Romans 12:4
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
σώματι
body
G4983
σώματι
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
5 of 17
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
πολλὰ
many
G4183
πολλὰ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
7 of 17
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἔχει
have
G2192
ἔχει
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὴν
the same
G846
αὐτὴν
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 17
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
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture used body imagery for the state, with rulers as the head and citizens as members. Paul subverts this by making Christ the head and all believers—regardless of social status—members with equal dignity. In a highly stratified society where honor depended on rank, Paul's vision of interdependent unity was radically countercultural. The Roman church included slaves, freedmen, artisans, and perhaps some wealthy patrons, all functioning as one body through their diverse gifts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the body metaphor challenge both your pride in your gifts and your envy of others' gifts?
- In what ways does your local church demonstrate that 'all members have not the same function'—or does it expect uniformity?
- What unique 'function' has God given you in the body, and how faithfully are you exercising it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: Paul introduces the body metaphor that he will develop more fully in 1 Corinthians 12. The Greek word members (μέλη, melē) refers to limbs or bodily parts, while office (πράξιν, praxin) literally means 'function' or 'action.' The point is diversity within unity—many members (πολλὰ μέλη, polla melē) working together as one body (ἓν σῶμα, hen sōma). This was a common Stoic illustration for civic harmony, but Paul Christianizes it: the church's unity isn't natural solidarity but supernatural incorporation in Christ (verse 5).
The phrase all members have not the same office guards against both pride (my function is superior) and envy (I wish I had that function). Eyes don't hear; ears don't see; hands don't walk—each part contributes its unique function to the body's health. This organic imagery counters individualism: no Christian is self-sufficient, and no gift is insignificant. The body metaphor will ground Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts (verses 6-8) and mutual love (verses 9-13).