Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

ROMANS 12:6KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 12:6 (KJV)

What does Romans 12:6 mean?

Romans 12:6 says that believers have different abilities given through God’s kindness, and it begins to describe how those abilities are to be used. Paul starts with prophecy: a person who has that gift is to speak in proportion to faith.

Paul is speaking of people as members of one body, an image introduced in the preceding verses. Romans 12:6 moves from that picture to the different contributions those members make. Paul’s list continues in verses 7–8 with other kinds of service.

The Greek behind Romans 12:6

  • “gifts” — χαρίσματα (charismata): The word refers to gifts freely given. Its connection with the word translated “grace” highlights that these abilities are received, not earned.
  • “prophecy” — προφητεία (prophēteia): The word refers to speaking a message understood to come from God. In this verse, prophecy is the first gift Paul names.
  • “proportion” — ἀναλογία (analogia): The word carries the sense of a fitting relation or proportion. Here it joins prophecy to “faith,” though the brief phrase leaves its precise sense open.

Why Romans 12:6 matters

  • Different gifts belong within the same group, not separate groups with no connection. Paul has just pictured believers as “one body” whose members belong to one another (verse 5).
  • Paul treats prophecy as one gift among several. The list continues with serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy (verses 7–8).
  • Christians understand “according to the proportion of faith” in different ways: some take it to mean in proportion to a person’s faith, while others take it to mean in agreement with the shared faith.

Where else these words appear

“differing” Greek G1313 · used in 4 verses

  • Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
  • Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
  • Hebrews 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

“gifts” Greek G5486 · used in 17 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • 1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
  • 1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

“prophecy” Greek G4394 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
  • Revelation 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

“whether” Greek G1535 · used in 29 verses

  • Romans 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
  • Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.