Vincent Word Studies - Romans 12:8 - 12:8

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Vincent Word Studies - Romans 12:8 - 12:8


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Exhortation

Aimed at the heart and will. See on consolation, Luk 6:24. Compare 1Co 14:3; Act 4:36, where Rev. gives son of exhortation.

He that giveth (ὁ μεταδιδοὺς)

Earthly possessions. The preposition μετά indicates sharing with. He that imparteth. Compare Eph 4:28; Luk 3:11.

Simplicity (ἁπλότητι)

See on single, Mat 6:22, and compare Jam 1:5, where it is said that God gives ἁπλῶς simply. See note there. In 2Co 8:2; 2Co 9:11, 2Co 9:13, the A.V. gives liberality; and in Jam 1:5, liberally. Rev. accepts this in the last-named passage, but gives singleness in margin. In all the others liberality is, at best, very doubtful. The sense is unusual, and the rendering simplicity or singleness is defensible in all the passages.

He that ruleth (ὁ προΐ́στάμενος)

Lit., he that is placed in front. The reference is to any position involving superintendence. No special ecclesiastical office is meant. Compare Tit 3:8, to maintain good works; the idea of presiding over running into that of carrying on or practicing. See note there. Compare also προστάτις succorer, Rom 16:2, and see note.

With diligence (ἐν σπουδῇ)

See on Jud 1:3. In Mar 6:25; Luk 1:39, it is rendered haste. In 2Co 7:11, carefulness (Rev., earnest care). In 2Co 7:12, care (Rev., earnest care). In 2Co 8:8, forwardness (Rev., earnestness). In 2Co 8:16, earnest care.

With cheerfulness (ἐν ἱλαρότητι)

Only here in the New Testament. It reappears in the Latin hilaritas; English, hilarity, exhilarate. “The joyful eagerness, the amiable grace, the affability going the length of gayety, which make the visitor a sunbeam penetrating into the sick-chamber, and to the heart of the afflicted.”