King James Version

What Does Romans 12:2 Mean?

Romans 12:2 in the King James Version says “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that g...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Romans 12:2 · KJV

Context

1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly , according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. soberly: Gr. to sobriety

4

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

Read Romans 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. The command be not conformed (μὴ συσχηματίζεσθε, mē syschēmatizesthe) means 'stop letting yourselves be pressed into the world's mold'—the present imperative suggests ongoing resistance. This world (τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, tō aiōni toutō) refers to the present evil age, the system of values opposed to God. In contrast, be ye transformed (μεταμορφοῦσθε, metamorphousthe) is the verb from which we get 'metamorphosis'—the same word used at Christ's transfiguration (Matthew 17:2). This is passive voice: transformation is God's work in us, not self-improvement.

The means of transformation is the renewing of your mind (τῇ ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ νοός, tē anakainōsei tou noos)—Christian discipleship involves radical intellectual reorientation, learning to think God's thoughts after him through Scripture. The result is that believers can prove (δοκιμάζειν, dokimazein, 'test and approve') God's will, which Paul describes with three adjectives: good (beneficial), acceptable (pleasing), and perfect (complete, mature). Romans 12:1-2 forms the thesis statement for Paul's ethics: total consecration and mental transformation enable discernment of God's will.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Rome was the center of pagan culture, with emperor worship, polytheism, gladiatorial games, and sexual immorality woven into daily life. Christians faced constant pressure to conform—attending banquets with meat offered to idols, participating in trade guilds with pagan rituals, navigating imperial loyalty oaths. Paul's call for mental renewal addressed believers who had been shaped by Greco-Roman philosophical categories, Jewish legalism, or syncretistic religion before conversion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific thought patterns or assumptions from contemporary culture have you unconsciously absorbed that need intellectual 'renewing'?
  2. How does conformity to the world's values show up in your spending habits, entertainment choices, or career ambitions?
  3. In what areas of life are you seeking God's perfect will, and how is Scripture renewing your mind to discern it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ2 of 28

“not”

G3361

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

συσχηματίζεσθε3 of 28

“be”

G4964

to fashion alike, i.e., conform to the same pattern (figuratively)

τῷ4 of 28
G3588

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

αἰῶνι5 of 28

“world”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τούτῳ6 of 28

“to this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

ἀλλὰ7 of 28

“but”

G235

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

μεταμορφοῦσθε8 of 28

“be ye transformed”

G3339

to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose")

τῇ9 of 28
G3588

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

ἀνακαινώσει10 of 28

“by the renewing”

G342

renovation

τοῦ11 of 28
G3588

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

νοός12 of 28

“mind”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

ὑμῶν,13 of 28

“of your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς14 of 28

“that”

G1519

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

τὸ15 of 28
G3588

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

δοκιμάζειν16 of 28

“may prove”

G1381

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

ὑμᾶς17 of 28

“ye”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τί18 of 28

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τὸ19 of 28
G3588

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

θέλημα20 of 28

“will”

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τοῦ21 of 28
G3588

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

θεοῦ22 of 28

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τὸ23 of 28
G3588

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

ἀγαθὸν24 of 28

“is that good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

καὶ25 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐάρεστον26 of 28

“acceptable”

G2101

fully agreeable

καὶ27 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τέλειον28 of 28

“perfect”

G5046

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

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 12:2 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 12:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 1:14Ephesians 4:22-242 Corinthians 5:17Colossians 3:101 John 2:15-17Ephesians 5:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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