Rom 12:1 | 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

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).