Romans 6:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 6:12
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Chapter Context
Romans 6 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, hope, creation. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 6:12
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Analysis
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body—mē oun basileuetō hē hamartia en tō thnētō hymōn sōmati (μὴ οὖν βασιλευέτω ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι). The present imperative with mē means "stop allowing sin to reign" (if it currently does) or "do not begin allowing." Basileuetō (βασιλευέτω, "let it reign") personifies sin as a tyrant-king. Your mortal body (thnētō hymōn sōmati, θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι)—thnētos (mortal, subject to death) emphasizes the body's present frailty and fallen condition, making it vulnerable to sin's reign if believers yield.
That ye should obey it in the lusts thereof (eis to hypakouein tais epithymiais autou, εἰς τὸ ὑπακούειν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ)—hypakouein (obey) indicates submission to authority. Epithymiais (ἐπιθυμίαις, lusts, desires) can be neutral but here is sinful desire. The body's desires are sin's foot soldiers; allowing sin to reign means obeying these desires. The command assumes believers' responsibility and ability (through the Spirit, though not mentioned until ch. 8) to refuse sin's kingship. Though positionally dethroned, sin still seeks to usurp control—believers must actively resist.
Historical Context
The body-soul relationship was contested in Paul's time. Greek philosophy often denigrated the body (Platonism, Gnosticism); Judaism affirmed the body's goodness but recognized its fallenness. Paul steers between extremes: the body isn't evil (it's mortal and fallen, but redeemable), yet it's the arena where sin seeks control. Roman society's indulgence in sensual pleasure (banquets, baths, sexual license among elites) provided constant temptation. Paul's command to not let sin reign in the body was countercultural asceticism—not body-denial but body-discipline for God's glory.
Reflection
- What 'lusts' of your mortal body most persistently seek to obey sin's reign rather than Christ's lordship?
- How can you actively dethrone sin's attempted kingship in your bodily appetites and desires?
- Where do you need to recognize that resisting sin isn't automatic but requires your active non-cooperation with its reign?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: Romans 6:16, Psalms 19:13, 119:133
- Parallel theme: Romans 2:8, 8:13, Numbers 33:55, 2 Corinthians 4:11, Galatians 5:16, 5:24