Romans 12:5

Translations

Modern

…so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.

Traditional

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Literal

…so we, the many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Latin

…ita multi unum corpus sumus in Christo, singuli autem alter alterius membra.

Original

Greek

English

…so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.

Notes

Romans 12:4–5

so in Christ we who are many are one body: Paul compares the human body to the church, which he calls the body of Christ. He also uses this comparison in 1 Corinthians 12. This picture helps explain both unity and diversity in the church. Many parts belong to one body, and each part has an important role. Ancient writers also used this same comparison to describe how communities work together (compare Livy, History 2.32; Epictetus, Discourses 2.10.4–5).

Romans 12:1–15:13

This section of Romans explains the moral and ethical demands of the gospel. God’s gift of salvation in Christ calls for a response from believers.

God not only forgives sin. He also wants to transform how people live.

Much of what Paul teaches here about the moral duties of believers also appears in his other letters. However, Paul also addresses issues that were especially important for the church in Rome. One key issue was the disagreement between people who were weak in faith and people who were strong in faith(14:1–15:13).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Church The Church as a Living, Active Body

Related verses

1 Corinthians 12:20
As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
1 Corinthians 12:27–28
Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.
1 Corinthians 10:17
Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.
Ephesians 5:30
For we are members of His body.
Colossians 2:19
He has lost connection to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow.
1 Corinthians 12:12–14
The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:33
…as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.
Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.
Romans 12:4
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,
Ephesians 1:23
…which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.

Parallels

1 Corinthians 3:16–23 1 Corinthians 6:18–20

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Adam (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Body of Christ Church Letter to the Romans Spirit of God Spiritual Gifts

Topics

Christian Minister: Duties of Church Membership Church: Membership In Church: Unity of Coming Together as One Community Community Service Fellowship with Christ Joining the Local Church Order in the Church Personality Regular Church Attendance Religion: True Righteous: Unity of, with Christ Selfishness: Inconsistent with Communion of Saints Spiritual Gifts The Body of Christ The Church: Unity of The Local Church Unity

Romans 12:5

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?