Bible Strands
Romans 12:4
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses believers in Rome immediately after instructing them to exercise sober judgment according to God's measure of faith (Romans 12:3). He introduces a physical analogy to frame his subsequent discussion of spiritual gifts and communal unity.
The words — καθάπερ (kathaper) translates literally to "just as," and σώματι (sōmati) means "body." The phrase ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι (en heni sōmati) reads "in one body."
The thread — The body-and-members analogy recurs in 1 Corinthians 12:12 and 1 Corinthians 12:27.
Why it lands — The text states that a single body contains many members, and not all members share the same function. It requires readers to accept functional diversity within a unified community without demanding identical roles or equal status.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12 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.
- Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4 There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.
- Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;