King James Version

What Does Romans 12:16 Mean?

Romans 12:16 in the King James Version says “Be of the same mind one toward another . Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Be of the same mind one toward another . Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. condescend: or, be contented with mean things”

Romans 12:16 · KJV

Context

14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16

Be of the same mind one toward another . Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. condescend: or, be contented with mean things

17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Read Romans 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. This verse contains three related commands on relational humility. Be of the same mind one toward another (τὸ αὐτὸ εἰς ἀλλήλους φρονοῦντες, to auto eis allēlous phronountes) doesn't demand uniformity of opinion but unity of purpose and attitude—what Paul calls 'like-mindedness' in Philippians 2:2. The shared mind is cruciform humility, considering others better than yourself. Second, Mind not high things (μὴ τὰ ὑψηλὰ φρονοῦντες, mē ta hypsēla phronountes)—don't set your thoughts on lofty, ambitious, status-seeking pursuits. Instead, condescend to men of low estate (ταῖς ταπειναῖς συναπαγόμενοι, tais tapeinais synapagomenoi).

This phrase can mean 'associate with lowly people' or 'adapt yourself to humble tasks'—probably both. The verb synapagō means 'be carried along with, accommodate yourself to.' Pride resists descending to lowly people or menial work; humility embraces both. Finally, Be not wise in your own conceits (μὴ γίνεσθε φρόνιμοι παρ᾽ ἑαυτοῖς, mē ginesthe phronimoi par' heautois) warns against intellectual arrogance—thinking yourself wise in your own estimation (Proverbs 3:7). Self-proclaimed wisdom is folly; true wisdom is humble, teachable, and others-oriented (James 3:13-17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman society was stratified by class: senators, equestrians, plebeians, freedmen, slaves. Social mobility was limited; honor attached to rank. Associating with social inferiors was scandalous; aristocrats avoided manual labor and the poor. Jewish culture also had hierarchies—priests, Pharisees, common people, Gentiles. Jesus violated these boundaries constantly (eating with tax collectors and sinners, touching lepers, honoring women and children). Paul calls the Roman church to the same social revolution: a community where masters and slaves, wealthy and poor, educated and uneducated associate as equals in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your church demonstrate 'same-mindedness'—unity of purpose despite diverse backgrounds, opinions, and preferences?
  2. What 'high things' distract you from humble service—career ambitions, intellectual pride, social status?
  3. Who are the 'lowly people' or 'humble tasks' God is calling you to 'condescend to' (embrace) rather than avoid?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
τὸ1 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτὸ2 of 18

“Be of the same”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς3 of 18

“one toward another”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀλλήλους4 of 18
G240

one another

φρονοῦντες5 of 18

“Mind”

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

μὴ6 of 18

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τὰ7 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑψηλὰ8 of 18

“high things”

G5308

lofty (in place or character)

φρονοῦντες9 of 18

“Mind”

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

ἀλλὰ10 of 18

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τοῖς11 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ταπεινοῖς12 of 18

“to men of low estate”

G5011

depressed, i.e., (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition)

συναπαγόμενοι13 of 18

“condescend”

G4879

to take off together, i.e., transport with (seduce, passively, yield)

μὴ14 of 18

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γίνεσθε15 of 18

“Be”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

φρόνιμοι16 of 18

“wise”

G5429

thoughtful, i.e., sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while g4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and g4908 indicates rather inte

παρ'17 of 18

“in”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἑαυτοῖς18 of 18

“your own conceits”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 12:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 12:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:8Proverbs 3:7James 3:13-17Romans 12:3Philippians 2:2-3Hebrews 13:5

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Romans 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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