Meaning, commentary and cross references
Romans 12:18
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
NIV · New International Version
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
WEB · World English Bible
If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
What does Romans 12:18 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably,.... Or be at peace, seek after peace, pursue it, and cultivate it: with all men; with those that we are immediately concerned with, in a natural relation; so husbands should live peaceably with their wives, and wives with their husbands; parents with their children, and children with their parents; masters with their servants, and servants with their masters; and one brother, relation, and friend, with another: and so with all we are concerned with in a spiritual relation, as members of Christ, and in the same church state; such should be at peace among themselves, 1 Thessalonians 5:13; peace should rule in their hearts, Colossians…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Romans 12:17–19
18. If it be possible, etc. Peaceableness and a life so ordered as to render us beloved by all, is no common gift in a Christian. If we desire to attain this, we must not only be endued with perfect uprightness, but also with very courteous and kind manners, which may not only conciliate the just and the good, but produce also a favorable impression on the hearts of the ungodly.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Romans 12:15–21 (WEB)
15Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Cross references
- Hebrews 12:14
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord,
- Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
- Romans 14:19
So then, let’s follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.
- 2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be perfected. Be comforted. Be of the same mind. Live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
- James 3:16–18
For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
- Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
- Mark 9:50
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
- Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.