Romans 12:16

Amplified Bible

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.

Parallel Translations

Easy-to-Read Version
Live together in peace with each other. Don't be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don't think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.

Revised Standard Version
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited.

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Be of lyke affeccion one towardes another. Be not hye mided: but make youreselves equall to the of ye lower sorte. Be not wyse in youre awne opinios.

Hebrew Names Version
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.

International Standard Version
Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are.Psalm 131:1-2; Proverbs 3:7; 26:12; Isaiah 5:21; Jeremiah 45:5; Romans 11:25; 15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 2:2; 3:16; 1 Peter 3:8;">[xr]

New American Standard Bible
Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

New Century Version
Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Do not think how smart you are.

Update Bible Version
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Don't be wise in your own conceits.

Webster's Bible Translation
[Be] of the same mind one towards another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

English Standard Version
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

World English Bible
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Agree in the same affection toward each other.

Weymouth's New Testament
Have full sympathy with one another. Do not give your mind to high things, but let humble ways content you. Do not be wise in your own conceits.

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Fele ye the same thing togidere; not sauerynge heiy thingis, but consentynge to meke thingis. Nile ye be prudent anentis you silf;

English Revised Version
Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Berean Standard Bible
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.

Contemporary English Version
Be friendly with everyone. Don't be proud and feel that you are smarter than others. Make friends with ordinary people.

American Standard Version
Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Bible in Basic English
Be in harmony with one another. Do not have a high opinion of yourselves, but be in agreement with common people. Do not give yourselves an air of wisdom.

Complete Jewish Bible
Be sensitive to each other's needs — don't think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don't be conceited.

Darby Translation
Have the same respect one for another, not minding high things, but going along with the lowly: be not wise in your own eyes:

Etheridge Translation
And what you think of yourselves, (that) also think of your brethren; nor think with a high mind, but incline to them who are humble; and be not wise in the conceit of your own mind.

Murdock Translation
What estimation ye make of yourselves, [fn] also of your brethren. And indulge not high thoughts; but unite yourselves with the lowly minded. And be not wise in your own estimation.

King James Version (1611)
Be of the same mind one towards another. Minde not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Bee not wise in your owne conceits.

New Living Translation
Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!

New Life Bible
Live in peace with each other. Do not act or think with pride. Be happy to be with poor people. Keep yourself from thinking you are so wise.

New Revised Standard
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.

Geneva Bible (1587)
Be of like affection one towardes another: be not hie minded: but make your selues equall to them of the lower sort: be not wise in your selues.

George Lamsa Translation
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not vain glory, but associate with those who are humble. Be not wise in your own conceits.

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
The same thing, one to another regarding, - not the lofty things regarding, but, by the lowly, being led along. Be not getting presumptuous in your own opinion:

Douay-Rheims Bible
Being of one mind one towards another. Not minding high things, but consenting to the humble. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Bishop's Bible (1568)
Beyng of lyke affection one towardes another, beyng not hye mynded: but makyng your selues equall to them of the lower sort. Be not wise in your owne opinions,

Good News Translation
Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.

Christian Standard Bible®
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

King James Version
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Lexham English Bible
Think the same thing toward one another; do not think arrogantly, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own sight.

Literal Translation
minding the same thing toward one another, not minding high things, but yielding to the lowly. Do not become wise within yourselves;

Young's Literal Translation
of the same mind one toward another, not minding the high things, but with the lowly going along; become not wise in your own conceit;

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Be of one mynde amonge youre selues. Be not proude in youre awne consaytes, but make youre selues equall to them of ye lowe sorte. Be not wyse in youre awne opinions

Mace New Testament (1729)
have the same respect for one another. let not your behaviour be haughty, but soften'd to the condition of those below you. be not wise in your own conceits.

New English Translation
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

New King James Version
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Simplified Cowboy Version
Get along with each other like a cowboy with his best mount. Don't be too proud to sit at the fire with greenhorns. And whatever you do, don't ever think you know it all.

New American Standard Bible (1995)
Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Legacy Standard Bible
by being of the same mind toward one another, not being haughty in mind, but associating with the humble. Do not be wise in your own mind.

