Romains 12:8

La Bible Ostervald

Celui qui distribue les aumônes, qu'il le fasse avec simplicité; celui qui préside, qu'il préside avec soin; celui qui exerce les ouvres de miséricorde, qu'il le fasse avec joie.

Parallel Translations

La Bible David Martin (1744)
Soit que quelqu'un se trouve appel� � exhorter, qu'il exhorte; soit que quelqu'un distribue, [qu'il le fasse] en simplicit�; soit que quelqu'un pr�side, [qu'il le fasse] soigneusement; soit que quelqu'un exerce la mis�ricorde, [qu'il le fasse] joyeusement.

Darby's French Translation
soit celui qui exhorte, � l'exhortation; -celui qui distribue, qu'il le fasse en simplicit�; celui qui est � la t�te, qu'il conduise soigneusement; celui qui exerce la mis�ricorde, qu'il le fasse joyeusement.

Louis Segond (1910)
et celui qui exhorte � l'exhortation. Que celui qui donne le fasse avec lib�ralit�; que celui qui pr�side le fasse avec z�le; que celui qui pratique la mis�ricorde le fasse avec joie.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

exhorteth: Acts 13:15, Acts 15:32, Acts 20:2, 1 Corinthians 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:3, 1 Timothy 4:13, Hebrews 10:25, Hebrews 13:22

giveth: or, imparteth, Romans 12:13, Deuteronomy 15:8-11, Deuteronomy 15:14, Job 31:16-20, Psalms 112:9, Proverbs 22:9, Ecclesiastes 11:1, Ecclesiastes 11:2, Ecclesiastes 11:6, Isaiah 32:5, Isaiah 32:8, Isaiah 58:7-11, Matthew 6:2-4, Matthew 25:40, Luke 21:1-4, Acts 2:44-46, Acts 4:33-35, Acts 11:28-30, 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 2 Corinthians 8:12, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 1 Peter 4:9-11

with simplicity: or, liberally, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 2 Corinthians 8:2, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 6:5, Colossians 3:22

ruleth: Romans 13:6, Genesis 18:19, Psalms 101:1-8, Acts 13:12, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14, 1 Timothy 3:4, 1 Timothy 3:5, 1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17, Hebrews 13:24, 1 Peter 5:2, 1 Peter 5:3

with diligence: Ecclesiastes 9:10, shewth, Deuteronomy 16:11, Deuteronomy 16:14, Deuteronomy 16:15, Psalms 37:21, Isaiah 64:5, 2 Corinthians 9:7

Reciprocal: Exodus 18:13 - General Deuteronomy 15:10 - thine heart Acts 2:46 - singleness 2 Corinthians 9:11 - bountifulness 1 Timothy 3:13 - used 1 Timothy 6:18 - ready Hebrews 6:11 - we desire

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation,.... This is the other branch of prophesying or preaching, and which is more practical, and lies in giving a word of exhortation to the saints, as their particular cases call for; for as prophets were teachers, Acts 13:1; so also exhorters, Acts 15:32; and one considerable branch of the ministry, and which is more principally the pastor's work, as well as to teach, is to exhort all sorts of persons, young and old, rich and poor, high and low, bond and free, under his care, with all longsuffering and doctrine. The words will bear to be read, "he that comforteth, on consolation"; and so the Syriac version renders them, ואית דמביאנא הו בבויאה, "and another who is a comforter, in his consolation". Though all the ministers of the Gospel are to speak comfortably to the saints, by preaching the doctrines of free justification by Christ's righteousness, and remission of sins by his blood, by bringing the good news of salvation by him, and by opening the exceeding great and precious promises of the Gospel; yet some have a greater talent this way than others; some are "Boanergeses", sons of thunder, Mark 3:17, and others "Barnabases", sons of consolation, Acts 4:36; and each should attend to that with all diligence and humility, he is best qualified for.

