Romans 14:12
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
then
G686
ἄρα
then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 10
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 10
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
λόγον
account
G3056
λόγον
account
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
7 of 10
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
δώσει
shall give
G1325
δώσει
shall give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
8 of 10
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Cross References
Matthew 12:36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.1 Peter 4:5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.Matthew 16:27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.Galatians 6:5For every man shall bear his own burden.Luke 16:2And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.Ecclesiastes 11:9Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Historical Context
This teaching corrects both extremes in the Roman church: the 'strong' who despised the 'weak' for scrupulosity, and the 'weak' who condemned the 'strong' for license. Both groups were playing God by judging matters God had left to individual conscience. Paul anchors ethics in future judgment (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15) where believers give account not for salvation (secured by Christ) but for stewardship of freedom.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific disputable matters in your life require you to 'give account to God' rather than conform to others' expectations?
- How does future accountability to God (not to other Christians) free you from both legalism and license?
- In what areas might you be judging other believers' stewardship decisions that they must account to God for, not you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God—The emphatic ἕκαστος ἡμῶν (hekastos hēmōn, 'each one of us') shifts from corporate solidarity (v. 7-8) to individual responsibility. The future verb ἀποδώσει (apodōsei, 'shall give') indicates eschatological certainty—this is not hypothetical but guaranteed. The phrase περὶ ἑαυτοῦ λόγον (peri heautou logon, 'account concerning himself') uses accounting language: each believer will render a detailed report of their stewardship.
This verse balances v. 7's corporate emphasis with individual accountability—both truths exist in tension. The account is given to God (τῷ θεῷ), not to other believers, which undercuts judgmental attitudes in disputable matters. If you'll answer to God for your own conscience decisions, you have no right to judge your brother's (v. 10). The 'account' (λόγος) implies intelligibility—believers will be able to articulate why they made their choices, demonstrating that Christian freedom requires thoughtful stewardship, not thoughtless license.