Contextual Overview

¹Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. ²And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. ³For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. ⁴For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, ⁵so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other]. ⁶Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; ⁷if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; ⁸or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness. ⁹Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

of the: Romans 15:5, Romans 6:2, 2 Chronicles 30:12, Jeremiah 32:39, Acts 4:32, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 2:2, Philippians 2:3, Philippians 3:16, Philippians 4:2, 1 Peter 3:8

Mind: Psalms 131:1, Psalms 131:2, Jeremiah 45:5, Matthew 18:1-4, Matthew 20:21-28, Luke 4:6-11, Luke 22:24-27, 1 Peter 5:3, 3 John 1:9, Revelation 13:7, Revelation 13:8

condescend to men of low estate: or, be contented with mean things, Job 31:13-16, Job 36:5, Proverbs 17:5, Proverbs 19:7, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 19:22, Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:26, Matthew 11:5, Matthew 26:11, Luke 6:20, Luke 14:13, Philippians 4:11-13, 1 Timothy 6:6-9, Hebrews 13:5, James 2:5, James 2:6

Be not: Romans 11:25, Proverbs 3:7, Proverbs 26:12, Isaiah 5:21, 1 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 4:10, 1 Corinthians 6:5, 1 Corinthians 8:2, James 3:13-17

Reciprocal: Job 11:12 - would Proverbs 3:5 - and Proverbs 4:3 - General Proverbs 23:4 - cease Proverbs 26:5 - conceit Proverbs 28:11 - his own conceit Ezekiel 28:5 - thy great wisdom John 13:14 - ye also Romans 1:14 - both to Romans 11:20 - Be 1 Corinthians 4:8 - ye are full 1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge 2 Corinthians 13:11 - be of one Galatians 6:3 - if 1 Timothy 6:4 - He

Cross-References

Genesis 12:13
"Please tell them that you are my sister so that things will go well for me for your sake, and my life will be spared because of you."

Genesis 12:14
And when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was very beautiful.

Genesis 12:15
Pharaoh's princes (officials) also saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken [for the purpose of marriage] into Pharaoh's house (harem).

Genesis 13:2
Now Abram was extremely rich in livestock and in silver and in gold.

Genesis 20:14
Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen and male and female slaves, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him [as God commanded].

Genesis 24:35
"The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become great (wealthy, powerful); He has given him flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and servants and maids, and camels and donkeys.

Genesis 26:14
he owned flocks and herds and a great household [with a number of servants], and the Philistines envied him.

Genesis 32:5
I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants; and I have sent [this message] to tell my lord, so that I may find grace and kindness in your sight."'"

Job 1:3
He also possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke (pairs) of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very great number of servants, so that this man was the greatest [and wealthiest and most respected] of all the men of the east (northern Arabia).

Job 42:12
And the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Be of the same mind one towards another,.... Which is not to be understood of the sameness of their judgment, or of their agreement in sentiments, espousing the same doctrines, observing the same ordinances, and in the same manner, and attending to the same form of discipline; but of their having the same love, and being of the same accord and affection to one another, entertaining the same good opinion, or a better, of others than of themselves; and so the Syriac version renders the passage, "what ye think of yourselves, think also of your brethren": think of one another, as equally interested in the love of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ, blessed with the same spiritual blessings in him, and called in the same hope of your calling; and do not think of one another, as being one richer or wiser than another, do not value yourselves upon that:

mind not high things; be not highminded, do not think too highly of yourselves, and despise others; meddle not with, nor grasp at things too high for you, that are out of your reach, and beyond your capacity; nor seek great things for yourselves, as riches, honours, c. nor covet great company:

but condescend to men of low estate or "to low things"; be content with mean and low things in life, and disdain not to take notice of and converse with, men in a low condition, whether in things temporal or spiritual; who may be poor in this world, be very ignorant and illiterate, as to general knowledge and learning; be men of mean parts and abilities, of very small gifts, and be weak in faith and experience; condescend to their weaknesses, bear their infirmities, and become all things to them for their good, and God's glory: consider the apostle is writing to citizens of Rome, who might be tempted to look upon themselves above others, and to look disdainfully upon others, as citizens too often do on country people, as if they were below them, as persons of low life to them:

