Any recomendation about the best and inexpensive name of a study bible ?thank you.

  • Thanks for bible explanations on

    I appreciate the explanations and i would love to know more on bible verse about life and death, kingdom of GOD. Thank you.

  • Jonahvictorina Abuzo on

    Insightful and powerful tool to face challenges in life. Thanks 👍 for its insightful biblical ideas that keeps my faith grow , glow , and go for the glory of God 🙏

  • Emmanuel Sunday on

    Is blessing to my life , more grace

  • Eristo Erastus on

    A full time missionary under youth for Christ live in Namibia Africa. I come to understand morethen what I learnt before about Roman 12:12.

  • Marie Nyirenda on

    Pray for me also, I want to grow in the knowledge of God fully. And give him my heart so that He can use me as the way He uses You.

    Thank you.

  • Moses on

    I am really blessed after reading some very powerful verses i hope and pray that God guide us and give us light all the way

  • Pelita Lescano on

    Such a powerful word thank you, allow me to share your mesg.thank you.

  • jane anyango on

    Indeed it is a blessing to my family this morning.
    Understanding the meaning of prayer without ceasing.
    God bless you.

  • Melchior kamanabi on

    Iam really blessed with this reading and throughly touching my whole life

  • Kokoh on

    i’ve read that and take some of scriptures and also ideas in there. i use in my sermon preaching

  • Polite on

    This is a very powerful verse, thank you so much for reminding about it 🙏🏼😇

  • Rosa L Mckenzie on

    I thank U for explaining Roman 12:12 it’s A real blessing to my spirit,heart and soul.God Bless and forever keep you. Amen

  • Fr Aju K Thomas on

    It’s actually very nice message.It’s help me to making sermons

  • Daniel Kofi Adjei on

    I thank God for the privilege to read this article,it has truly blessed my soul and giving a strong meaning and understanding. May God bless you and grace you more.

  • Alhassan Okutepa on

    I have benefited from these scriptures. God bless you

  • Arlene Stiles-Davis on

    Shalom
    Thank you for reminding me of these scriptures. Yah’s Blessings Be Upon All of You.

  • Lisakhanya on

    I love the bracelet of the Cristian life given above

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published