SEV Biblia, Chapter 12:10
amando la caridad de la hermandad los unos con los otros; previnindoos con honra los unos a los otros;
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Romans 12:10
Verse 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love] It is difficult to give a simple translation of the original: th filadelfia eiv allhlouv filostorgoi. The word filadelfia signifies that affectionate regard which every Christian should feel for another, as being members of the same mystical body: hence it is emphatically termed the love of the brethren. When William Penn, of deservedly famous memory, made a treaty with the Indians in North America, and purchased from them a large woody tract, which, after its own nature and his name, he called Pennsylvania, he built a city on it, and peopled it with Christians of his own denomination, and called the city from the word in the text, filadelfia, PHILADELPHIA; an appellation which it then bore with strict propriety: and still it bears the name. The word filostorgov, which we translate kindly affectioned, from filov and storgh, signifies that tender and indescribable affection which a mother bears to her child, and which almost all creatures manifest towards their young; and the word filov, or filew, joined to it, signifies a delight in it. Feel the tenderest affection towards each other, and delight to feel it.
"Love a brother Christian with the affection of a natural brother." In honour preferring one another] The meaning appears to be this: Consider all your brethren as more worthy than yourself; and let neither grief nor envy affect your mind at seeing another honoured and yourself neglected. This is a hard lesson, and very few persons learn it thoroughly.
If we wish to see our brethren honoured, still it is with the secret condition in our own minds that we be honoured more than they. We have no objection to the elevation of others, providing we may be at the head. But who can bear even to be what he calls neglected? I once heard the following conversation between two persons, which the reader will pardon my relating in this place, as it appears to be rather in point, and is worthy of regard. "I know not," said one, "that I neglect to do any thing in my power to promote the interest of true religion in this place, and yet I seem to be held in very little repute, scarcely any person even noticing me." To which the other replied: "My good friend, set yourself down for nothing, and if any person takes you for something it will be all clear gain." I thought this a queer saying: but how full of meaning and common sense! Whether the object of this good counsel was profited by it I cannot tell; but I looked on it and received instruction.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love , etc..] This is one branch of that love, before advised to, which should be unfeigned, and without guile and deceit. The objects of this grace are brethren, not in such sense as all the descendants of Adam are, or men of the same country be, or as such who are born of the same parents in a natural sense are; to each of whom love is due under their respective characters and relations: but such who are so in a spiritual sense, who are born of God, are of his household, belong to his family, are the brethren of Christ, and one another; and are either members of the same church, incorporated together in the same church state, or at least members of Christ, and of the church universal. Now love to these should be kind, tender, and affectionate, reciprocal and mutual; such should love one another; there should be no love wanting on either side; and it ought to be universal, and reach to all the saints, though of different gifts, light, knowledge and experience, or whether high or low, rich or poor; and should show itself by bearing one another's burdens, bearing with, and forbearing each other, forgiving one another, and by edifying one another in their most holy faith, and praying with, and for one another. In honour preferring one another ; saints should think honourably of one another, and entertain an honourable esteem of each other; yea, should esteem each other better thou themselves; and not indulge evil surmises, and groundless jealousies of one another, which is contrary to that love that thinks no evil. They should speak honourably of each other in Christian company, and discourage that evil practice of whisperings, backbitings, and innuendos; they should treat each other with honour and respect in their common conversation, and especially when met together as a church of Christ. They should go before each other in giving honour, and showing respect, as the word prohgoumenov , signifies: they should set each other an example; and which also may be taken into the sense of the word, should prevent one another, not waiting until respect is shown on one side to return it again. Nor does this rule at all break in upon that order that should subsist, and be maintained in bodies civil and ecclesiastical, which requires superior honour to be given to persons according to their character, office, and station in which they are.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 9-16 - The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, fre from deceit, and unmeaning and deceitful compliments. Depending of Divine grace, they must detest and dread all evil, and love and deligh in whatever is kind and useful. We must not only do that which is good but we must cleave to it. All our duty towards one another is summed u in one word, love. This denotes the love of parents to their children which is more tender and natural than any other; unforced unconstrained. And love to God and man, with zeal for the gospel, wil make the wise Christian diligent in all his wordly business, and in gaining superior skill. God must be served with the spirit, under the influences of the Holy Spirit. He is honoured by our hope and trust in him, especially when we rejoice in that hope. He is served, not only by working for him, but by sitting still quietly, when he calls us to suffer. Patience for God's sake, is true piety. Those that rejoice in hope, are likely to be patient in tribulation. We should not be cold in the duty of prayer, nor soon weary of it. Not only must there by kindness to friends and brethren, but Christians must not harbour ange against enemies. It is but mock love, which rests in words of kindness while our brethren need real supplies, and it is in our power to furnish them. Be ready to entertain those who do good: as there is occasion, we must welcome strangers. Bless, and curse not. It mean thorough good will; not, bless them when at prayer, and curse them a other times; but bless them always, and curse not at all. Tru Christian love will make us take part in the sorrows and joys of eac other. Labour as much as you can to agree in the same spiritual truths and when you come short of that, yet agree in affection. Look upo worldly pomp and dignity with holy contempt. Do not mind it; be not in love with it. Be reconciled to the place God in his providence puts yo in, whatever it be. Nothing is below us, but sin. We shall never fin in our hearts to condescend to others, while we indulge conceit of ourselves; therefore that must be mortified.
Greek Textus Receptus
τη 3588 T-DSF φιλαδελφια 5360 N-DSF εις 1519 PREP αλληλους 240 C-APM φιλοστοργοι 5387 A-NPM τη 3588 T-DSF τιμη 5092 N-DSF αλληλους 240 C-APM προηγουμενοι 4285 5740 V-PNP-NPM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
10. Be kindly affectioned (filostorgoi). Only here in the New Testament. From stergw to love, which denotes peculiarly a natural affection, a sentiment innate and peculiar to men as men, as distinguished from the love of desire, called out by circumstance. Hence of the natural love of kindred, of people and king (the relation being regarded as founded in nature), of a tutelary God for a people. The word here represents Christians as bound by a family tie. It is intended to define more specifically the character of filadelfia brotherly love, which follows, so that the exhortation is "love the brethren in the faith as though they were brethren in blood" (Farrar). Rev., be tenderly affectioned; but the A.V., in the word kindly gives the real sense, since kind is originally kinned; and kindly affectioned is having the affection of kindred.In honor preferring one another (th timh allhlouv prohgoumenoi). The verb occurs only here. It means to go before as a guide. Honor is the honor due from each to all. Compare Philip. ii. 3; 1 Pet. ii. 17; v. 5. Hence, leading the way in showing the honor that is due. Others render antcipating and excelling.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
12:10 {In love of the brethren} (ti philadelphiai). Late word for brotherly love for which see #1Th 4:9. {Tenderly affectioned} (filostorgoi). Old compound adjective from filos and storg (mutual love of parents and children), here alone in N.T.
