If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't ask us to achieve perfect peace, but to strive for it "as far as it depends on you." This crucial phrase reminds us that our responsibility ends with our own actions, not with others' reactions, acknowledging that sometimes peace isn't fully possible due to circumstances beyond our control.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his instructions on how believers should live in the world, following his deep theological points in the previous chapters. Having just exhorted them to avoid repaying evil for evil and to provide for honest things, he now stresses the importance of actively pursuing peace with everyone, acknowledging that sometimes this isn't entirely within their control. This leads into the subsequent commands about not avenging themselves but entrusting vengeance to God, reinforcing the principle of overcoming evil with good.
We all want peace, but sometimes it feels impossible to achieve. How much of that peace is actually up to us?
Paul gives us a crucial clarification: "If possible, so far as it depends on you..."
Control What You Can
This phrase has two key parts:
It's about doing your utmost, being willing to compromise, and not being the source of conflict. But it also means recognizing you can't control the other person's heart or reactions.
Does 'living peaceably' mean never standing up for yourself or truth? Paul clarifies this delicate balance.
The call to live peaceably is NOT a call to be a doormat or to compromise core truths.
The Limits of Peace
Ask a follow-up
Paul expects Christians to be wise and discerning, pursuing peace actively but not at the expense of righteousness.
Understand the original words
eirēneuō · Greek Verb
The state of tranquility, reconciliation, and absence of conflict, especially in relationships; a central fruit of the Spirit.
Jesus directly calls peacemakers 'children of God,' highlighting the divine significance and reward of pursuing peace, even when it's challenging.
1 Peter 3:11This passage echoes Romans 12:18, urging believers to 'seek peace and pursue it,' emphasizing that peace is an active endeavor, not a passive state.
Hebrews 12:14This verse serves as a direct exhortation to 'make every effort to live in peace with everyone,' reinforcing the idea that peace requires intentional effort and diligence.
Psalm 34:14This Old Testament psalm provides a foundational principle for living peaceably by commanding to 'turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it,' showing this principle's long-standing importance.
Colossians 3:13The call to 'bear with each other and forgive one another' is crucial for maintaining peace, as it addresses the interpersonal conflicts that often make peace difficult.
ellicottRomans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
(18) The Christian can only be responsible for himself. So far as he is concerned, he is to do his best to maintain peace. The history of St. Paul himself, which is one of almost constant conflict, shows that this would not always be possible.
barnesRomans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
If it be possible - If it can be done. This expression implies that it could not always be done. Still it should be an object of desire; and we should endeavor to obtain it. As much as lieth in you - This implies two things: (1) We are to do our utmost endeavors to preserve peace, and to appease the anger and malice of others. (2) we are not to "begin" or to "originate" a quarrel. So far as "we" are concern…
The verse doesn't ask us to achieve perfect peace, but to strive for it "as far as it depends on you." This crucial phrase reminds us that our responsibility ends with our own actions, not with others' reactions, acknowledging that sometimes peace isn't fully possible due to circumstances beyond our control.
Paul is wrapping up his instructions on how believers should live in the world, following his deep theological points in the previous chapters. Having just exhorted them to avoid repaying evil for evil and to provide for honest things, he now stresses the importance of actively pursuing peace with everyone, acknowledging that sometimes this isn't entirely within their control. This leads into the subsequent commands about not avenging themselves but entrusting vengeance to God, reinforcing the principle of overcoming evil with good.
Paul is wrapping up his instructions on how believers should live in the world, following his deep theological points in the previous chapters. Having just exhorted them to avoid repaying evil for evil and to provide for honest things, he now stresses the importance of actively pursuing peace with everyone, acknowledging that sometimes this isn't entirely within their control. This leads into the subsequent commands about not avenging themselves but entrusting vengeance to God, reinforcing the principle of overcoming evil with good.
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." — The verse doesn't ask us to achieve perfect peace, but to strive for it "as far as it depends on you." This crucial phrase reminds us that our responsibility ends with our own actions, not with oth…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026