Romans 12:9

KJV

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let love {G26} be without dissimulation {G505}. Abhor {G655} that which is evil {G4190}; cleave {G2853} to that which is good {G18}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good.

Berean Standard Bible

Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.

American Standard Version

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 12:9 serves as a foundational exhortation for Christian conduct, urging believers to cultivate a love that is utterly sincere and devoid of pretense. This genuine affection is intrinsically linked to a clear moral compass, demanding a visceral rejection of all that is evil and an unwavering, active commitment to that which is good and righteous. It sets the ethical tone for the practical outworking of faith in the community and the world, emphasizing integrity and moral discernment as essential components of transformed living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 12 marks a pivotal transition in Paul's magnum opus. Having meticulously laid out the profound theological truths of God's righteousness, human sinfulness, salvation by grace through faith, and the sovereignty of God in chapters 1-11, Paul now shifts from doctrine (indicative) to duty (imperative). This chapter initiates the practical application of these theological realities, moving from "what God has done for us" to "how we are to live in response." Romans 12:1-2 serves as the overarching call to present oneself as a living sacrifice and to be transformed by the renewing of the mind, setting the stage for the specific ethical instructions that follow. Verse 9 specifically begins a series of rapid-fire, concise commands (often called "paranesis") that detail how believers are to interact with one another and the world, establishing the character of authentic Christian community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to the church in Rome, a diverse community of both Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire. This empire was characterized by a complex moral landscape, where public displays of piety or affection could often be superficial, driven by social convention or personal gain rather than genuine conviction. Hypocrisy (from the Greek _hypokrites_, an actor wearing a mask) was a common social phenomenon. In this environment, Paul's call for "love without dissimulation" was a radical counter-cultural demand for authenticity. Furthermore, the early Christian community, though united in Christ, faced internal tensions (e.g., between Jewish and Gentile practices) and external pressures (e.g., persecution, pagan influences). Paul's emphasis on distinguishing between good and evil and actively cleaving to the good was crucial for maintaining the moral distinctiveness and spiritual integrity of the nascent church amidst a morally ambiguous world.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 12:9 introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout Romans and Paul's broader theology. The primary theme is **Authentic Christian Love**, which is not merely an emotion but a principle of action that must be genuine and unfeigned, forming the basis for all interpersonal relationships within the body of Christ (as further elaborated in [Romans 12:10-13](/romans/12-10-13 "Romans 12:10-13 - Practical Expressions of Love")). Closely related is the theme of **Moral Discernment and Purity**, which calls believers to a clear ethical stance, actively distinguishing between and responding appropriately to good and evil. This moral clarity is a direct outflow of a transformed mind, as described in [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformation by Renewing the Mind")). Finally, the verse highlights **Active Commitment to Righteousness**, emphasizing that Christian living is not passive but requires intentional, unwavering adherence to God's standards of goodness, contrasting sharply with the passive acceptance or even embrace of evil that characterized much of the surrounding culture (cf. [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Love (Greek, _agápē_):** This is the highest form of love in the New Testament, often translated as "charity" in older versions. Unlike _eros_ (romantic love) or _philia_ (brotherly affection), _agápē_ is a self-sacrificial, benevolent love that wills the good of the other, regardless of their merit or whether they reciprocate. It is a love that originates in God ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is Love")) and is poured into the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Love Poured Out")). Here, Paul commands that this divine love be the defining characteristic of Christian relationships, not merely a feeling but a principled action.
* **Without dissimulation (Greek, _anypókritos_):** This compound word, formed from a negative particle and a root meaning "to act" or "to play a part," literally means "unhypocritical," "unfeigned," or "sincere." It describes love that is genuine, transparent, and free from pretense or ulterior motives. It contrasts with the behavior of an actor (a _hypokrites_) who wears a mask to portray a character. Paul insists that Christian love must be authentic, not a performance for show or gain, but an honest expression of the transformed heart.
* **Abhor (Greek, _apostygéō_):** This strong verb means "to detest utterly," "to shrink from with horror," or "to hate intensely." It is a compound word emphasizing a complete and decisive aversion. Paul does not suggest a mere dislike or avoidance of evil, but a deep-seated, visceral revulsion. This implies a moral sensitivity that recognizes evil for what it is—a destructive force contrary to God's nature and will—and reacts to it with righteous indignation, not indifference or tolerance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Let] love be without dissimulation":** This is the foundational command, setting the quality and character of Christian love. It is not merely a suggestion but an imperative that calls for love to be authentic, sincere, and free from any form of hypocrisy or pretense. This implies transparency, honesty, and genuine concern for others, flowing from a heart transformed by God's grace. It is a call to align one's inner disposition with outward expression, ensuring that actions of love are truly motivated by pure affection rather than obligation, manipulation, or appearance.
* **"Abhor that which is evil;":** This clause demands a strong, active, and decisive rejection of evil. "Evil" here (G4190, _ponērós_) refers to that which is hurtful, vicious, morally culpable, and actively harmful in its effect or influence. Believers are not to be neutral or passive concerning evil but are commanded to have a deep-seated, intense hatred for it. This is a call to moral clarity and spiritual discernment, recognizing and recoiling from anything that opposes God's character, His will, or the well-being of His creation. It implies an active stance against sin and injustice.
* **"cleave to that which is good.":** In direct contrast to abhorring evil, this final clause commands an equally strong and active adherence to good. "Cleave" (G2853, _kolláō_) means "to glue," "to stick to," "to join oneself to," or "to be faithfully devoted to." "Good" (G18, _agathós_) refers to that which is inherently beneficial, morally upright, and aligned with God's nature. This is not merely an appreciation for good but an active, unwavering commitment to it. It implies pursuing, embracing, and actively participating in acts of righteousness, kindness, and virtue, holding fast to them as one would to something invaluable.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting "abhor that which is evil" with "cleave to that which is good." This stark opposition highlights the clear moral choice and active stance required of believers, emphasizing that Christian living involves both rejection and embrace. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Let love be," "Abhor," "Cleave") underscores the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of these commands, presenting them as duties and responsibilities for the believer. Furthermore, the verb "cleave" (κολλάω, _kolláō_) functions as a **Metaphor**, drawing on the physical imagery of being "glued" or "stuck" to something. This vivid image conveys the depth and tenacity of the commitment believers are to have towards goodness, suggesting an inseparable bond. Together, these devices create a memorable and forceful exhortation that is both clear in its demands and profound in its implications for Christian character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 12:9 powerfully encapsulates the ethical demands of the gospel, demonstrating that true Christian love is inseparable from moral discernment and active righteousness. It underscores the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, which not only enables believers to love genuinely but also empowers them to hate evil and cling to good. This verse highlights the holistic nature of sanctification, where inner purity (love without dissimulation) leads to outward action (abhorring evil and cleaving to good). It establishes a fundamental principle: love, in its purest form, cannot tolerate evil but must actively oppose it, while simultaneously seeking and upholding that which is righteous and beneficial. This moral clarity is essential for the church's witness in a fallen world and for the health of its internal community.

