Romans 12 2

Romans 12:2 kjv

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2 nkjv

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 niv

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is?his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 esv

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 nlt

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12 verses

Romans 12 2 Meaning

Romans 12:2 calls believers to a radical departure from the world's values and patterns. It urges an internal transformation, a fundamental renewal of one's entire thought process and worldview, as opposed to mere external conformity. This spiritual metamorphosis, driven by the Holy Spirit, empowers a believer to discern, validate, and fully embrace God's will, recognizing it as inherently good, fully pleasing to Him, and complete in its purpose.

Romans 12 2 Context

Romans 12:2 serves as the practical application and ethical imperative following Paul's profound theological discourse in Romans 1-11, particularly building upon the "mercies of God" mentioned in 12:1. Having established humanity's fallen state, God's gracious provision of righteousness through faith, and His sovereign plan for both Jew and Gentile, Paul transitions from "indicative" (what God has done) to "imperative" (what believers must do). The verses immediately preceding (Rom 12:1) urge believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Verse 2 elaborates on how this is lived out – not through mere external ritual, but by an internal renovation that changes how a believer relates to the surrounding world and God's will. Historically, the early church lived amidst a predominantly pagan Roman society with differing moral standards, idolatry, and worldly ambitions. This verse therefore calls for a distinctive Christian identity and worldview, counter-cultural and committed solely to God's values.

Romans 12 2 Word analysis

• Do not conform (μὴ συσχηματίζεσθε - mē syschēmatizesthe): This is a present imperative verb, meaning it's a command to stop or not continue an ongoing action of conforming. The root schēma refers to an external, superficial pattern, an outward fashion or guise that can easily change and lacks true essence. It implies adopting the habits, opinions, and moral standards of society without internal conviction.
• to the pattern of this world (τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ - tō aiōni toutō): Aiōn (aeon/age) here refers not to a duration of time, but to the spirit or system of this present fallen, sinful epoch—the prevailing moral and spiritual atmosphere opposed to God and His kingdom. "Pattern" emphasizes the established customs and thought-patterns of this rebellious system.
• but (ἀλλά - alla): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast and redirection from the previous command.
• be transformed (μεταμορφοῦσθε - metamorphousthe): Also a present imperative, commanding a continuous process of being transformed. The Greek word is where "metamorphosis" comes from, implying a fundamental, internal, essential change from one form to another, like a caterpillar into a butterfly. This is a divine work that results in an entirely new nature and expression.
• by the renewing (τῇ ἀνακαινώσει - tē anakainōsei): Anakainōsis means renewal or renovation. It suggests a qualitative change, making something new or fresh that has become worn or corrupted. It's not mere moral reform, but a deep spiritual refreshment.
• of your mind (τοῦ νοός ὑμῶν - tou noos hymōn): Noos encompasses the intellect, reasoning, understanding, perception, and inner consciousness. It is the seat of moral judgment, intentions, and purpose. The battle for transformation is primarily waged here.
• Then you will be able (εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς - eis to dokimazein hymas): A purpose clause indicating the goal or result of the transformed mind.
• to test and approve (δοκιμάζειν - dokimazein): A single Greek verb meaning to put to the test, examine, scrutinize, and then, finding it worthy, to approve or acknowledge as valid. It's an active, discerning process leading to conviction.
• what God’s will is (τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ - to thelēma tou Theou): Thelēma refers to God's deliberate intention, desire, or purpose, whether in general moral principles or specific guidance for individual lives.
• his good (τὸ ἀγαθὸν - to agathon): Agathon means intrinsically good, beneficial, inherently virtuous and morally excellent. God's will is inherently good.
• pleasing (καὶ εὐάρεστον - kai euarestos): Means well-pleasing, acceptable, fully gratifying to God. His will aligns with His character.
• and perfect (καὶ τέλειον - kai teleion): Teleion implies complete, mature, perfect in the sense of bringing to full completion or ultimate intended purpose, lacking nothing. God's will is flawless and brings true fulfillment.

Romans 12 2 Bonus section

The passive voice of "be transformed" (metamorphousthe) indicates that while our active cooperation is required (by engaging in the renewing of the mind), the ultimate source and power for this deep internal change comes from God, through the Holy Spirit. This highlights a synergism between divine action and human response. The "world" (aiōn) has a dominating intellectual and ethical structure; to not conform means actively resisting its pervasive influence. The renewing of the mind is a process that is often lifelong, implying continual exposure to God's Word, prayer, and community. The trio of attributes describing God's will—good, pleasing, and perfect—suggests a holistic ideal: God's will is objectively righteous, subjectively agreeable to Him, and perfectly designed for our ultimate flourishing and maturity. This discernment is not automatic but requires cultivation through the renewed mind.

Romans 12 2 Commentary

Romans 12:2 is a pivotal command defining the Christian life, flowing directly from the call to spiritual worship in 12:1. It presents a stark dichotomy: passive conformity to "this world" versus active, internal transformation by God's Spirit. "This world" (τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ) is not just the physical planet but the prevailing, ungodly cultural system with its values, ethics, and intellectual currents that oppose God. Paul forbids mimicking its external patterns (syschēmatizesthe), which would be superficial and unconvincing. Instead, he commands a profound, ongoing metamorphosis (metamorphousthe), an inward change of essence, analogous to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, achieved by the "renewing of your mind" (anakainōsis tou noos). This mental renewal impacts how we perceive, interpret, and judge reality, aligning our thought processes with God's truth. The transformed mind is the necessary prerequisite for practical Christian living; it enables believers to accurately discern and actively embrace "God's will." This will is comprehensively described as "good" (inherently excellent), "pleasing" (to God Himself), and "perfect" (lacking nothing, fully mature). The verse therefore is a call to continuous spiritual growth and conscious, Spirit-led discernment, moving away from worldly dictates toward divine design in every aspect of life.