A Living Sacrifice and the Diversity of Gifts
Romans 12:1-8
Rom.12.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Παρακαλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ουν: CONJ
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- οικτιρμων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- παραστησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- σωματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- θυσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ζωσαν: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,f
- αγιαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- ευαρεστον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- λογικην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- λατρειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- υμων·: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Peter 2:5 (verbal): Speaks of believers as 'living' elements in a spiritual service/house and explicitly calls for offering 'spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God,' closely echoing the language and idea of a 'living sacrifice' and acceptable worship.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (thematic): Argues that the body belongs to God and must be glorified in God, paralleling Paul's call to present bodily life to God as a holy, acceptable offering.
- Romans 6:13 (structural): Within the same letter Paul exhorts believers to 'present yourselves to God' and to use their members for righteousness—closely related instruction about bodily dedication and ethical consequence.
- Hebrews 13:15-16 (thematic): Reinterprets sacrificial language in ethical/spiritual terms ('sacrifice of praise,' doing good and sharing) similar to Paul’s transformation of cultic sacrifice into lived, spiritual worship.
- Hosea 6:6 (allusion): Old Testament critique of empty ritual ('steadfast love, not sacrifice') undergirds Paul's move from cultic offerings to a morally and spiritually living sacrifice as true worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God: present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your rational act of worship.
- I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God: present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God—this is your spiritual worship.
Rom.12.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- συσχηματιζεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αιωνι: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τουτω: DEM,dat,sg,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- μεταμορφουσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ανακαινωσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νοος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- δοκιμαζειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- θελημα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αγαθον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ευαρεστον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- τελειον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
Parallels
- Ephesians 4:22-24 (verbal): Calls for putting off the old self and being renewed 'in the spirit of your minds' and putting on the new self—language and concept closely parallel 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'
- Colossians 3:9-10 (verbal): Speaks of putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator—echoes the theme of inner renewal leading to transformed life.
- Ephesians 5:10 (thematic): Urges believers to 'try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord,' paralleling Rom 12:2's aim of testing/knowing God's good, pleasing, and perfect will.
- 1 John 2:15-17 (thematic): Commands not to love or be conformed to the world; thematically parallels Rom 12:2's warning against conforming to this age/ world (τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ).
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 (allusion): The promise to give a new heart and put a new spirit within echoes the OT background for NT calls to inward renewal (mind/heart) that enable obedience to God's will.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not be conformed to this present age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good, acceptable, and perfect.
- Do not be conformed to this present age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Rom.12.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- δια: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χαριτος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δοθεισης: PTCP,aor,pass,gen,sg,f
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- οντι: PART,pres,act,dat,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- μη: PART
- υπερφρονειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- παρ᾽ο: PREP
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- φρονειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- αλλα: CONJ
- φρονειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- σωφρονειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εκαστω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εμερισεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- μετρον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Galatians 6:3 (verbal): Directly echoes the warning against overestimating oneself—'if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself' parallels Paul's admonition not to think beyond what is proper.
- Philippians 2:3 (thematic): Shared ethic of humility: do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant—similar call to sober self-assessment.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (structural): Discusses varied spiritual gifts distributed by the Spirit and the proper recognition of different roles—parallels 'each according to the measure of faith' and communal humility about gifts.
- Ephesians 4:7 (verbal): Uses measure-language—'grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift'—echoes Paul's idea of differing measures given to believers.
- James 4:6 (thematic): Contrasts God's stance toward pride and humility—'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble' complements the exhortation against overweening self-regard.
Alternative generated candidates
- For by the grace given to me I say to every one among you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but think soberly, each according to the measure of faith God has allotted.
- For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but think with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has assigned to each.
Rom.12.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- καθαπερ: ADV
- γαρ: PART
- εν: PREP
- ενι: PREP
- σωματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- πολλα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- μελη: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- εχομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- μελη: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ου: PART,neg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αυτην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- πραξιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 12:12 (verbal): Uses the same body-with-many-members language ('one body... many members') as the basis for unity amid diversity.
- 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 (thematic): Develops the same theme that members of a single body have different functions and none can say it has no need of the others.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27 (verbal): Explicitly applies the body-metaphor to the congregation: 'Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it,' echoing Romans' emphasis on distinct members within one body.
- Ephesians 4:4-6 (thematic): Affirms one body and unity in the Spirit while presupposing diverse gifts and roles that maintain the church's unity (related structural emphasis).
- Colossians 2:19 (verbal): Imagery of the body being 'joined and held together by every joint' parallels Paul's anatomical metaphor for interdependent members with differing functions.
