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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 12:5 so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/12-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/45_Rom_12_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 12:5 - Living Sacrifices" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/romans/12-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/romans/12-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/12-4.htm" title="Romans 12:4">◄</a> Romans 12:5 <a href="/romans/12-6.htm" title="Romans 12:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />so we, the many, are one body in Christ; and individually members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So we, <i>being</i> many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />so we, <i>being</i> many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In the same way, even though we are many people, we are one body in the Messiah and individual parts connected to each other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />so we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are members who belong to one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />so collectively we form one body in Christ, while individually we are linked to one another as its members.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />so we, the many, are one body in Christ, and members of one another—each one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />so we, the many, are one body in Christ; and individually members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> so we, the many, one body are in Christ, and members each one of one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />So we, the many, are one body in Christ, and the members for one another.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />so also we, being many, are one body in Christ, and each one is a part, the one of the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />So also, we who are many, are one body in The Messiah, and each one of us is a member of the other.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />so we, the many, are one body in Christ, and members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one reciprocally members of each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />so we who are many, make all but one body in Christ, and every member subservient to one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />so collectively we form one body in Christ, while individually we are linked to one another as its members.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />so we <i>who are</i> many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/12-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3052" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Living Sacrifices</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">so</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: esmen (V-PIA-1P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">we who are</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hen (Adj-NNS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">are one</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōma (N-NNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">body,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kath’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">each</a> <a href="/greek/3196.htm" title="3196: melē (N-NNP) -- A bodily organ, limb, member. Of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body.">member</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">belongs to one</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlōn (RecPro-GMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">another.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">6</span>We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a></span><br />The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. / For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Ephesians 4:4-6</a></span><br />There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; / one Lord, one faith, one baptism; / one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-17.htm">1 Corinthians 10:17</a></span><br />Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-15.htm">Colossians 3:15</a></span><br />Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-30.htm">Ephesians 5:30</a></span><br />For we are members of His body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/17-21.htm">John 17:21-23</a></span><br />that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. / I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— / I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">1 Corinthians 6:15</a></span><br />Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a></span><br />There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm">Ephesians 2:16</a></span><br />and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-6</a></span><br />There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Colossians 1:18</a></span><br />And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22-23</a></span><br />And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, / which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a></span><br />you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10</a></span><br />I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">1 John 3:14</a></span><br />We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4</a></b></br> For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/10-17.htm">1 Corinthians 10:17</a></b></br> For we <i>being</i> many are one bread, <i>and</i> one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-14,20,27,28</a></b></br> For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also <i>is</i> Christ… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/9-4.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Body</a> <a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/romans/7-8.htm">Form</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-24.htm">Individually</a> <a href="/romans/11-1.htm">Member</a> <a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Members</a> <a href="/romans/11-23.htm">Others</a> <a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Severally</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-3.htm">Body</a> <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">Form</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-11.htm">Individually</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-14.htm">Member</a> <a href="/romans/16-10.htm">Members</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-11.htm">Severally</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-1.htm">God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">No man must think too well of himself;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-6.htm">but everyone attend to the calling wherein he is placed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Love, and many other duties are required of us.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Revenge is especially forbidden.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/romans/12.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>so in Christ</b><br />The phrase "in Christ" is central to Pauline theology, emphasizing the believer's union with Jesus. The Greek term "en Christō" signifies a profound spiritual reality where believers are incorporated into the life and body of Christ. Historically, this concept was revolutionary, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, and uniting all believers under the lordship of Christ. This unity in Christ is not merely a metaphor but a transformative reality that redefines identity and purpose.<p><b>we who are many</b><br />This phrase acknowledges the diversity within the body of believers. The Greek word "polloi" means "many" or "numerous," highlighting the vast and varied nature of the Christian community. In the early church, this diversity included different ethnicities, social statuses, and spiritual gifts. The acknowledgment of "many" underscores the inclusivity of the gospel, inviting all to partake in the new covenant through faith in Christ.<p><b>are one body</b><br />The imagery of "one body" is a powerful metaphor for the church, emphasizing unity amidst diversity. The Greek word "sōma" refers to a physical body, illustrating how believers, though many, function as a single entity. This concept is rooted in the idea that just as a body has many parts working together, so too does the church operate in harmony when each member fulfills their role. Historically, this metaphor would have resonated with Roman audiences familiar with the importance of unity and cooperation in society.<p><b>and each member</b><br />The term "member" comes from the Greek "melos," meaning a part or limb of a body. This highlights the individuality and unique contribution of each believer within the church. In the early Christian context, this was a radical departure from societal norms that often valued individuals based on status or wealth. Instead, Paul emphasizes that every believer, regardless of background, has a vital role to play in the body of Christ.<p><b>belongs to one another</b><br />This phrase underscores the interconnectedness and mutual responsibility of believers. The Greek word "allelōn" means "one another," indicating a reciprocal relationship. In the historical context of the early church, this mutual belonging fostered a sense of community and support, essential for survival and growth amidst persecution. Scripturally, this reflects the call to love, serve, and bear with one another, as outlined in other Pauline writings. This belonging is not optional but a fundamental aspect of Christian identity, calling believers to live in harmony and unity.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">In Christ.</span>--Christ is the unifying principle in the Church, just as the personality or will is the unifying principle in man.<p><span class= "bld">Every one.</span>--A somewhat peculiar phrase in the Greek, not found in this form in classical writers, meaning "as individuals."<p><span class= "bld">Members one of another.</span>--Strictly speaking, the members are called members in their relation to the body, and not in their relation to each other. We should say, rather, "fellow-members with one another."<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/12-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">so</span><br /><span class="grk">οὕτως</span> <span class="translit">(houtōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Christ</span><br /><span class="grk">Χριστῷ</span> <span class="translit">(Christō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we who are</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐσμεν</span> <span class="translit">(esmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">many</span><br /><span class="grk">πολλοὶ</span> <span class="translit">(polloi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many; often. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[are] one</span><br /><span class="grk">ἓν</span> <span class="translit">(hen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> </span><span class="str2">One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">body,</span><br /><span class="grk">σῶμά</span> <span class="translit">(sōma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> </span><span class="str2">Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">each</span><br /><span class="grk">καθ’</span> <span class="translit">(kath’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">member</span><br /><span class="grk">μέλη</span> <span class="translit">(melē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3196.htm">Strong's 3196: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bodily organ, limb, member. Of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[belongs to] one</span><br /><span class="grk">εἷς</span> <span class="translit">(heis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> </span><span class="str2">One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">another.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλήλων</span> <span class="translit">(allēlōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> </span><span class="str2">One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/12-5.htm">NT Letters: Romans 12:5 So we who are many are one (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/12-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 12:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 12:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/12-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 12:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 12:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>