Romans 12:5

5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:5 in Other Translations

KJV
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
ESV
5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
NLT
5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
MSG
5 The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body,
CSB
5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

Romans 12:5 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 12:5

So we being many are one body in Christ
This is the application of the above simile. The chosen of God, the redeemed of Christ, and those that are justified by his righteousness, and sanctified by his Spirit; though they are but few in comparison of the men of the world, but considered in themselves are many, and yet make up but one body, the church, of which Christ is the head: and though this general assembly; or church universal, may be distinguished into several congregational churches, and distinct communities, yet each community, consisting of divers persons, is but one body "in Christ", united and knit together by joints and bands, under him their head, Lord, and King; in him, and not in Caesar, or any earthly monarch, to distinguish this body from bodies politic, or any civil community among men:

and everyone members one of another;
as in union with Christ their head, so to one another in love, walking in holy fellowship together, sympathizing with, and serving each other.

Romans 12:5 In-Context

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;

Cross References 1

  • 1. 1 Corinthians 6:15; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 1 Corinthians 12:12,20,27; Ephesians 2:16; Ephesians 4:4,25; Ephesians 5:30; Colossians 3:15
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.