* [1 Peter 1:22](/1_peter/1-22 "1 Peter 1:22 - Love One Another Fervently")
* [Amos 5:15](/amos/5-15 "Amos 5:15 - Hate Evil, Love Good")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 12:9 calls us to a radical authenticity in our love and a clear, unwavering moral stance. It challenges the superficiality that can easily creep into our relationships and the moral relativism that often pervades our culture. To live out this verse means consistently examining the motives behind our actions of love: Is our affection genuine, or is it a performance for approval, personal gain, or social convenience? It also compels us to cultivate a righteous aversion to evil, not just in its most egregious forms, but in its subtle manifestations within our own hearts and the world around us. This "abhorrence" should fuel a passionate commitment to justice and righteousness. Conversely, we are called to "cleave" to good, actively pursuing, embracing, and participating in all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy ([Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - Think on These Things")). This isn't passive goodness but an active, tenacious devotion to God's standards. Living this verse requires spiritual discipline, a renewed mind, and the courage to stand for truth and goodness in a world that often blurs moral lines.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "love" be less than "without dissimulation," perhaps driven by ulterior motives or social pressure?**
* **What specific evils in my personal life or in society do I need to cultivate a stronger "abhorrence" for, and how might I act on that conviction?**
* **How am I actively "cleaving to that which is good" in my daily choices, relationships, and commitments? What practical steps can I take to strengthen this adherence?**
* **How does this verse challenge the idea of moral neutrality or indifference in the face of injustice?**

