12:8a

The Greek here has the word that means “or if,” as in 12:7a and 12:7b. For example:

or if

encouraging: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as encouraging :

(1) It means “encourage” or “comfort” here.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011), Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

(2) It means “urge strongly” here. For example:

he who exhorts (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, NET Bible)

The Greek word possibly implies both meanings here. But many languages will not have a word that has both meanings and will need to decide which meaning to translate. If that is true in your language, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). But if the major language version follows interpretation (2), you may want to follow that.

12:8b

The Greek word that can mean “or if” (as in 12:7a–b) does not occur here, but it is clearly implied. In some languages it is more natural to continue with the same introduction as before. For example:

⌊Or if⌋ ⌊you are/have⌋

giving: The Greek word refers to sharing a part of what one has with others, to help with their needs. Here are other ways to translate this word:

shares (Good News Translation)
-or-
give (New Jerusalem Bible)

give generously: This word refers to someone giving freely because he wants to help. Here are other ways to translate this word:

without restraint
-or-
in full measure
-or-
happily/greatly/much

12:8c

The Greek word that can mean “or if” (as in 12:7a–b) does not occur here, but it is clearly implied. In some languages it is more natural to continue with the same introduction as before. For example:

⌊Or if⌋ ⌊you are/have⌋

leading: There are several ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as leading :

(1) It means lead here. Paul referred to those with the gift of leadership.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New Revised Standard Version, King James Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It means have authority here. For example:

has authority (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation)

(3) It means give help here. For example:

gives aid (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because many English versions support it.

with diligence: There are several ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as diligence :

(1) It means leading earnestly, without stopping here. A leader should not become lazy and ignore his duties. For example:

diligently (New International Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, New Revised Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), NET Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It means leading with enthusiasm here. For example:

enthusiastically (God’s Word)

(Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, God’s Word, Revised English Bible)

The Greek word can mean either (1) or (2). It is hard to choose which sense Paul meant here. Some languages may have a word that allows both meanings, but many languages must choose one or the other. If that is true in your language, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because many English versions support it. But if the major language version follows interpretation (2), you may want to follow that.

12:8d

showing mercy: The scholars generally agree that the meaning here is to help people who are sick, hurt, poor, unable to work, or old. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

compassionate (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
helping people in need (God’s Word)
-or-
help others in distress (Revised English Bible)
-or-
helping the unfortunate

do it cheerfully: This word refers to being happy. A believer should be happy when he or she is helping others.

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