Romans 12:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
Λέγω
I say
G3004
Λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 31
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
3 of 31
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτος
the grace
G5485
χάριτος
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
5 of 31
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοθείσης
given
G1325
δοθείσης
given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 31
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 31
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὑπερφρονεῖν
highly
G5252
ὑπερφρονεῖν
highly
Strong's:
G5252
Word #:
15 of 31
to esteem oneself overmuch, i.e., be vain or arrogant
παρ'
to think of himself more
G3844
παρ'
to think of himself more
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
16 of 31
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 31
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δεῖ
than he ought
G1163
δεῖ
than he ought
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
18 of 31
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
φρονεῖν
to think
G5426
φρονεῖν
to think
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
19 of 31
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 #:
20 of 31
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
φρονεῖν
to think
G5426
φρονεῖν
to think
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
21 of 31
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
εἰς
soberly
G1519
εἰς
soberly
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 31
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 #:
23 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σωφρονεῖν
G4993
ὡς
according as
G5613
ὡς
according as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
26 of 31
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
28 of 31
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐμέρισεν
hath dealt
G3307
ἐμέρισεν
hath dealt
Strong's:
G3307
Word #:
29 of 31
to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ
Cross References
Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Romans 12:16Be 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.Ecclesiastes 7:16Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:James 4:6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.1 Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.Micah 6:8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Historical Context
Roman society was intensely status-conscious, with elaborate hierarchies based on citizenship, wealth, patron-client relationships, and honor-shame dynamics. Jewish believers might boast in their covenant heritage; Gentile converts might pride themselves on freedom from Jewish law. Both groups needed Paul's corrective: all standing before God is gift, not achievement. The house church setting in Rome likely included slaves and masters, poor and wealthy, requiring humility to function as one body.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life are you most tempted to 'think more highly' than you ought—spiritual maturity, intelligence, ministry effectiveness?
- How does recognizing that your faith and gifts are divine allotments (not personal achievements) cultivate humility?
- What would 'sober-minded' self-assessment look like in your evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul speaks with apostolic authority—through the grace given unto me (διὰ τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι, dia tēs charitos tēs dotheisēs moi) refers to his calling as apostle to the Gentiles (1:5, 15:15-16). He addresses every man (παντὶ τῷ ὄντι, panti tō onti)—no one is exempt from this warning against pride. The Greek wordplay is striking: not to think more highly (μὴ ὑπερφρονεῖν, mē hyperphronein) than he ought to think (φρονεῖν, phronein), but to think soberly (σωφρονεῖν, sōphronein)—literally, 'sound-minded thinking' about oneself.
Humble self-assessment is grounded in recognizing that God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (μέτρον πίστεως, metron pisteōs). This doesn't mean different quantities of saving faith, but rather different gifts and callings that faith receives. Pride is fundamentally irrational because all spiritual capacity is received grace (1 Corinthians 4:7). This verse introduces the body of Christ imagery (verses 4-8), where spiritual gifts create interdependence, not hierarchy.