Romans 12:12
New International Version
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

New Living Translation
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

English Standard Version
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Berean Standard Bible
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

Berean Literal Bible
rejoicing in hope, enduring in tribulation, persisting in prayer,

King James Bible
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

New King James Version
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

New American Standard Bible
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

NASB 1995
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

NASB 1977
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

Legacy Standard Bible
rejoicing in hope, persevering in affliction, being devoted to prayer,

Amplified Bible
constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength],

Berean Annotated Bible
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

Christian Standard Bible
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

American Standard Version
rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;

Contemporary English Version
Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying.

English Revised Version
rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually.

Good News Translation
Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.

International Standard Version
Be joyful in hope, patient in trouble, and persistent in prayer.

NET Bible
Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.

New Heart English Bible
rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Webster's Bible Translation
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing earnest in prayer;

Weymouth New Testament
full of joyful hope, patient under persecution, earnest and persistent in prayer.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

World English Bible
rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
in the hope rejoicing; in the tribulation enduring; in the prayer persevering;

Berean Literal Bible
rejoicing in hope, enduring in tribulation, persisting in prayer,

Young's Literal Translation
in the hope rejoicing; in the tribulation enduring; in the prayer persevering;

Smith's Literal Translation
Rejoicing in hope; holding out under pressure; persevering in prayer;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Rejoicing in hope. Patient in tribulation. Instant in prayer.

Catholic Public Domain Version
in hope, rejoicing; in tribulation, enduring; in prayer, ever-willing;

New American Bible
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.

New Revised Standard Version
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Be rejoicing in your hope. Bear your afflictions bravely. Be persistent in prayer.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
in hope, be joyful; in affliction, be patient; in prayer, be persevering;

Godbey New Testament
rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Haweis New Testament
rejoicing in hope; patient in affliction; persevering in prayer:

Mace New Testament
be joyful in hope; be patient under affliction; persevere in prayer;

Weymouth New Testament
full of joyful hope, patient under persecution, earnest and persistent in prayer.

Worrell New Testament
rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; persevering in prayer;

Worsley New Testament
Rejoicing in hope, patient under affliction, persevering in prayer,

Additional Translations ...



Context
Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality
11Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. 13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.…

Cross References
Be joyful in hope,

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 1:8-9
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, / now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
patient in affliction,

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

James 5:11
See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. / Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
persistent in prayer.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:

Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice at all times. / Pray without ceasing. / Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! / Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. / Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. …

James 5:13
Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.

1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

2 Corinthians 1:6-7
If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. / And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.

Acts 1:14
With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.


Treasury of Scripture

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Rejoicing.

Romans 5:2,3
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God…

Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Psalm 16:9-11
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope…

patient.

Romans 2:7
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

Romans 5:3,4
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; …

Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

continuing.

Genesis 32:24-26
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day…

Job 27:8-10
For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? …

Psalm 55:16,17
As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me…

Jump to Previous
Affliction Constant Continuing Devoted Earnest Enduring Faithful Full Glad Hope Instant Joyful Patient Persecution Persevering Persistent Prayer Quiet Rejoice Rejoicing Steadfastly Stedfastly Tribulation Trouble Troubles
Jump to Next
Affliction Constant Continuing Devoted Earnest Enduring Faithful Full Glad Hope Instant Joyful Patient Persecution Persevering Persistent Prayer Quiet Rejoice Rejoicing Steadfastly Stedfastly Tribulation Trouble Troubles
Romans 12
1. God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.
3. No man must think too well of himself;
6. but everyone attend to the calling wherein he is placed.
9. Love, and many other duties are required of us.
19. Revenge is especially forbidden.












Be joyful in hope,

Believers rejoice because God’s promises are certain. Their hope rests on salvation through Christ, His resurrection, and the promised resurrection and eternal life of all who belong to Him. This confidence sustained the early church amid opposition and persecution.

