"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
— Romans 12:10 (NIV)
Romans 12:10 is the "be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love" verse, Paul's picture of how believers should treat each other like family. This page gives the verse, what the key words mean, where it sits in Romans 12, and a plain reading. For more on the theme, see Bible verses about brotherly love, Bible verses about loving others, and Bible verses about humility.
Free PDF
Get the free 30 Days of Love Verses PDF
Sign up for the daily Bible verse email, and get the free 30 Days of Love Verses PDF. 30 Days of Love Verses · Open the PDF
The verse
The King James reads: "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."
"Devoted" (KJV "kindly affectioned") is philostorgos (G5387), the warm, natural affection of family members. "Love" here is philadelphia (G5360), brotherly love, the love of brothers and sisters. "Honor" is timē (G5092), value or respect, and "above yourselves" (KJV "preferring") is proēgeomai (G4285), to go first or lead the way. Paul is asking believers to be first at showing honor.
Where it sits in Romans 12
Romans 12 opens with "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice" and "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Then Paul describes what that changed life looks like among believers.
The verse just before it sets the standard: "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9). The verses after keep going: "Never be lacking in zeal" (12:11), "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12), "Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality" (12:13), and "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15).
What the verse is saying
Paul stacks family words on purpose. The church is not a club of polite strangers. Believers are brothers and sisters, so their love should be warm and loyal, the kind you have for family.
The second half makes it practical: try to outdo each other in showing honor. That means noticing people, thanking them, giving them credit, and putting their good ahead of your own place. Philippians 2:3 says the same: "in humility value others above yourselves."
Questions people ask
What does Romans 12:10 say?
In the NIV it says, "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." The KJV says, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."
What does "brotherly love" mean in Romans 12:10?
It translates philadelphia, the love between brothers and sisters. Paul uses it for the love believers owe each other as members of God's family.
What does "in honour preferring one another" mean?
It means taking the lead in showing honor to others. The Greek pictures going first, so instead of waiting to be honored, you are quick to honor someone else.
How can I apply Romans 12:10?
Pick one person this week and honor them on purpose: thank them by name, give them credit in front of others, or help with something that matters to them.
What verses go with Romans 12:10?
Hebrews 13:1 (keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters), Philippians 2:3-4 (value others above yourselves), and 1 Peter 4:8 (love each other deeply) are close companions.
