New Testament

Romans 6:12

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Paul is urging believers not to allow sin to take control of their lives.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.

KJVKing James Version

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

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

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.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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