Rom 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…
1Pe 1:8-9 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him;…
Heb 10:23 Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess…

patient in affliction,

Hardship calls for steadfast endurance rather than surrender or bitterness. Christians in Rome and throughout the early church faced rejection, loss, imprisonment, and violence, yet were to remain faithful under trial. Christ’s willing endurance in suffering provides the pattern for such perseverance.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial…
Jas 5:11 See how blessed we consider those who have persevered…
Heb 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud…

persistent in prayer.

Continual prayer expresses dependence on God in every circumstance. The early believers devoted themselves to prayer as they sought strength, wisdom, protection, and unity. Jesus also regularly withdrew to pray, showing that faithful service must be sustained by fellowship with the Father.

Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,
Luk 18:1 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray…
Eph 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Church in Rome
The original recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. Early Christian Persecution
The context of affliction mentioned in the verse can be related to the persecution faced by early Christians under Roman rule.
Teaching Points
Joyful in Hope
Rooted in Christ
Our hope is not based on circumstances but on the promises of God through Jesus Christ.

Eternal Perspective
Focusing on the eternal promises of God helps maintain joy despite present challenges.

Patient in Affliction
Endurance through Trials
Patience is developed through enduring trials, trusting in God's timing and purpose.

Faith in God's Sovereignty
Believers are called to trust that God is in control, even when facing difficulties.

Persistent in Prayer
Constant Communication
Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God, essential for spiritual growth and strength.

Dependence on God
Persistent prayer reflects a heart that relies on God for guidance, strength, and provision.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Romans 12:12?

2. How can we "rejoice in hope" during challenging times in our lives?

3. What does being "patient in affliction" look like in daily Christian living?

4. How does "persevere in prayer" connect with 1 Thessalonians 5:17's call to pray continually?

5. In what ways can we practically implement Romans 12:12 in our community?

6. How does Romans 12:12 encourage us to trust God's plan for our future?

7. How does Romans 12:12 encourage perseverance in difficult times?

8. What is the significance of hope in Romans 12:12?

9. How does Romans 12:12 define a Christian's prayer life?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 12?


(12) In hope.--The Christian's hope, of which we have had more in Romans 8:20-25.

Patient in tribulation.--This virtue was, of course, specially needed in the troublous times through which the Church was passing. So, again, in the next verse, the "hospitality" of which the Apostle speaks is something more than the ordinary entertainment of friends. The reference is to a state of things in which the Christian was liable to be persecuted and driven from city to city, and often compelled to seek for shelter with those who held the same faith as himself.

Verses 12-14. - In hope rejoicing; in tribulation enduring; in prayer continuing instant; communicating to the necessities of the saints (i.e. Christians); given to (literally, pursuing) hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. In ver. 14 the form of the admonition passes from participles to direct imperatives, a positive command of Christ being adduced. In ver. 15 the gentler admonitory form of in the infinitive is taken up, passing to participles, as before in ver. 16.

Romans 12:12 calls believers to a three-fold rhythm: rejoice because hope is secure in Christ, endure trials with unwavering patience, and stay in constant, faith-filled conversation with the Father. Living this way showcases the transforming power of the gospel to a watching world and anchors the heart in God’s unchanging promises.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Be joyful
χαίροντες (chairontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

in hope,
ἐλπίδι (elpidi)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1680: Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence.

patient
ὑπομένοντες (hypomenontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5278: From hupo and meno; to stay under, i.e. Remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. Bear, have fortitude, persevere.

in affliction,
θλίψει (thlipsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.

persistent
προσκαρτεροῦντες (proskarterountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4342: To persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon.

in prayer.
προσευχῇ (proseuchē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4335: From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.


Additonal Resources
Romans 12:12 Blue Letter Bible
Romans 12:12 Bible Gateway
Romans 12:12 Bible.com

Romans 12:12 NIV
Romans 12:12 NLT
Romans 12:12 ESV
Romans 12:12 NASB
Romans 12:12 KJV

Romans 12:12 Study Bible
Romans 12:12 Biblia Paralela
Romans 12:12 Chinese Bible
Romans 12:12 French Bible
Romans 12:12 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope (Rom. Ro)

Romans 12:11
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