New Testament
Romans 6:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.
Compare translations
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
What Romans 6:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul is urging believers not to allow sin to take control of their lives. The term "reign" suggests that sin can dominate and influence a person's actions and decisions. By referring to the "mortal body," Paul emphasizes that our physical existence is susceptible to sinful desires. He warns that if we yield to these desires, we will end up obeying them, leading to a life that is contrary to God's will. Instead, believers are encouraged to resist these temptations and live in a way that honors God. This involves making conscious choices to reject sinful behaviors and instead pursue righteousness, reflecting the transformative power of faith in Christ. The call is to actively engage in the struggle against sin, recognizing that while we may face temptations, we have the strength through Christ to overcome them and live a life that is pleasing to God.
How to apply Romans 6:12 to your life
To apply this verse, consciously identify areas in your life where sin may be trying to take control. Make a commitment to resist those temptations by seeking accountability, prayer, and engaging in positive activities that align with your faith. Choose to obey God's will instead.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 6:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 6:12
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 6:12 mean?
Romans 6:12 means that believers should not allow sin to control their lives. It emphasizes the importance of resisting sinful desires and making choices that align with God's will.
What is the meaning of 'sin reign' in Romans 6:12?
The phrase 'sin reign' in Romans 6:12 refers to allowing sin to dominate one's life and influence decisions. Paul warns against letting sinful desires take charge, urging believers to actively resist them.
How can I apply Romans 6:12 in my life?
To apply Romans 6:12, identify areas where sin may be gaining control and commit to resisting those temptations. Seek accountability, pray, and engage in activities that reflect your faith.
What does 'mortal body' mean in Romans 6:12?
In Romans 6:12, 'mortal body' refers to our physical existence, which is vulnerable to sinful desires. Paul highlights the need to be aware of how our bodies can lead us into sin.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.