Romans 13 13

Romans 13:13 kjv

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Romans 13:13 nkjv

Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

Romans 13:13 niv

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

Romans 13:13 esv

Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.

Romans 13:13 nlt

Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

Romans 13 verses

Romans 13 13 Meaning

Believers are called to live with integrity and honor, avoiding destructive behaviors like revelry, drunkenness, fornication, and quarrels. Instead, they should "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and focus on spiritual renewal and holy living.

Romans 13 13 Context

This verse appears in the latter part of Romans chapter 13, a section focused on practical Christian living within society. The preceding verses (Romans 13:8-10) emphasize the fulfillment of the law through love for one another. Romans 13:11-12 specifically calls believers to wake up from their spiritual slumber and cast off the works of darkness as the day of salvation draws near. Chapter 13 is generally understood as providing guidance for believers on their relationship with governing authorities (verses 1-7) and then extending into how they should conduct themselves in their daily lives, especially in light of Christ's imminent return.

The historical context for Roman Christians included a variety of influences, from Jewish law to Greco-Roman culture, which contained practices such as festivals with revelry and different views on sexual morality. Paul's instruction in verse 13 is a direct admonition against behaviors that were either socially acceptable to the surrounding culture or present temptations for believers, urging them to adopt a lifestyle that reflects their new identity in Christ.

Romans 13 13 Word Analysis

• And (καί - kai): Conjunction, meaning "and," "also," "even." It connects the prohibitions with the positive command that follows, linking them thematically.

• Walk (περιπατήσωμεν - peripatēsōmen): First person plural, subjunctive mood, present tense of "peripateo." It means "to walk," "to live," "to conduct oneself." The subjunctive indicates a hortatory or exhortative purpose – "let us not walk." It signifies a habitual way of life and conduct.

• Not (μή - mē): Used with the subjunctive to express prohibition, especially in general commands or potential actions.

• In (ἐν - en): Preposition indicating "in," "on," "with." Here it suggests the manner or sphere in which the following actions occur.

• Revelry (κώμῳ - kōmō): Noun, dative singular. Refers to "revelry," "feasting," "riotous living," "processions of revelers." It often had associations with excessive drinking and disorderly celebration, sometimes with pagan undertones.

• Drunkenness (κραιπάλη - kraipale): Noun, dative singular. Signifies "hard-drinking," "binge-drinking," "intoxication," "hangovers." It denotes the state of being overcome by alcohol and its after-effects.

• Gluttony (γαστριμαργίαις - gastrimargiais): Noun, dative plural. Derived from "gaster" (stomach) and "margos" (greedy). It means "excesses of the stomach," "gluttony," "surfeiting." This refers to excessive eating and indulgence.

• Dissensions (ἔριδι - eridi): Noun, dative singular. From "eris," meaning "strife," "quarrel," "dispute." It points to contentious and quarrelsome behavior that divides the community.

• Envy (ζήλῳ - zēlō): Noun, dative singular. From "zelos," which can mean "zeal," "ardor," "enthusiasm," but also "envy," "jealousy," "covetousness" in a negative sense. In this context, it implies a bitter resentment of another's possessions or success, leading to ill will.

• And (καί - kai): Conjunction.

• Put on (ἐνδύσασθε - enduasathe): Second person plural, imperative mood, aorist tense of "enduo." It means "to put on," "to clothe oneself with." The imperative makes it a direct command. It suggests embracing and adorning oneself with something.

• The (τὸν - ton): Definite article, accusative masculine singular, referring to Christ.

• Lord (Κύριον - Kurion): Noun, accusative masculine singular. Title of supreme authority, Lordship.

• Jesus (Ἰησοῦν - Iēsoun): Noun, accusative masculine singular. The personal name of the Messiah.

• Christ (Χριστόν - Christon): Noun, accusative masculine singular. The title, "Anointed One." The phrase "the Lord Jesus Christ" is a standard Pauline expression indicating the full identity and authority of the Savior.

• Jesus Christ (Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν - Iēsoun Christon): This combined phrase is the direct object of "put on."

• Word Group Analysis: "Revelry, drunkenness, gluttony, contentions, envy" (κώμῳ, κραιπάλη, γαστριμαργίαις, ἔριδι, ζήλῳ): These words collectively paint a picture of the old, fleshly life that believers are commanded to renounce. They represent outward excesses (revelry, drunkenness, gluttony) and inner sinful dispositions (contentions, envy) that disrupt fellowship and dishonor God. These are all considered "works of the flesh" as described in Galatians 5.

• Phrase Analysis: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ" (ἐνδύσασθε τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν - enduasathe ton Kurion Iēsoun Christon): This is a powerful metaphor for transformative discipleship. It means to actively and intentionally incorporate Christ into one's life, letting His character, values, and example define one's identity and conduct. It’s more than intellectual assent; it's a life-transforming appropriation of who Christ is. It parallels the concept of "clothing oneself with" virtues or new garments, signifying a complete change in appearance and inner disposition, mirroring Christ's own life and spirit.

Romans 13 13 Bonus Section

The idiom "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" is rich with meaning, drawing from the Old Testament's priestly garments (Exodus 28) that symbolized holiness and readiness for service. In the New Testament, this imagery is powerfully applied to the believer's identity in Christ. It speaks to a complete spiritual transformation, a new self that supersedes the old, shedding its sinful habits. This active appropriation of Christ is the believer's distinctive garment, marking them as belonging to Him and reflecting His righteousness in a world that still largely walks in darkness. The immediate context of nearing salvation ("the day is at hand") further emphasizes the urgency of this transformation – the time for the works of darkness is over; it is time to live as children of the day, fully adorned in Christ.

Romans 13 13 Commentary

This verse provides a stark contrast between the outgoing life of darkness and the incoming life of light in Christ. The prohibitions against revelry, drunkenness, gluttony, strife, and envy are not merely social rules but call for a fundamental reorientation of the believer's desires and behavior. These practices were often associated with pagan rituals and the unrestrained flesh, directly opposed to the discipline and love expected of those redeemed by Christ.

The positive command, "put on the Lord Jesus Christ," is the solution and the goal. It means to consciously integrate Christ's life, teachings, and Spirit into every aspect of one's existence. This is not a passive reception but an active, volitional decision to be conformed to His image. It signifies embracing His humility, His selfless love, His commitment to God’s will, and His victory over sin. To "put on Christ" is to allow Him to so transform one’s inner self and outward conduct that they visibly reflect His character to the world, living out the new life of righteousness and holiness that is theirs in Him. This internal transformation should manifest in peaceful coexistence and brotherly affection, rather than the divisiveness highlighted by the negative examples.

Examples for practical usage:

• When facing temptation towards excess, a believer remembers to "put on Christ" by choosing self-control and seeking spiritual sustenance.
• In conflict, instead of engaging in envy or strife, a believer aims to "put on Christ" by offering understanding, forgiveness, and peace.
• Believers are encouraged to actively consider what "Jesus would do" and let that guide their decisions, thereby "clothing themselves" in His character.