Romans · Chapter 12 · Peace
Romans 12:18 — Bible Verse Meaning & Context
Peace that does not depend on circumstance.
1080 × 1080 · Square
Background
— or pick from our presets below —
Processed locally — your photo never leaves your device.
Every download includes a small bibleverses.au mark so others can find us too.
Both translations, side by side
WEB · World English Bible
"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."
KJV · King James Version
"If1487 it be possible1415, as much as lieth in1537 you5216, live peaceably1514 with3326 all3956 men444."
How the translations differ: The WEB is a modern public-domain revision of the 1901 ASV; the KJV dates to 1611. The KJV uses lieth, live, peaceably, while the WEB renders these as peace. Both translate the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text — the differences are stylistic, not theological.
In context
Romans 12:18 in Romans 12
A Bible verse rarely stands alone. Here is Romans 12:18 read with the verses immediately before and after — the surrounding flow of Romans 12. Read the full chapter →
- v.16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.
- v.17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
- v.18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
- v.19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
- v.20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Book background
About the Book of Romans
- Testament
- New Testament
- Genre
- Pauline epistle
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Date written
- c. 57 AD
- Audience
- The Christians at Rome (whom Paul had not yet met)
- Chapters
- 16
Romans is Paul's most systematic exposition of the gospel — that all have sinned, are justified freely by faith in Christ apart from works, are united with Him in His death and resurrection, and live by the Spirit in confident assurance ("nothing can separate us from the love of God" — chapter 8). It has transformed every major Christian revival in history.
Setting: Written from Corinth on the eve of Paul's final trip to Jerusalem.
Key themes: righteousness · faith · justification · sin · gospel
Memorisation aid
How to memorise Romans 12:18
Romans 12:18 contains 18 words in 3 clauses. Learn one clause at a time, then chain them. The first-letter mnemonic (FLM) under each clause is a memory hook — once you can speak the FLM from memory, the full clause follows.
- 1
If it is possible
IIIP
- 2
as much as it is up to you
AMAIIU
- 3
be at peace with all men.
BAPWAM
Frequently asked
FAQ about Romans 12:18
What does Romans 12:18 say?
Romans 12:18 reads: "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men." — from the New Testament, Romans (Pauline epistle). The full verse is shown above with both the World English Bible (WEB) and King James Version (KJV) translations side by side.
What book of the Bible is Romans 12:18 in?
Romans 12:18 is in the book of Romans, traditionally attributed to Paul the apostle and written around c. 57 AD. Romans is pauline epistle in the New Testament, originally addressed to The Christians at Rome (whom Paul had not yet met). Best known for "the just shall live by faith" and Romans 8:28.
What is Romans 12:18 about?
Romans 12:18 is primarily a Bible verse about Peace. Within Romans, Romans is Paul's most systematic exposition of the gospel — that all have sinned, are justified freely by faith in Christ apart from works, are united with Him in His death and resurrection, and live by the Spirit in confident assurance ("nothing can separate us from the love of God" — chapter 8). Read the full passage above with surrounding context.
What is the difference between Romans 12:18 in WEB and KJV?
Romans 12:18 in the World English Bible (WEB) reads: "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.". The King James Version (KJV) reads: "If1487 it be possible1415, as much as lieth in1537 you5216, live peaceably1514 with3326 all3956 men444.". The WEB is a modern public-domain translation that updates the KJV's 1611 English while keeping a similar formal-equivalence style. Both render the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text.
How long is Romans 12:18?
Romans 12:18 is 18 words in the WEB translation (72 characters), broken into 3 clauses. It is short and well-suited to memorisation. Estimated reading time is about 5 seconds.
How can I memorise Romans 12:18?
To memorise Romans 12:18, split it into its 3 natural clauses and learn one at a time. Repeat the full verse out loud five times, then write it from memory. Saving the verse as a photo wallpaper using our verse image studio helps daily review — the visual association with a memorable background dramatically improves recall.
Why does Romans 12:18 matter in Romans?
Romans is Paul's most systematic exposition of the gospel — that all have sinned, are justified freely by faith in Christ apart from works, are united with Him in His death and resurrection, and live by the Spirit in confident assurance ("nothing can separate us from the love of God" — chapter 8). It has transformed every major Christian revival in history. Romans 12:18 sits within this larger story — Romans as a whole emphasises righteousness, faith, justification.
How can I apply Romans 12:18 today?
Many readers use Romans 12:18 as a daily reminder verse — saving it as a phone wallpaper, sharing it on Pinterest, or memorising it for prayer. The verse studio on this page lets you download Romans 12:18 on 52 different backgrounds for free. Pair the verse with the surrounding chapter context shown above to understand its full meaning before applying it.
More designs
10 verses to read next
A fresh set of verses every visit — each on its own photo background. Tap any card to open the full study page.
-
Psalms 23:1
“A Psalm by David. Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
Read context →
-
Psalms 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Read context →
-
Matthew 11:28
““Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Read context →
-
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
Read context →
-
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.”
Read context →
-
Philippians 4:6-7
“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which sur…”
Read context →
-
Psalm 23:1
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
Read context →
-
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a latter end.”
Read context →
-
Psalms 46:1
“For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Read context →
-
Psalms 46:10
““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.””
Read context →
More featured verses in Romans 12
Read full chapter →
Romans 12:2
“Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will…”
Read context →
Romans 12:12
“rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;”
Read context →
Romans 12:21
“Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Read context →
More featured verses in Romans
Browse Romans →
Romans 8:28
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Read context →
Romans 5:8
“But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Read context →
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Read context →
Romans 8:31
“What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Read context →