Rom 12:1-2 | RWP | e4.org | Therefore ( ουν ). This inferential participle gathers up all the great argument of chapters . Now Paul turns to exhortation ( παρακαλω ), "I beseech you." By the mercies ( δια των οικτιρμων ). "By means of the mercies of God" as shown in his argument and in our lives. See for "the Father of mercies." To present ( παραστησα ). First aorist active infinitive of παριστημ , for which verb see , a technical term for offering a sacrifice (Josephus, Ant . IV. 6, 4), though not in the O.T. Used of presenting the child Jesus in the temple ( ), of the Christian presenting himself ( ), of God presenting the saved ( ), of Christ presenting the church ( ). Bodies ( σωματα ). So literally as in , ; and in contrast with νους (mind) in verse . A living sacrifice ( θυσιαν ζωσαν ). In contrast with the Levitical sacrifices of slain animals. Cf. , , . Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise. Acceptable ( ευαρεστον ). "Well-pleasing." See on . Which is your reasonable service ( την λογικην υμων λατρειαν ). "Your rational (spiritual) service (worship)." For λατρεια , see on . Λογικος is from λογος , reason. The phrase means here "worship rendered by the reason (or soul)." Old word, in N.T. only here and το λογικον γαλα (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul).

‏ Romans 12:1-2

Therefore ( ουν ). This inferential participle gathers up all the great argument of chapters 1-11. Now Paul turns to exhortation ( παρακαλω ), "I beseech you."

By the mercies ( δια των οικτιρμων ). "By means of the mercies of God" as shown in his argument and in our lives. See 2Co 1:3 for "the Father of mercies."

To present ( παραστησα ). First aorist active infinitive of παριστημ, for which verb see 6:13, a technical term for offering a sacrifice (Josephus, Ant. IV. 6, 4), though not in the O.T. Used of presenting the child Jesus in the temple (Lu 2:22), of the Christian presenting himself (Ro 6:13), of God presenting the saved (Eph 5:27), of Christ presenting the church (Col 1:28).

Bodies ( σωματα ). So literally as in 6:13, 19; 2Co 5:10 and in contrast with νους (mind) in verse 2.

A living sacrifice ( θυσιαν ζωσαν ). In contrast with the Levitical sacrifices of slain animals. Cf. 6:8, 11, 13. Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise.

Acceptable ( ευαρεστον ). "Well-pleasing." See on 2Co 5:9.

Which is your reasonable service ( την λογικην υμων λατρειαν ). "Your rational (spiritual) service (worship)." For λατρεια, see on 9:4. Λογικος is from λογος, reason. The phrase means here "worship rendered by the reason (or soul)." Old word, in N.T. only here and 1Pe 2:2 το λογικον γαλα (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul).

Be not fashioned ( μη συνσχηματιζεσθε ). Present passive imperative with μη, stop being fashioned or do not have the habit of being fashioned. Late Greek verb συσχηματιζω, to conform to another's pattern (1Co 7:31; Php 2:7f.). In N.T. only here and 1Pe 1:14.

According to this world ( τω αιων τουτω ). Associative instrumental case. Do not take this age as your fashion plate.

Be ye transformed ( μεταμορφουσθε ). Present passive imperative of μεταμορφοω, another late verb, to transfigure as in Mt 17:2 (Mr 9:2); 2Co 3:18, which see. On the distinction between σχημα and μορφη, see Php 2:7. There must be a radical change in the inner man for one to live rightly in this evil age, "by the renewing of your mind" ( τη ανακαινωσε του νοος ). Instrumental case. The new birth, the new mind, the new ( καινος ) man.

That ye may prove ( εις το δοκιμαζειν ). Infinitive of purpose with εις το, "to test" what is God's will, "the good and acceptable and perfect" ( το αγαθον κα ευαρεστον κα τελειον ).