Romans 12:14-21
Amplified Bible
14 Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them].(A) 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.(B) 17 Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone.(C) 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.(D) 20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap [a]burning coals on his head.”(E) 21 Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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- Romans 12:20 This may refer to an ancient Egyptian custom in which a penitent person carried a bowl of burning embers on his head to show his shame and guilt. By analogy, being kind to an enemy may lead him to shame and repentance.
Romans 12:14-21
New American Standard Bible
14 (A)Bless those who persecute [a]you; bless and do not curse. 15 (B)Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 (C)Be of the same mind toward one another; (D)do not be [b]haughty in mind, but [c]associate with the lowly. (E)Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 (F)Never repay evil for evil to anyone. [d](G)Respect what is right in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, (H)so far as it depends on you, (I)be at peace with all people. 19 (J)Never take your own revenge, beloved, but [e]leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “(K)Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “(L)But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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- Romans 12:14 Two early mss do not contain you
- Romans 12:16 Or arrogant
- Romans 12:16 Or accommodate yourself to lowly things
- Romans 12:17 Lit Take thought for
- Romans 12:19 Lit give a place
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