Romans 12:3
What does Romans 12:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 12:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 12:3 means
On the basis of grace given to him, Paul warns each believer against pride. A renewed mind thinks soberly—accurately—about oneself. Overestimating our importance spoils unity and service. God has apportioned to each a measure of faith—the capacity and trust by which we receive and exercise our role. Therefore, humility is realism: we are gifted by grace, not by entitlement. We should neither inflate nor despise ourselves, but serve within the sphere God assigns. Such self-assessment promotes cooperation in the body rather than competition. The gospel that levels us at the cross also assigns us places in Christ’s service, calling for gratitude, restraint, and faithfulness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But I say to every one of you, through the grace given to me, not to have an over-high opinion of himself, but to have wise thoughts, as God has given to every one a measure of faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For I say, through the grace that was given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think above what it behoveth to think; but to think so as to think wisely, as to each God did deal a measure of faith,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I say, by the grace that is given me, to all that are among you, not to be more wise than it behoveth to be wise, but to be wise unto sobriety and according as God hath divided to every one the measure of faith.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For I say, through the grace which has been given to me, to every one that is among you, not to have high thoughts above what he should think; but to think so as to be wise, asGod has dealt to each a measure of faith.
Context
After urging transformation, Paul first addresses the mindset required in community: humility. This prepares for the body imagery in verses 4–5 and the gift list in verses 6–8. Without sober self-estimation, gifts become platforms for pride. With it, they become instruments for love. The verse thus bridges the inner renewal of verse 2 and the practical outworking among believers. What follows will show how many roles exist in one body and how each is to be exercised for the common good, not personal status.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 2:6
the younger men likewise exhort to be sober-minded:
- Titus 2:2
that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience:
- 1 Corinthians 12:7
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.
- Titus 2:12
instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;
- 1 Peter 1:13
Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
- Ephesians 3:4
whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 12
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 12.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
Topic
Bible Verses About Broken Relationships
The Bible offers guidance and comfort for navigating the pain and challenges of broken relationships, emphasizing reconciliation, forgiveness, and God's love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Trying to Forgive Someone
Honest scripture for when forgiveness feels impossible — or unfair.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.