Anakalypsis / Unveiling the Word

Romans 12:14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

KJV

εὐλογεῖτε τοὺς διώκοντας ὑμᾶς, εὐλογεῖτε καὶ μὴ καταρᾶσθε.

Greek NT

Benedicite persequentibus vos : benedicite, et nolite maledicere.

Vulgate

Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.

ASV

Bless them that persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Douay-Rheims

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In the original Greek

7 distinct Greek words appear in this verse.

διώκω
dioko
verb · 44×
εὐλογέω
eulogeo
verb · 41×
καί
kai
conjunction · 8973×
καταράομαι
kataraomai
verb · 5×
μή
me
particle · 1033×
ὁ
o
article · 19778×
ὑμεῖς
umeis
pronoun · 1828×

Textual variants

1 variant unit attested by manuscript witnesses and modern critical editions.

notable
SBLGNT: διώκοντας | WH: διώκοντας | Treg/NIV/RP: + ὑμᾶς
  • διώκοντας — SBLGNT
  • διώκοντας — Westcott-Hort
  • + ὑμᾶς — Tregelles, Reader's GNT (NA27), Robinson-Pierpont
source: sblgnt-apparatus

Historic Christian voices

8 passages from patristic writers, Reformers, and church catechisms citing this verse.

§1669Sacramentals derive from the baptismal priesthood: every baptized person is called to be a "blessing," and to bless.172 Hence lay people may preside at certain blessings; the more a blessing concerns ecclesial and sacramental life, the more is its administration reserved to the ordained ministry (bishops, priests, or deacons).173
§2636The first Christian communities lived this form of fellowship intensely.116 Thus the Apostle Paul gives them a share in his ministry of preaching the Gospel117 but also intercedes for them.118 The intercession of Christians recognizes no boundaries: "for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions," for persecutors, for the salvation of those who reject the Gospel.119
Source. Translated by J. Walker, J. Sheppard and H. Browne, and revised by George B. Stevens. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 11. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210222.htm>. Contact information. The editor of New Adven…
Source. Translated by J. Walker, J. Sheppard and H. Browne, and revised by George B. Stevens. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 11. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210223.htm>. Contact information. The editor of New Adven…
Abba Macarius said, "If you remember an evil that someone has done to you, pray for him and say, 'O God, help my brother and me through the prayers of the saints.' By calling on his brother and including him in your prayer, you move your soul to compassion."

Cross-references

  • 1Cor 4:12 — And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
  • 1Cor 4:12 — And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
  • 1Kgs 13:6 — And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king
  • 1Pet 2:21 — For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
  • 1Pet 3:9 — Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
  • 1Pet 3:9 — Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
  • 1Sam 24:6 — And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
  • 1Thess 5:15 — See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
  • Acts 7:60 — And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
  • Acts 7:60 — And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
  • Jas 3:10 — Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
  • Jas 3:10 — Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
  • Job 31:29 — If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:
  • Job 31:30 — Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.
  • Lev 19:14 — Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.
  • Luke 6:28 — Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
  • Luke 6:28 — Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
  • Luke 23:34 — Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
  • Luke 23:34 — Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
  • Matt 5:44 — But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Matt 5:44 — But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Ps 35:13 — But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
  • Rom 12:19 — Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
  • Rom 12:21 — Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.