Romans 12 16

Romans 12:16 kjv

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Romans 12:16 nkjv

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Romans 12:16 niv

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Romans 12:16 esv

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Romans 12:16 nlt

Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!

Romans 12 verses

Romans 12 16 Meaning

This verse exhorts believers to cultivate unity and humble fellowship within the community. It specifically cautions against intellectual pride and social haughtiness, urging individuals to not aspire to worldly eminence or elevate themselves above others. Instead, it calls for an active, willing identification with, and genuine association alongside, those who are considered low in social standing or humble in their condition. It concludes with a sharp warning against self-perception of superior wisdom, encouraging true humility of mind.

Romans 12 16 Context

Romans chapter 12 marks a significant shift in Paul’s epistle from profound theological doctrine (Romans 1-11) to practical ethical exhortations for Christian living (Romans 12-16). It begins with a foundational call for believers to dedicate their lives entirely to God as "living sacrifices" (12:1) and to undergo a spiritual transformation of their minds, rather than conforming to the patterns of the world (12:2). This renewed mind is then to manifest in humble service and the exercise of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, acknowledging that each member has a unique function (12:3-8). Verse 16 specifically falls within a broader list of practical virtues and commands concerning how believers should interact with one another and with the world. This section (12:9-21) emphasizes sincere love, patience, hospitality, empathy, and overcoming evil with good. Thus, Romans 12:16 is an imperative that deepens the call for genuine, humble, and outward-focused relationships, directly stemming from a mind transformed by Christ and rejecting the self-serving values of the surrounding Greco-Roman culture.

Romans 12 16 Word analysis

• Live in harmony with one another. (φρονεῖτε τὸ αὐτὸ εἰς ἀλλήλους - phroneite to auto eis allēlous)
  • φρονεῖτε (phroneite): An imperative from φρονέω (phroneō), meaning "to think," "to set one's mind on," or "to have a certain attitude." It conveys a shared mindset, purpose, and spiritual outlook, implying a unity in affection and aim rather than perfect intellectual agreement on every minor point. This unity is crucial for the cohesion of the body of Christ.
  • τὸ αὐτὸ (to auto): Literally "the same thing," reinforcing the call for a singular, collective perspective or attitude.
  • εἰς ἀλλήλους (eis allēlous): "Toward one another," specifying the reciprocal nature of this harmonious mindset within the community.
• Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. (μὴ τὰ ὑψηλὰ φρονοῦντες ἀλλὰ τοῖς ταπεινοῖς συναπαγόμενοι - mē ta hypsēla phronountes alla tois tapeinois synapagomenoi)
  • μὴ (mē): A strong prohibition, "do not."
  • τὰ ὑψηλὰ (ta hypsēla): Literally "the high things." This refers to anything exalted: high status, power, wealth, worldly prominence, or even intellectual arrogance. The prohibition is against aspiring to or being preoccupied with these things.
  • φρονοῦντες (phronountes): A participle of φρονέω (phroneō), here meaning "thinking," "minding," or "being absorbed in." It connects the two parts of the sentence, highlighting contrasting mindsets.
  • ἀλλὰ (alla): "But," introducing a sharp contrast and an alternative course of action.
  • τοῖς ταπεινοῖς (tois tapeinois): "To the humble/lowly ones." ταπεινός (tapeinos) means lowly, humble, abased, poor, or insignificant. In ancient Greek culture, it often had a negative connotation, referring to those without status. For Paul, embracing the tapeinos becomes a Christian virtue.
  • συναπαγόμενοι (synapagomenoi): A present participle, "being led away with" or "associating with," from συναπάγω (synapagō). This term is more active than merely helping the lowly; it suggests a voluntary, almost yielding, identification with them. It implies letting oneself be carried along or drawn into fellowship with them, breaking down social barriers and overcoming internal prejudice. It speaks of genuine engagement, not merely charitable distance.
• Do not be conceited. (μὴ γίνεσθε φρόνιμοι παρ' ἑαυτοῖς - mē ginesthe phronimoi par' heautois)
  • μὴ γίνεσθε (mē ginesthe): "Do not become." The present imperative suggests "stop becoming" if they were already showing such tendencies, or "never start becoming" if not.
  • φρόνιμοι (phronimoi): Plural of φρόνιμος (phronimos), "wise," "prudent," "shrewd." While often positive, in this context, when coupled with the next phrase, it denotes a self-sufficiency in wisdom.
  • παρ' ἑαυτοῖς (par' heautois): "With yourselves" or "in your own estimation." This phrase makes the wisdom self-serving and isolated, contrasting with wisdom derived from God or community. It highlights a dangerous form of self-reliant intellectual pride.

• Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud: These clauses are united by the Greek verb φρονέω (phroneō - to think, to set one's mind). Paul directly contrasts a shared mindset aimed at unity with a self-absorbed mindset focused on personal exaltation or worldly ambitions. The desired unity is fundamentally challenged by individual pride.
• Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position: This forms a direct antithesis. Rejecting the aspiration for "high things" (pride) necessitates an active embrace of those in "low position." The Christian walk is counter-cultural, choosing humble solidarity over societal status seeking. The phrase "associate with" (συναπάγω) is strong, implying more than mere philanthropy—it's genuine identification and fellowship.
• Do not be conceited: This serves as a concluding, powerful summary and reinforcement of the previous points. It directly addresses the internal state of pride ("wise in your own eyes") that prevents true harmony and genuine association with the humble. It underscores that spiritual humility is fundamentally a posture of the mind and heart.

Romans 12 16 Bonus section

• The Power of the Greek Participle: The use of participles like "φρονοῦντες" (thinking) and "συναπαγόμενοι" (associating) instead of direct imperatives adds a continuous and qualitative dimension to the commands. It describes an ongoing state of mind and action: "Do not be constantly thinking high things," and "let yourselves be continuously carried along with the humble." This indicates a lifestyle and ingrained attitude, not just isolated acts.
• Paul's Consistent Theme: This verse is a cornerstone of Paul's consistent emphasis on humility, often drawing on Christ as the ultimate example (e.g., Php 2:5-8). For Paul, Christian community life must be characterized by a humility that breaks down societal and intellectual barriers, moving from theological truth to ethical practice.
• Echoes of Old Testament Wisdom: The final phrase "Do not be conceited" strongly echoes Old Testament proverbs warning against being "wise in your own eyes" (e.g., Pro 3:7; 26:12). This shows a continuity of biblical wisdom applied to the New Covenant community.
• Challenge to Philosophical Schools: In Paul's time, various philosophical schools prized intellectual prowess and self-mastery, often leading to arrogance towards those considered unlearned. This verse offers a counter-cultural ethos, valuing humble relationship over self-aggrandizing intellect.

Romans 12 16 Commentary

Romans 12:16 is a critical call to radical humility and relational unity, contrasting deeply with the natural human inclination towards pride and societal distinctions. It exhorts believers to cultivate a single, harmonious mindset that supersedes individual ambitions and pride. This "same mind" is not about uniform opinions, but a shared Christ-like perspective focused on selfless love and service. Paul explicitly warns against the lure of "high things"—worldly prestige, power, or intellectual superiority—which lead to disunity. Instead, believers are commanded to actively and genuinely associate with those who are "lowly," willingly engaging and identifying with society's marginalized and humble, rather than maintaining a superior distance. This challenge directly counters social stratification and spiritual arrogance. The final admonition, "Do not be conceited," is a summation, condemning the internal disposition of self-assured wisdom or pride that obstructs both genuine fellowship and divine guidance. In essence, the verse encapsulates a practical manifestation of humility essential for the health and testimony of the Christian community, mirroring Christ's own path of self-emptying and identification with humanity.

Example: A successful business owner within the church who consistently chooses to share meals and invest time with unemployed members or those facing financial hardship, genuinely valuing their perspectives and company, rather than exclusively networking with high-status individuals.