Romans Chapter 12 · Verse 6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Original Language Analysis
ἔχοντες
Having
G2192
ἔχοντες
Having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
1 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
χαρίσματα
gifts
G5486
χαρίσματα
gifts
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
3 of 17
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
4 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριν
to the grace
G5485
χάριν
to the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
6 of 17
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοθεῖσαν
that is given
G1325
δοθεῖσαν
that is given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
8 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:7For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.Romans 1:11For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;Ephesians 4:11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;1 Corinthians 13:2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.1 Corinthians 14:1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Historical Context
Prophecy in the early church wasn't primarily foretelling the future but forth-telling God's word—Spirit-empowered preaching and exhortation in corporate worship. With the New Testament canon not yet complete, prophets played a vital role in applying apostolic teaching to specific situations. However, false prophets also threatened the church (Matthew 7:15, 1 John 4:1), requiring discernment. Paul's qualifier—prophecy must align with 'the faith'—protected the church from subjectivism while valuing the Spirit's ongoing speech through gifted members.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish true prophecy (Spirit-inspired application of Scripture) from personal opinion or manipulation?
- If you have teaching gifts, are you exercising them 'according to the proportion of faith'—faithfully grounded in apostolic doctrine?
- What role does prophetic exhortation (applying God's word to current situations) play in your church's worship and discipleship?
Analysis & Commentary
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; The word gifts (χαρίσματα, charismata) derives from charis (grace)—spiritual gifts are grace-gifts, freely given by God, not earned abilities. They differ according to the grace that is given to us (κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν, kata tēn charin tēn dotheisan hēmin), reinforcing that diversity in the body flows from God's sovereign distribution. Paul lists seven representative gifts in verses 6-8, beginning with prophecy (προφητείαν, prophēteian), the inspired speaking forth of God's word for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Prophecy must be exercised according to the proportion of faith (κατὰ τὴν ἀναλογίαν τῆς πίστεως, kata tēn analogian tēs pisteōs). This difficult phrase probably means 'in accordance with the faith'—the apostolic deposit of doctrine. Prophecy isn't private revelation but inspired application of revealed truth, always consistent with Scripture. Some interpret it as 'in proportion to one's faith'—speak only as far as God enables. Either way, prophecy is accountable speech, tested by the word and the community (1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).