King James Version

What Does Romans 6:12 Mean?

Romans 6:12 in the King James Version says “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 6:12 · KJV

Context

10

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

11

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12

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

13

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. instruments: Gr. arms, or, weapons

14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Read Romans 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body—mē oun basileuetō hē hamartia en tō thnētō hymōn sōmati (μὴ οὖν βασιλευέτω ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι). The present imperative with mē means "stop allowing sin to reign" (if it currently does) or "do not begin allowing." Basileuetō (βασιλευέτω, "let it reign") personifies sin as a tyrant-king. Your mortal body (thnētō hymōn sōmati, θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι)—thnētos (mortal, subject to death) emphasizes the body's present frailty and fallen condition, making it vulnerable to sin's reign if believers yield.

That ye should obey it in the lusts thereof (eis to hypakouein tais epithymiais autou, εἰς τὸ ὑπακούειν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ)—hypakouein (obey) indicates submission to authority. Epithymiais (ἐπιθυμίαις, lusts, desires) can be neutral but here is sinful desire. The body's desires are sin's foot soldiers; allowing sin to reign means obeying these desires. The command assumes believers' responsibility and ability (through the Spirit, though not mentioned until ch. 8) to refuse sin's kingship. Though positionally dethroned, sin still seeks to usurp control—believers must actively resist.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The body-soul relationship was contested in Paul's time. Greek philosophy often denigrated the body (Platonism, Gnosticism); Judaism affirmed the body's goodness but recognized its fallenness. Paul steers between extremes: the body isn't evil (it's mortal and fallen, but redeemable), yet it's the arena where sin seeks control. Roman society's indulgence in sensual pleasure (banquets, baths, sexual license among elites) provided constant temptation. Paul's command to not let sin reign in the body was countercultural asceticism—not body-denial but body-discipline for God's glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'lusts' of your mortal body most persistently seek to obey sin's reign rather than Christ's lordship?
  2. How can you actively dethrone sin's attempted kingship in your bodily appetites and desires?
  3. Where do you need to recognize that resisting sin isn't automatic but requires your active non-cooperation with its reign?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Μὴ1 of 18

“not”

G3361

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

οὖν2 of 18

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

βασιλευέτω3 of 18

“Let”

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

ἡ4 of 18
G3588

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

ἁμαρτία5 of 18

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἐν6 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ7 of 18
G3588

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

θνητῷ8 of 18

“mortal”

G2349

liable to die

ὑμῶν9 of 18

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

σώματι10 of 18

“body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

εἰς11 of 18

“that”

G1519

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

τὸ12 of 18
G3588

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

ὑπακούειν13 of 18

“ye should obey”

G5219

to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority

αὐτοῦ14 of 18

“it”

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

ἐν15 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς16 of 18
G3588

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

ἐπιθυμίαις17 of 18

“the lusts”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

αὐτοῦ18 of 18

“it”

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

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 6:12 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 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 5:16Romans 6:16Romans 8:13Galatians 5:242 Timothy 2:221 John 2:15-17

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 6 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes