Romans 12:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 28
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
συσχηματίζεσθε
be
G4964
συσχηματίζεσθε
be
Strong's:
G4964
Word #:
3 of 28
to fashion alike, i.e., conform to the same pattern (figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνι
world
G165
αἰῶνι
world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
5 of 28
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 28
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
μεταμορφοῦσθε
be ye transformed
G3339
μεταμορφοῦσθε
be ye transformed
Strong's:
G3339
Word #:
8 of 28
to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose")
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νοός
mind
G3563
νοός
mind
Strong's:
G3563
Word #:
12 of 28
the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
εἰς
that
G1519
εἰς
that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκιμάζειν
may prove
G1381
δοκιμάζειν
may prove
Strong's:
G1381
Word #:
16 of 28
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
18 of 28
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
will
G2307
θέλημα
will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
20 of 28
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
22 of 28
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Peter 1:14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.Colossians 3:10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:Ephesians 5:17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.Ezekiel 36:26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.1 Peter 4:2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.Romans 12:1I 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.John 15:19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.Romans 13:14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Historical Context
First-century Rome was the center of pagan culture, with emperor worship, polytheism, gladiatorial games, and sexual immorality woven into daily life. Christians faced constant pressure to conform—attending banquets with meat offered to idols, participating in trade guilds with pagan rituals, navigating imperial loyalty oaths. Paul's call for mental renewal addressed believers who had been shaped by Greco-Roman philosophical categories, Jewish legalism, or syncretistic religion before conversion.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific thought patterns or assumptions from contemporary culture have you unconsciously absorbed that need intellectual 'renewing'?
- How does conformity to the world's values show up in your spending habits, entertainment choices, or career ambitions?
- In what areas of life are you seeking God's perfect will, and how is Scripture renewing your mind to discern it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. The command be not conformed (μὴ συσχηματίζεσθε, mē syschēmatizesthe) means 'stop letting yourselves be pressed into the world's mold'—the present imperative suggests ongoing resistance. This world (τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, tō aiōni toutō) refers to the present evil age, the system of values opposed to God. In contrast, be ye transformed (μεταμορφοῦσθε, metamorphousthe) is the verb from which we get 'metamorphosis'—the same word used at Christ's transfiguration (Matthew 17:2). This is passive voice: transformation is God's work in us, not self-improvement.
The means of transformation is the renewing of your mind (τῇ ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ νοός, tē anakainōsei tou noos)—Christian discipleship involves radical intellectual reorientation, learning to think God's thoughts after him through Scripture. The result is that believers can prove (δοκιμάζειν, dokimazein, 'test and approve') God's will, which Paul describes with three adjectives: good (beneficial), acceptable (pleasing), and perfect (complete, mature). Romans 12:1-2 forms the thesis statement for Paul's ethics: total consecration and mental transformation enable discernment of God's will.