Keraia
Romans 12

Romans 12:20

Forgiveness · Romans 12:14–21
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Translations

Modern
On the contrary, “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.”
Traditional
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Literal
Rather, “If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him a drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head.”
Latin
Sed si esurierit inimicus tuus, ciba illum: si sitit, potum da illi: hoc enim faciens, carbones ignis congeres super caput ejus.

Original

Greek
English
On the contrary, “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.”

Notes

Romans 12:20–21

A simple act of Christian kindness can often bring a hostile person to repentance before God and restore fellowship between people.

Romans 12:9–21

The many instructions in these verses are not arranged in a strict or orderly pattern. The main theme, stated at the beginning, is sincere love.

Paul explains how believers should show love to people inside the church (12:10, 13, 15–16). He also explains how they should show love to people outside the church (12:14, 17–21).

Romans 12:1–15:13

This section of Romans explains the moral and ethical demands of the gospel. God’s gift of salvation in Christ calls for a response from believers.

God not only forgives sin. He also wants to transform how people live.

Much of what Paul teaches here about the moral duties of believers also appears in his other letters. However, Paul also addresses issues that were especially important for the church in Rome. One key issue was the disagreement between people who were weak in faith and people who were strong in faith(14:1–15:13).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Dealing with Conflict Tolerance

Parallels

Matthew 18:21–35

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Head Imprecatory Psalms Letter to the Romans Peter, First Letter of Spiritual Gifts

Topics

Allah Asking Forgiveness Being Taken Advantage Of Bullying Christian Conduct: Forgiving Injuries Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Difficult People Enemies: should be Assisted Enemy: General Scriptures Concerning Forgiveness of Enemies Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Kindness Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies How to Treat your Enemies Hungry Hurting Others Love to Man: should be Exhibited, Toward: Enemies Love your Enemies Love your Enemy Loving your Enemies Mercy: Enjoined Our Enemies Poor: Duty To Religion: True Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Overcome Others by Kindness Terrorism