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Romans 12:4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,
<!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 12:4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/12-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/45_Rom_12_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 12:4 - Living Sacrifices" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function," /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.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/12-3.htm" title="Romans 12:3">◄</a> Romans 12:4 <a href="/romans/12-5.htm" title="Romans 12:5">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </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 />For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function <i>or</i> special use,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don't all do the same thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For we have many parts in one body, but these parts do not all have the same function. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members do not have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For just as there are in the one human body many parts, and these parts have not all the same function;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don’t have the same function, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same office,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for as in one body we have many members, and all the members have not the same office,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For as in one body we have many members, and all members have not the same action:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For just as, within one body, we have many parts, though all the parts do not have the same role,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same function,<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 />For just as we have many members in one body, and all those members do not have one function,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For we indeed have many members in one body, but all the members have not the same office:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For as we have in one body many members, but the members, though many, have not the same function,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for as there are many members in one and the same body, but all the members have not the same office:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For just as there are in the one human body many parts, and these parts have not all the same function;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For as in one body we have many members, and all the members have not the same office:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/12-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3044" 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">3</span>For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/2509.htm" title="2509: kathaper (Adv) -- Even as, just as. From katha and per; exactly as.">Just as</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">each of us has</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heni (Adj-DNS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōmati (N-DNS) -- 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/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.">with</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polla (Adj-ANP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/3196.htm" title="3196: melē (N-ANP) -- A bodily organ, limb, member. Of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body.">members,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-NNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></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.">members</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">have</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēn (PPro-AF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">same</a> <a href="/greek/4234.htm" title="4234: praxin (N-AFS) -- From prasso; practice, i.e. an act; by extension, a function.">function,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.…<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 4:4-16</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="/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="/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_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="/1_corinthians/12-11.htm">1 Corinthians 12:11</a></span><br />All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.<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="/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="/1_corinthians/12-20.htm">1 Corinthians 12:20</a></span><br />As it is, there are many parts, but one body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-14.htm">1 Corinthians 12:14</a></span><br />For the body does not consist of one part, but of many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-18.htm">1 Corinthians 12:18</a></span><br />But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-25.htm">1 Corinthians 12:25</a></span><br />so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-27.htm">1 Corinthians 12:27</a></span><br />Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4,12,27</a></b></br> Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15,16</a></b></br> But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, <i>even</i> Christ: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/8-23.htm">Body</a> <a href="/romans/1-27.htm">Function</a> <a href="/romans/11-6.htm">Human</a> <a href="/romans/7-23.htm">Members</a> <a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Office</a> <a href="/romans/10-18.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/romans/11-24.htm">Use</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/12-5.htm">Body</a> <a href="/exodus/27-19.htm">Function</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Human</a> <a href="/romans/12-5.htm">Members</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Office</a> <a href="/romans/15-23.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Use</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'; 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The concept of the body as a metaphor for unity and diversity is prevalent in Greco-Roman literature, but Paul uniquely applies it to the church. In <a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a>, Paul expands on this metaphor, emphasizing the interdependence of each member. The body imagery underscores the idea that while believers are diverse in gifts and roles, they are united in purpose and identity in Christ. This reflects the unity of the Trinity, where distinct persons work harmoniously. The metaphor also aligns with the Jewish understanding of community, where the collective is valued alongside the individual.<p><b>and not all members have the same function</b><br>This phrase highlights the diversity of roles within the body of Christ. In the early church, as seen in <a href="/acts/6.htm">Acts 6:1-7</a>, different functions were necessary to address the needs of the community, such as the appointment of deacons to serve tables. The diversity of functions is also evident in <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-13</a>, where different roles like apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given for equipping the saints. This diversity is not a cause for division but a means to fulfill the mission of the church effectively. The concept of different functions also reflects the Old Testament priesthood, where various roles were assigned to the Levites, priests, and high priest, each contributing to the worship and service of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_rome.htm">The Church in Rome</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_body_of_christ.htm">The Body of Christ</a></b><br>A metaphor used by Paul to describe the church, emphasizing unity and diversity among believers.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/members_of_the_body.htm">Members of the Body</a></b><br>Refers to individual believers who have different roles and functions within the church.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_christian_community.htm">The Early Christian Community</a></b><br>The broader context in which Paul wrote, characterized by a growing and diverse group of believers facing various challenges.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a></b><br>The church is one body with many members, each with unique functions. This diversity should be celebrated as it reflects God's design.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/importance_of_every_member.htm">Importance of Every Member</a></b><br>Every believer has a role to play in the church. No function is insignificant, and all are necessary for the body to function properly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_gifts.htm">Spiritual Gifts</a></b><br>Recognize and develop your spiritual gifts. Seek to understand how God has uniquely equipped you to serve within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/interdependence.htm">Interdependence</a></b><br>Just as the physical body relies on each part, the church relies on each member. We must support and value one another's contributions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_service.htm">Humility and Service</a></b><br>Approach your role in the church with humility, seeking to serve others rather than seeking personal recognition.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_true_church.htm">Which church is considered the true one?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_interdependence.htm">What does the Bible say about interdependence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'body_of_christ'_mean.htm">What does "Body of Christ" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_'jesus_camp'_about.htm">What is the documentary "Jesus Camp" about?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4, 5) In the church there must be a graduation, a hierarchy, a division of labour, every one doing that for which he is best fitted, just as in the body one member has one office assigned to it, and another another. All Christians, viewed collectively, make up one body, the unity of which is supplied by their relation to Christ. Viewed individually, they stand to each other in the same sort of relation as the different limbs and organs of the natural body, as foot and hand, or hand and eye.<p>(4) <span class= "bld">Members in one body.</span>--This figure of the body and the members is worked out more fully in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/12-12.htm" title="For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.">1Corinthians 12:12-27</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 4, 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office; so we, the many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another</span>. The illustration of the body with its members to set forth the mutual dependence on each other of the several members of the Church with their several gifts and functions, and the importance of all for the well-being of the whole, is further carried out in <a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12</a>, <span class="accented">seq.</span> In <a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22</a> and Ephesians 4:15, 16, Christ is regarded, somewhat differently, as the exalted Head over the Church which is his body. Here and in <a href="/1_corinthians/12.htm">1 Corinthians 12</a>, the head is not thus distinguished from the rest of the body (see <a href="/1_corinthians/12-21.htm">1 Corinthians 12:21</a>); the whole is "one body in Christ," who is the living Person who unites and animates it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/12-4.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">Just as</span><br /><span class="grk">καθάπερ</span> <span class="translit">(kathaper)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2509.htm">Strong's 2509: </a> </span><span class="str2">Even as, just as. From katha and per; exactly as.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">each of us has</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχομεν</span> <span class="translit">(echomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑνὶ</span> <span class="translit">(heni)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative 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">σώματι</span> <span class="translit">(sōmati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative 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">with</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">many</span><br /><span class="grk">πολλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(polla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter 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">members,</span><br /><span class="grk">μέλη</span> <span class="translit">(melē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative 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">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">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντα</span> <span class="translit">(panta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">members</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">have</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχει</span> <span class="translit">(echei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">same</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτὴν</span> <span class="translit">(autēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">function,</span><br /><span class="grk">πρᾶξιν</span> <span class="translit">(praxin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4234.htm">Strong's 4234: </a> </span><span class="str2">From prasso; practice, i.e. an act; by extension, a function.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/12-4.htm">NT Letters: Romans 12:4 For even as we have many members (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/12-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 12:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 12:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/12-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 12:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 12:5" /></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>