What does Romans 12:2 mean?
After eleven chapters explaining God's mercy, Paul turns to how Christians should live in response. "Be not conformed to this world" means do not let the values and habits of the surrounding culture squeeze you into their shape. Instead, "be ye transformed." The Greek word is the root of "metamorphosis," a change from the inside out, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. This change happens "by the renewing of your mind," as God's truth reshapes how we think. The result is that we can discern and live out God's will, which Paul describes as good, acceptable, and perfect.
Romans 12:2 in the World English Bible
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Context
1 I 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.
2 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.
3 For 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.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
What does Romans 12:2 mean?
After eleven chapters explaining God's mercy, Paul turns to how Christians should live in response. "Be not conformed to this world" means do not let the values and habits of the surrounding culture squeeze you into their shape. Instead, "be ye transformed." The Greek word is the root of "metamorphosis," a change from the inside out, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. This change happens "by the renewing of your mind," as God's truth reshapes how we think. The result is that we can discern and live out God's will, which Paul describes as good, acceptable, and perfect.
What does Romans 12:2 say in the KJV?
Romans 12:2 (KJV) reads: “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.”