Romans 12:16

Authorized King James Version

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Be 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.

Original Language Analysis

τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ Be of the same G846
αὐτὸ Be of the same
Strong's: G846
Word #: 2 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς one toward another G1519
εἰς one toward another
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 3 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀλλήλους G240
ἀλλήλους
Strong's: G240
Word #: 4 of 18
one another
φρονοῦντες Mind G5426
φρονοῦντες Mind
Strong's: G5426
Word #: 5 of 18
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 6 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑψηλὰ high things G5308
ὑψηλὰ high things
Strong's: G5308
Word #: 8 of 18
lofty (in place or character)
φρονοῦντες Mind G5426
φρονοῦντες Mind
Strong's: G5426
Word #: 9 of 18
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
ἀλλὰ but G235
ἀλλὰ but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 10 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τοῖς G3588
τοῖς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταπεινοῖς to men of low estate G5011
ταπεινοῖς to men of low estate
Strong's: G5011
Word #: 12 of 18
depressed, i.e., (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition)
συναπαγόμενοι condescend G4879
συναπαγόμενοι condescend
Strong's: G4879
Word #: 13 of 18
to take off together, i.e., transport with (seduce, passively, yield)
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 14 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γίνεσθε Be G1096
γίνεσθε Be
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 15 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
φρόνιμοι wise G5429
φρόνιμοι wise
Strong's: G5429
Word #: 16 of 18
thoughtful, i.e., sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while g4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and g4908 indicates rather inte
παρ' in G3844
παρ' in
Strong's: G3844
Word #: 17 of 18
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἑαυτοῖς your own conceits G1438
ἑαυτοῖς your own conceits
Strong's: G1438
Word #: 18 of 18
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Analysis & Commentary

Be 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. This verse contains three related commands on relational humility. Be of the same mind one toward another (τὸ αὐτὸ εἰς ἀλλήλους φρονοῦντες, to auto eis allēlous phronountes) doesn't demand uniformity of opinion but unity of purpose and attitude—what Paul calls 'like-mindedness' in Philippians 2:2. The shared mind is cruciform humility, considering others better than yourself. Second, Mind not high things (μὴ τὰ ὑψηλὰ φρονοῦντες, mē ta hypsēla phronountes)—don't set your thoughts on lofty, ambitious, status-seeking pursuits. Instead, condescend to men of low estate (ταῖς ταπειναῖς συναπαγόμενοι, tais tapeinais synapagomenoi).

This phrase can mean 'associate with lowly people' or 'adapt yourself to humble tasks'—probably both. The verb synapagō means 'be carried along with, accommodate yourself to.' Pride resists descending to lowly people or menial work; humility embraces both. Finally, Be not wise in your own conceits (μὴ γίνεσθε φρόνιμοι παρ᾽ ἑαυτοῖς, mē ginesthe phronimoi par' heautois) warns against intellectual arrogance—thinking yourself wise in your own estimation (Proverbs 3:7). Self-proclaimed wisdom is folly; true wisdom is humble, teachable, and others-oriented (James 3:13-17).

Historical Context

Roman society was stratified by class: senators, equestrians, plebeians, freedmen, slaves. Social mobility was limited; honor attached to rank. Associating with social inferiors was scandalous; aristocrats avoided manual labor and the poor. Jewish culture also had hierarchies—priests, Pharisees, common people, Gentiles. Jesus violated these boundaries constantly (eating with tax collectors and sinners, touching lepers, honoring women and children). Paul calls the Roman church to the same social revolution: a community where masters and slaves, wealthy and poor, educated and uneducated associate as equals in Christ.

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