Romans 12
King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context
About this chapter
AI-assisted, sourced"By the mercies of God," Paul urges, "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God," and "be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Each should think soberly, for "we, being many, are one body in Christ," with "gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us." "Let love be without dissimulation," he writes, "Bless them which persecute you," "Recompense to no man evil for evil," "avenge not yourselves," feed your enemy, and "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:1Romans 12:2Romans 12:3Romans 12:5Romans 12:6Romans 12:9Romans 12:14Romans 12:17Romans 12:19Romans 12:20Romans 12:21
Who, where, when, and the key verses
Who
Paul, beseeching the "brethren." Romans 12:1Romans 12:3Romans overview
Where
Paul writes to the believers at Rome, the capital of the empire, traditionally from Corinth. Romans overview
When
Traditionally about AD 56-57, near the end of Paul's third journey, as he prepared to take the collection to Jerusalem. Scholars agree Paul wrote it and generally date it about AD 55-58. Romans overview
How it fits
Chapter 11 ended in praise to God, and this chapter begins with "therefore." Chapter 13 continues, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers." Romans 11:36Romans 12:1Romans 13:1Romans overview
Key verses
- Verse 1
"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1
- Verse 2
"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
- Verse 19
"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:35, and in verse 20 Proverbs 25:21, "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat." Romans 12:19Romans 12:20Deuteronomy 32:35Proverbs 25:21
Takeaway
Give your whole self to God, let Him renew your mind, and answer evil with good. Romans 12:1Romans 12:2Romans 12:21
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-11-01.
A living sacrifice
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And 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.
One body, many gifts
3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Love without dissimulation
9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16Be 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. 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.