Romans 12:8 (GNV)

Passage

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that distributeth, let him doe it with simplicitie: he that ruleth, with diligence: he that sheweth mercie, with cheerefulnesse.

Nearby Context

Romans 12:6 Seeing then that we haue gifts that are diuers, according to the grace that is giuen vnto vs, whether we haue prophecie, let vs prophecie according to the portion of faith:

Romans 12:7 Or an office, let vs waite on the office: or he that teacheth, on teaching:

Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that distributeth, let him doe it with simplicitie: he that ruleth, with diligence: he that sheweth mercie, with cheerefulnesse.

Romans 12:9 Let loue be without dissimulation. Abhorre that which is euill, and cleaue vnto that which is good.

Romans 12:10 Be affectioned to loue one another with brotherly loue. In giuing honour, goe one before another,

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "exhorteth", "exhortation", "distributeth", "simplicitie", "ruleth", "diligence", "sheweth", and "mercie". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "exhorteth" and "exhortation", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 7's "Or an office let vs waite on..." into verse 9's "Let loue be without dissimulation Abhorre that...", so "exhorteth" and "exhortation" belong inside that flow. In Romans context, the local focus is righteousness by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, and God's covenant faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "exhorteth" and "exhortation" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.