He that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity. Here begins the subdivision of the deacon's office into its several branches, "giving", "ruling", and "showing mercy": by "giving" is meant, not giving of his own, or performing: acts of charity, which is common to all the members of the church, who ought liberally to contribute to the relief of the poor; but imparting or distributing the church's money to proper objects, which is to be done "with simplicity"; with all faithfulness and integrity, without fraud or embezzling the church's stock, with impartiality, and without respect of persons, and liberally and bountifully, as the word here used signifies; see 2 Corinthians 8:2;

he that ruleth, with diligence; deacons are the "helps, governments", mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:28, who are assisting to the pastor in the government of the church; their business is, to observe the conversations of the members of the church, and to warn them that are unruly and walk disorderly, to compose differences, and prepare matters to lay before the church; a deacon is

προισταμενος, "one that goes before"; and leads on others by way of example in his conduct and conversation; or as the Syriac renders it, דקאם ברישא, "that stands at the head" of affairs in the church; in the management of which he ought to use all study, thoughtfulness, care and diligence:

he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness; which is not to be understood of showing compassion to miserable objects in common, or of giving alms to necessitous persons, and which ought to be done according to the Jewish l canons, בסבר פנים יפות, "with a cheerful countenance"; and is what is highly pleasing to God, who "loves a cheerful giver": but of a branch of the deacon's office, whose work, among other things, is to visit the sick and distressed, and communicate to them as their wants require; all which should be done, not in a morose and frowning manner, but with a pleasant look and cheerful countenance, which makes the visit and the gift more welcome, acceptable, and useful.

l Maimon. Hilch. Mattanot Anayim, c. 10. sect. 4. 13.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

He that exhorteth - This word properly denotes one who urges to the practical duties of religion, in distinction from one who teaches its doctrines. One who presents the warnings and the promises of God to excite men to the discharge of their duty. It is clear that there were persons who were recognised as engaging especially in this duty, and who were known by this appellation, as distinguished from prophets and teachers. How long this was continued, there is no means of ascertaining; but it cannot be doubted that it may still be expedient, in many times and places, to have persons designated to this work. In most churches this duty is now blended with the other functions of the ministry.

He that giveth - Margin, “imparteth.” The word denotes the person whose function it was to distribute; and probably designates him who distributed the alms of the church, or him who was the deacon of the congregation. The connection requires that this meaning should be given to the passage: and the word rendered “giveth” may denote one who imparts or distributes that which has been committed to him for that purpose, as well as one who gives out of his private property. As the apostle is speaking here of offices in the church, the former is evidently what is intended. It was deemed an important matter among the early Christians to impart liberally of their substance to support the poor, and provide for the needy: Acts 2:44-47; Acts 4:34-37; Acts 5:1-11; Galatians 2:10; Rom 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 2Co 9:2, 2 Corinthians 9:12. Hence, it became necessary to appoint persons over these contributions, who should be especially charged with the management of them, and who would see that they were properly distributed; Acts 6:1-6. These were the persons who were denominated deacons; Phi 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8, 1 Timothy 3:12.

With simplicity - see Matthew 6:22, “If thine eye be single,” etc.; Luke 11:34. The word “simplicity” ἁπλοτής haplotēs is used in a similar sense to denote singleness, honesty of aim, purity, integrity, without any mixture of a base, selfish, or sinister end. It requires the bestowment of a favor without seeking any personal or selfish ends; without partiality; but actuated only by the desire to bestow them in the best possible manner to promote the object for which they were given; 2 Corinthians 8:2; 2Co 9:11, 2 Corinthians 9:13; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22. It is plain that when property was intrusted to them, there would be danger that they might be tempted to employ it for selfish and sinister ends, to promote their influence and prosperity; and hence, the apostle exhorted them to do it with a single aim to the object for which it was given. Well did he know that there was nothing more tempting than the possession of wealth, though given to be appropriated to others. And this exhortation is applicable not only to the deacons of the churches, but to all who in this day of Christian benevolence are intrusted with money to advance the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He that ruleth - This word properly designates one who is set over others, or who presides or rules, or one who attends with diligence and care to a thing. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12, it is used in relation to ministers in general: “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord;” 1 Timothy 3:4-5, 1 Timothy 3:12, it is applied to the head of a family, or one who diligently and faithfully performs the duty of a father: “One that ruleth well his own house;” 1 Timothy 5:17, it is applied to “elders” in the church: “Let the elders that rule well, etc.” It is not used elsewhere except in Titus 3:8, Titus 3:14, in a different sense, where it is translated “to maintain good works.” The prevailing sense of the word, therefore, is to rule, to preside over, or to have the management of. But to what class of persons reference is had here, and what was precisely their duty, has been made a matter of controversy, and it is not easy to determine. Whether this refers to a permanent office in the church, or to an occasional presiding in their assemblies convened for business, etc. is not settled by the use of the word. It has the idea of ruling, as in a family, or of presiding, as in a deliberate assembly; and either of these ideas would convey all that is implied in the original word; compare 1 Corinthians 12:28.