### FAQ

**What does "without dissimulation" mean for daily life?**

Answer: "Without dissimulation" means to be sincere, genuine, and unhypocritical in your love. For daily life, this translates into authenticity in all your relationships. It means your words and actions should align with your true intentions and feelings, free from pretense, manipulation, or a desire to merely impress others. For example, if you express care for someone, it should be because you genuinely care, not because you expect something in return or want to maintain a certain image. It calls for transparency and integrity in how you interact with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers, reflecting the pure and honest love that God has for us ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

**How can a Christian "abhor" evil in a world that often celebrates it?**

Answer: To "abhor" evil means to detest it utterly, to have a deep-seated revulsion for anything that is contrary to God's character and will. In a world that often normalizes or even celebrates evil, this requires a transformed mind and a clear moral compass rooted in biblical truth. It means recognizing sin as destructive, unjust, and offensive to God, and reacting to it with righteous indignation rather than indifference or compromise. This doesn't necessarily mean hating people, but hating the evil actions, systems, and ideologies that harm God's creation and His people. It involves cultivating a sensitivity to sin, praying for justice, speaking out against injustice when appropriate, and refusing to participate in or condone evil practices, even when they are socially accepted ([Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - Have No Fellowship With Unfruitful Works")).

**What is the relationship between love and moral discernment in this verse?**

Answer: Romans 12:9 establishes an inseparable link between authentic love and sharp moral discernment. It shows that true, godly love (agápē) is not a blind or permissive emotion; rather, it is inherently discerning. A love that is "without dissimulation" cannot tolerate or be indifferent to evil. Instead, it actively "abhors" it because evil harms the beloved (God and neighbor). Conversely, this discerning love actively "cleaves to that which is good" because goodness promotes flourishing, righteousness, and aligns with God's nature. Therefore, genuine love acts as a moral compass, guiding believers to reject what is destructive and embrace what is life-giving and God-honoring. It demonstrates that Christian love is not sentimentalism but a robust, ethical commitment ([Philippians 1:9-10](/philippians/1-9-10 "Philippians 1:9-10 - Love Abounding in Knowledge and Discernment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 12:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of "love without dissimulation," His entire life a testament to genuine, self-sacrificial _agápē_ that was utterly transparent and free from pretense. From His compassionate healing of the sick to His willingness to lay down His life for His enemies ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), Jesus's love was always authentic, never motivated by self-interest or a desire for human applause. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly "abhorred that which is evil." He consistently confronted sin, rebuked hypocrisy, and cast out demons, demonstrating a righteous indignation against all that opposed God's kingdom and harmed humanity ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13-36 "Matthew 23:13-36 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"), [John 2:13-16](/john/2-13-16 "John 2:13-16 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). His life was a constant "cleaving to that which is good," as He perfectly obeyed the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - I Always Do What Pleases Him")), pursued righteousness, and brought light into a dark world. As believers, we are called to imitate Christ, and it is through our union with Him by the Spirit that we are empowered to live out this command. The Holy Spirit enables us to love with His _agápē_ ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit is Love")), to discern and abhor evil, and to cling steadfastly to the good, thereby reflecting the very character of our Savior ([Ephesians 5:1-2](/ephesians/5-1-2 "Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitate God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 34:14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:20

¶ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 Timothy 1:5

¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:

1 Peter 3:10

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

1 Peter 3:11

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.