Alternative generated candidates
- For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
- For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
Rom.12.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουτως: ADV
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- πολλοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- σωμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εσμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- δε: CONJ
- καθ᾽εις: ADV
- αλληλων: PRON,gen,pl,u
- μελη: NOUN,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Rom.12.4 (structural): Immediate context: contrasts individual diversity of gifts/functions with the unity of the one body, framing 12:5 as part of the same argument about members and one body.
- 1 Cor.12.12-27 (verbal): Direct parallel language and development: explicitly uses the same body/members metaphor (one body with many members) to explain interdependence and mutual care among Christians.
- 1 Cor.10.17 (verbal): Uses the related imagery of a single loaf making many one body—an analogous description of how participation in Christ creates unity among many believers.
- Eph.4.4-6 (thematic): Emphasizes the theme of ecclesial unity ('one body, one Spirit, one Lord'), locating the unity of believers in shared spiritual realities rather than merely functional diversity.
- Eph.4.15-16 (structural): Develops the body metaphor structurally (joints, growth, mutual support), stressing how each part contributes to the body’s growth—parallel to Rom 12:5’s mutual membership and interdependence.
Alternative generated candidates
- so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
- so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Rom.12.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εχοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- χαρισματα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δοθεισαν: VERB,aor,pass,part,acc,sg,f
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- διαφορα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ειτε: CONJ
- προφητειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αναλογιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Romans 12:3 (verbal): Uses the same language of 'according to the measure/proportion of faith,' linking humility and the distribution/measure of gifts.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (thematic): Discusses varieties of spiritual gifts and one Spirit who distributes them—parallels Rom 12:6's affirmation that gifts differ according to grace.
- 1 Peter 4:10-11 (thematic): Frames gifts as stewards' responsibilities to serve and build up the body with God's grace, echoing the purpose and stewardship implied in Rom 12:6.
- Ephesians 4:11-12 (structural): Lists Christ-given roles (apostles, prophets, teachers) given for equipping the saints—parallel to Rom 12's mention of prophecy and other gifted functions within the church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:3 (thematic): Specifies the purpose of prophecy—to edify, exhort and comfort the church—illuminating the function intended by Rom 12:6's reference to prophecy.
Alternative generated candidates
- We have gifts that differ according to the grace given us; if prophecy, let it be in proportion to the faith;
- We have gifts that differ according to the grace given us. If prophecy, use it in proportion to your faith;
Rom.12.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειτε: CONJ
- διακονιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- διακονια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ειτε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- διδασκων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- διδασκαλια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Peter 4:10-11 (verbal): Calls believers to serve one another as stewards of God's grace and to speak/serve so that God is glorified—parallels 'service' (διακονία) and use of gifts in serving/teaching.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28-29 (verbal): Lists ministries and gifts in the church (including teachers), connecting the roles of service and instruction to the distribution of gifts.
- Ephesians 4:11-12 (thematic): Describes Christ giving leaders 'including teachers' to equip the saints—echoes the vocational focus on teaching and service for building the body.
- Colossians 3:23-24 (thematic): Exhorts believers to perform work heartily as for the Lord rather than men, reflecting the attitude 'in his serving/teaching' urged in Rom 12:7.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (thematic): Urges respect and appreciation for those who labor among and instruct the church—parallels the honor and proper practice of service and teaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- if service, in serving; if teaching, in teaching;
- if service, in serving; if one who teaches, in teaching;
Rom.12.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειτε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- παρακαλων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- παρακλησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- μεταδιδους: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- απλοτητι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- προισταμενος: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- σπουδη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ελεων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- ιλαροτητι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (verbal): Paul's statement 'God loves a cheerful giver' (χαίροντα δοῦναι) echoes Romans' 'the merciful with cheerfulness'—linking giving/mercy with a joyful disposition.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (thematic): 'Encourage one another and build up' parallels the role 'he who exhorts, in exhortation' (παρακαλῶν ἐν τῇ παρακλήσει), focusing on mutual edification.
- 1 Peter 5:2-3 (thematic): Leaders are urged to 'shepherd the flock... willingly, not for sordid gain' (προθύμως), which corresponds to 'he who presides/ leads with zeal/earnestness' (προϊστάμενος ἐν σπουδῇ).
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 (verbal): Paul's use of ἀπλοτητι ('simplicity' or sincerity) to describe his conduct parallels Romans' 'the one who gives in simplicity' (ὁ μεταδιδούς ἐν ἀπλοτήτι).
Alternative generated candidates
- if exhortation, in exhortation; the giver, with generosity; the leader, with zeal; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
- if one who exhorts, in exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not be conformed to this present age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what the will of God is—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
For by the grace given to me I say to every one among you: do not think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned.
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If prophecy, let it be in proportion to the faith;
if service, in service; if the one who teaches, in teaching;
if the one who exhorts, in exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.