With diligence - This word properly means haste Mark 6:25; Luke 1:39; but it also denotes industry, attention, care; 2 Corinthians 7:11, “What carefulness it wrought in you;” 2 Corinthians 7:12, “That our care for you in the sight of God, etc.;” 2 Corinthians 8:7-8, (Greek) Hebrews 6:11. It means here that they should be attentive to the duties of their vocation, and engage with ardor in what was committed to them to do.

He that showeth mercy - It is probable, says Calvin, that this refers to those who had the care of the sick and infirm, the aged and the needy; not so much to provide for them by charity, as to attend on them in their affliction, and to take care of them. To the deacons was committed the duty of distributing alms, but to others that of personal attendance. This can hardly be called an office, in the technical sense; and yet it is not improbable that they were designated to this by the church, and requested to perform it. There were no hospitals and no almshouses. Christians felt it was their duty to show personal attention to the infirm and the sick; and so important was their function, that it was deemed worthy of notice in a general direction to the church.

With cheerfulness - The direction given to those who distributed alms was to do it with simplicity, with an honest aim to meet the purpose for which it was intrusted to them. The direction here varies according to the duty to be performed. It is to be done with cheerfulness, pleasantness, joy; with a kind, benign, and happy temper. The importance of this direction to those in this situation is apparent. Nothing tends so much to enhance the value of personal attendance on the sick and afflicted, as a kind and cheerful temper. If any where a mild, amiable, cheerful, and patient disposition is needed, it is near a sick bed, and when administering to the wants of those who are in affliction. And whenever we may be called to such a service, we should remember that this is indispensable. If moroseness, or impatience, or fretfulness is discovered in us, it will pain those whom we seek to benefit, embitter their feelings, and render our services of comparatively little value. The needy and infirm, the feeble and the aged, have enough to bear without the impatience and harshness of professed friends. It may be added that the example of the Lord Jesus Christ is the brightest which the world has furnished of this temper. Though constantly encompassed by the infirm and the afflicted, yet he was always kind, and gentle, and mild, and has left before us exactly what the apostie meant when he said, “he that showeth mercy with cheerfulness.” The example of the good Samaritan is also another instance of what is intended by this direction; compare 2 Corinthians 9:7. This direction is particularly applicable to a physician.

We have here an account of the establishment, the order, and the duties of the different members of the Christian church. The amount of it all is, that we should discharge with fidelity the duties which belong to us in the sphere of life in which we are placed; and not despise the rank which God has assigned us; not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought; but to act well our part, according to the station where we are placed, and the talents with which we are endowed. If this were done, it would put an end to discontent, ambition, and strife, and would produce the blessings of universal peace and order.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Romans 12:8. Or he that exhorteth — Ὁ παρακαλων, The person who admonished and reprehended the unruly or disorderly; and who supported the weak and comforted the penitents, and those who were under heaviness through manifold temptations.

He that giveth — He who distributeth the alms of the Church, with simplicity-being influenced by no partiality, but dividing to each according to the necessity of his case.

He that ruleth — Ὁ προΐσταμενος, He that presides over a particular business; but as the verb προΐσταμαι also signifies to defend or patronize, it is probably used here to signify receiving and providing for strangers, and especially the persecuted who were obliged to leave their own homes, and were destitute, afflicted, and tormented. It might also imply the persons whose business it was to receive and entertain the apostolical teachers who travelled from place to place, establishing and confirming the Churches. In this sense the word προστατις is applied to Phoebe, Romans 16:2: She hath been a SUCCOURER of many, and of myself also. The apostle directs that this office should be executed with diligence, that such destitute persons should have their necessities as promptly and as amply supplied as possible.

He that showeth mercy — Let the person who is called to perform any act of compassion or mercy to the wretched do it, not grudgingly nor of necessity, but from a spirit of pure benevolence and sympathy. The poor are often both wicked and worthless: and, if those who are called to minister to them as stewards, overseers, c., do not take care, they will get their hearts hardened with the frequent proofs they will have of deception, lying, idleness, &c. And on this account it is that so many of those who have been called to minister to the poor in parishes, workhouses, and religious societies, when they come to relinquish their employment find that many of their moral feelings have been considerably blunted and perhaps the only reward they get for their services is the character of being hard-hearted. If whatever is done in this way be not done unto the Lord, it can never be done with cheerfulness.