Romans 12:17
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Greek word translated as "give thought to" here actually carries the sense of "planning ahead" or "actively preparing." Paul isn't just saying to hope you act honorably, but to diligently plan your conduct so that it is consistently seen as good and right by everyone around you.
Paul is urging believers to live out their transformed lives, moving from rules to genuine godliness, as a living sacrifice. He's contrasting the world's ways with God's, emphasizing humility, love, and patience. This specific verse follows instructions on how to react to enemies and immediately precedes the call to live peaceably and not seek personal vengeance, framing our responses to mistreatment within a larger ethic of grace and trust in God's justice.
Ever been wronged and felt that burning desire to strike back? Paul addresses this universal human impulse head-on. It's not just a suggestion; it's a foundational principle for those following Christ.
The Law of Reciprocity Reversed
The world often operates on a simple, eye-for-an-eye principle. When someone harms us, the instinct is to return the harm, often amplified. Paul flips this entirely. He commands believers NOT to repay evil for evil.
This isn't about passivity or weakness. It's a deliberate, disciplined choice to break the cycle of retaliation. It requires immense self-control and a trust that ultimate justice belongs to God.
Beyond simply not doing wrong, Paul calls for something more positive. What does it mean to actively 'give thought to do what is honorable'?
Beyond Passive Innocence
Paul doesn't just want us to avoid evil; he calls us to actively pursue what is good and honorable. The word Paul uses here implies 'thinking beforehand' or 'making it a plan.' It's about intentionality.
What Does 'Honorable' Mean Here?
Understand the original words
kakos · Greek Adjective
Harmful actions or character; that which is morally corrupt and contrary to the nature and will of God.
kalos · Greek Adjective
That which is morally good, virtuous, or excellent in the eyes of God and humanity; actions that reflect Christian integrity.
This passage directly echoes Jesus' teaching on not retaliating against an evildoer, reinforcing the core command in Romans 12:17.
1 Peter 3:9This verse parallels Romans 12:17 by explicitly stating not to repay evil with evil, and instead to offer a blessing, highlighting the positive counter-action to harm.
Proverbs 3:4The phrase 'do what is honorable in the sight of all' is a strong echo of this Old Testament proverb, showing the continuity of this ethical principle from wisdom literature to the New Testament.
2 Corinthians 8:21This passage speaks about providing for what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of men, directly aligning with the call for integrity and good reputation in Romans 12:17.
Philippians 4:8While Romans 12:17 focuses on our actions toward others, Philippians 4:8 directs our thoughts to what is true, honorable, and excellent, providing a foundation for the outward conduct described in Romans.
ellicottRomans 12:17: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
(17) Provide things honest . . . —Let your purposes be such that all men shall recognise their complete integrity. Do not engage in enterprises of a doubtful character, that might bring not only yourselves but the Christian body into ill repute. (Comp. Matthew 5:14-16 ; 2Corinthians 8:21 .)
vincentRomans 12:17: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
Provide (προνοούμενοι)The A.V. uses provide in its earlier and more literal meaning of taking thought in advance. This has been mostly merged in the later meaning of furnish, so that the translation conveys the sense of providing honestly for ourselves and our families. Better, as Rev., take thought for. The citation is from Proverbs 3:4, and varies from both Hebrew and Septuagint. Hebrew: And th…
The Greek word translated as "give thought to" here actually carries the sense of "planning ahead" or "actively preparing." Paul isn't just saying to hope you act honorably, but to diligently plan your conduct so that it is consistently seen as good and right by everyone around you.
Paul is urging believers to live out their transformed lives, moving from rules to genuine godliness, as a living sacrifice. He's contrasting the world's ways with God's, emphasizing humility, love, and patience. This specific verse follows instructions on how to react to enemies and immediately precedes the call to live peaceably and not seek personal vengeance, framing our responses to mistreatment within a larger ethic of grace and trust in God's justice.
Paul is urging believers to live out their transformed lives, moving from rules to genuine godliness, as a living sacrifice. He's contrasting the world's ways with God's, emphasizing humility, love, and patience. This specific verse follows instructions on how to react to enemies and immediately precedes the call to live peaceably and not seek personal vengeance, framing our responses to mistreatment within a larger ethic of grace and trust in God's justice.
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"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." — The Greek word translated as "give thought to" here actually carries the sense of "planning ahead" or "actively preparing." Paul isn't just saying to hope you act honorably, but to diligently plan…