be not wise in your own conceits; see Proverbs 3:7. This is attended with bad consequences, spoils a man's usefulness, prevents his improvement in knowledge, tempts him to reject all counsel and advice given him, and to treat his fellow creatures and Christians with haughtiness and insolence, and exposes him to the scorn and contempt of men: or "be not wise by or with yourselves"; imagining you have all the wisdom, and others have none; or keeping it to yourselves, what wisdom you have communicate it to others; the Ethiopic version reads, "say not, we are wise"; see Job 12:2.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Be of the same mind ... - This passage has been variously interpreted. “Enter into each other’s circumstances, in order to see how you would yourself feel.” Chrysostom. “Be agreed in your opinions and views.” Stuart. “Be united or agreed with each other.” Flatt; compare Philippians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 13:11. A literal translation of the Greek will give somewhat a different sense, but one evidently correct. “Think of, that is, regard, or seek after the same thing for each other; that is, what you regard or seek for yourself, seek also for your brethren. Do not have divided interests; do not be pursuing different ends and aims; do not indulge counter plans and purposes; and do not seek honors, offices, for yourself which you do not seek for your brethren, so that you may still regard yourselves as brethren on a level, and aim at the same object.” The Syriac has well rendered the passage: “And what you think concerning yourselves, the same also think concerning your brethren; neither think with an elevated or ambitious mind, but accommodate yourselves to those who are of humbler condition;” compare 1 Peter 3:8.

Mind not high things - Greek, Not thinking of high things. That is, not seeking them, or aspiring after them. The connection shows that the apostle had in view those things which pertained to worldly offices and honors; wealth, and state, and grandeur. They were not to seek them for themselves; nor were they to court the society or the honors of the people in an elevated rank in life. Christians were commonly of the poorer ranks, and they were to seek their companions and joys there, and not to aspire to the society of the great and the rich; compare Jeremiah 45:5, “And seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not;” Luke 12:15.

Condescend - συναπαγομενοι sunapagomenoi. Literally, “being led away by, or being conducted by.” It does not properly mean to condescend, but denotes a yielding, or being guided and led in the thoughts, feelings, plans, by humble objects. Margin, “Be contented with mean things.”

To men of low estate - In the Greek text, the word here is an adjective ταπεινοις tapeinois, and may refer either to “people” or to “things,” either in the masculine or neuter gender. The sentiment is not materially changed whichever interpretation is adopted. It means that Christians should seek the objects of interest and companionship, not among the great, the rich, and the noble, but among the humble and the obscure. They should do it because their Master did it before them; because his friends are most commonly found among those in humble life; because Christianity prompts to benevolence rather than to a fondness for pride and display; and because of the influence on the mind produced by an attempt to imitate the great, to seek the society of the rich, and to mingle with the scenes of gaiety, folly, and ambition.

Be not wise ... - Compare Isaiah 5:21, “Wo unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight.” See the note at Romans 11:25. The meaning is, do not trust in the conceit of your own superior skill and understanding, and refuse to hearken to the counsel of others.

In your own conceits - Greek, “Among yourselves.” Syriac, “In your own opinion.” The direction here accords with that just given, and means that they should not be elated with pride above their brethren; or be headstrong and self-confident. The tendency of religion is to produce a low estimate of our own importance and attainments.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Romans 12:16. Be of the same mind — Live in a state of continual harmony and concord, and pray for the same good for all which you desire for yourselves.

Mind not high things — Be not ambitious; affect nothing above your station; do not court the rich nor the powerful; do not pass by the poor man to pay your court to the great man; do not affect titles or worldly distinctions; much less sacrifice your conscience for them. The attachment to high things and high men is the vice of little, shallow minds. However, it argues one important fact, that such persons are conscious that they are of no worth and of no consequence in THEMSELVES, and they seek to render themselves observable and to gain a little credit by their endeavours to associate themselves with men of rank and fortune, and if possible to get into honourable employments; and, if this cannot be attained, they affect honourable TITLES.

But condescend to men of low estate. — Be a companion of the humble, and pass through life with as little noise and show as possible. Let the poor, godly man be your chief companion; and learn from his humility and piety to be humble and godly. The term συναπαγομενοι, which we translate condescend, from συν, together, and απαγω, to lead, signifies to be led, carried, or dragged away to prison with another; and points out the state in which the primitive Christians were despised and rejected of men, and often led forth to prison and death. False or man-pleasing professors would endeavour to escape all this disgrace and danger by getting into the favour of the great, the worldly, and the irreligious. There have not been wanting, in all ages of the Church, persons who, losing the savour of Divine things from their own souls by drinking into a worldly spirit, have endeavoured to shun the reproach of the cross by renouncing the company of the godly, speaking evil of the way of life, and perhaps sitting down in the chair of the scorner with apostates like themselves. And yet, strange to tell, these men will keep up a form of godliness! for a decent outside is often necessary to enable them to secure the ends of their ambition.

Be not wise in your own conceits. — Be not puffed up with an opinion of your own consequence; for this will prove that the consequence itself is imaginary. Be not wise, παρ εαυτοις, by yourselves-do not suppose that wisdom and discernment dwell alone with you. Believe that you stand in need both of help and instruction from others.