Romans 12:10

Authorized King James Version

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Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Original Language Analysis

τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φιλαδελφίᾳ with brotherly love G5360
φιλαδελφίᾳ with brotherly love
Strong's: G5360
Word #: 2 of 9
fraternal affection
εἰς one to another G1519
εἰς one to another
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 3 of 9
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀλλήλους one another G240
ἀλλήλους one another
Strong's: G240
Word #: 4 of 9
one another
φιλόστοργοι Be kindly affectioned G5387
φιλόστοργοι Be kindly affectioned
Strong's: G5387
Word #: 5 of 9
fond of natural relatives, i.e., fraternal towards fellow christian
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τιμῇ in honour G5092
τιμῇ in honour
Strong's: G5092
Word #: 7 of 9
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
ἀλλήλους one another G240
ἀλλήλους one another
Strong's: G240
Word #: 8 of 9
one another
προηγούμενοι preferring G4285
προηγούμενοι preferring
Strong's: G4285
Word #: 9 of 9
to lead the way for others, i.e., show deference

Analysis & Commentary

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Paul specifies what sincere love looks like in the Christian community. Kindly affectioned (φιλόστοργοι, philostorgoi) describes the natural affection within families—tender, warm-hearted devotion. This word appears only here in the New Testament, combining philos (friendship) and storgē (family affection). Paul adds brotherly love (φιλαδελφίᾳ, philadelphia), another compound: love for siblings. Together, these terms paint the church as a family bound not by blood but by Christ. Believers should feel toward one another the instinctive affection of brothers and sisters.

The second phrase, in honour preferring one another (τῇ τιμῇ ἀλλήλους προηγούμενοι, tē timē allēlous proēgoumenoi), literally means 'going before one another in honor'—taking the lead in showing respect. This command subverts the Roman honor-shame culture, where social climbing and self-promotion dominated. Paul calls Christians to outdo each other not in status-seeking but in honor-giving. This is countercultural love: instead of demanding respect, bestow it; instead of asserting your rights, yield them. Philippians 2:3-4 captures this attitude: 'in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.'

Historical Context

Roman society was obsessed with honor (Latin dignitas)—public recognition, social rank, and reputation determined one's worth. Competitions for honor drove politics, patron-client relations, and daily interactions. Honor was a limited commodity: gaining it meant taking it from someone else. Into this honor-shame culture, Paul introduces a revolutionary ethic: Christians compete to give honor away, not accumulate it. This upside-down value system reflected Jesus's teaching that greatness comes through service (Mark 10:42-45).

Questions for Reflection

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