Romans 13:13

KJV

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us walk {G4043} honestly {G2156}, as {G5613} in {G1722} the day {G2250}; not {G3361} in rioting {G2970} and {G2532} drunkenness {G3178}, not {G3361} in chambering {G2845} and {G2532} wantonness {G766}, not {G3361} in strife {G2054} and {G2532} envying {G2205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let us live properly, as people do in the daytime — not partying and getting drunk, not engaging in sexual immorality and other excesses, not quarrelling and being jealous.

Berean Standard Bible

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

American Standard Version

Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 13:13 issues a profound ethical exhortation, calling believers to live with integrity and moral purity, as if under the illuminating scrutiny of daylight. It starkly contrasts the righteous conduct expected of those who anticipate Christ's imminent return with the debauched and divisive behaviors characteristic of worldly darkness, specifically condemning excessive revelry, sexual immorality, and interpersonal conflict. This verse serves as a practical blueprint for Christian living, urging a lifestyle that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel and the urgency of the eschatological hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 13:13 is situated within a crucial section of Paul's letter to the Romans, specifically following his discourse on civic obedience and submission to governing authorities in [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities"). Paul then transitions to the overarching principle of love as the fulfillment of the law in [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law"), emphasizing that loving one's neighbor precludes any violation of the commandments. The immediate preceding verses, [Romans 13:11-12](/romans/13-11-12 "Romans 13:11-12 - The Urgency of Salvation"), introduce a powerful eschatological urgency, declaring that "now is our salvation nearer than when we believed" and that "the night is far spent, the day is at hand." This sense of impending "day" (referring to Christ's return or the full realization of His kingdom) provides the foundational motivation for the ethical imperatives laid out in verse 13. The verse thus serves as a practical outworking of the call to "cast off the works of darkness" and "put on the armour of light" from [Romans 13:12](/romans/13-12 "Romans 13:12 - Casting Off Darkness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Rome was a bustling metropolis characterized by a diverse population and a blend of cultures, including a pervasive Greco-Roman paganism. This societal backdrop often featured public festivals and private gatherings marked by excessive indulgence in food, wine, and sexual promiscuity. The terms "rioting" (kōmos) and "drunkenness" (methē) directly refer to such revelries, often associated with cultic practices or general hedonism. "Chambering" (koitē) and "wantonness" (aselgeia) point to the widespread sexual immorality and public shamelessness that were common in Roman society, contrasting sharply with the moral standards of the early Christian community. Furthermore, the diverse social fabric of Rome, coupled with nascent Christian communities comprised of both Jewish and Gentile converts, often led to "strife" (eris) and "envying" (zēlos) within the church itself, as believers navigated cultural differences, theological disagreements, and personal rivalries. Paul's exhortation, therefore, directly addresses both the external pressures of a pagan society and the internal challenges of maintaining unity and purity within the nascent Christian body.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 13:13 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Romans and Paul's broader theology. A primary theme is **Moral Transformation and Sanctification**, building upon the theological exposition of justification by faith in earlier chapters. Paul demonstrates that true faith inevitably leads to a transformed life, moving away from the "works of darkness" and embracing behaviors consistent with God's righteousness. This verse emphasizes the **Urgency of Eschatological Living**, linking the imminent "day" of Christ's coming to the imperative for present-day purity and vigilance, as also seen in [1 Thessalonians 5:4-8](/1_thessalonians/5-4-8 "1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 - Children of Light"). The call to "walk honestly, as in the day" introduces the theme of **Living in the Light**, a metaphor for transparency, integrity, and accountability before God and humanity, contrasting with the hidden deeds of "night." Finally, the specific prohibitions against "strife and envying" underscore the vital theme of **Christian Unity and Love**, reinforcing the principle articulated in [Romans 13:8](/romans/13-8 "Romans 13:8 - Love Fulfills the Law") that love for one another is the supreme ethical command and the antidote to internal division.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **honestly (Greek, _euschēmónōs'_):** This adverb, derived from the adjective meaning "well-formed" or "graceful," signifies living "decently," "properly," or "in a becoming manner." It implies a conduct that is honorable, respectable, and appropriate for those who bear the name of Christ, reflecting an outward appearance of moral uprightness and integrity that aligns with their inward spiritual transformation.
* **strife (Greek, _éris'_):** This noun denotes quarrel, contention, or wrangling. It refers to the active expression of disagreement and hostility, leading to disputes and divisions within a community. In the context of the early church, it highlights the destructive nature of internal conflict that undermines unity and love among believers.
* **envying (Greek, _zēlos'_):** While "zeal" can have a positive connotation, here it is used negatively to mean jealousy, rivalry, or malice. It describes a fervent, often bitter, resentment of another's possessions, achievements, or status, which can lead to destructive actions and attitudes, further fueling "strife" and undermining communal harmony.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us walk honestly, as in the day;":** This opening clause serves as the positive command, setting the standard for Christian conduct. "Walk" (peripatéō) is a common biblical metaphor for one's manner of life or habitual conduct. To "walk honestly" (euschēmónōs) means to live with decorum, integrity, and propriety, in a way that is honorable and respectable. The phrase "as in the day" provides both a temporal and a metaphorical context. Temporally, it alludes to the imminent "day" of Christ's return, urging believers to live in a manner prepared for His appearing. Metaphorically, "day" symbolizes light, truth, and transparency, implying that Christian conduct should be open, visible, and above reproach, in contrast to the hidden deeds of darkness.
* **"not in rioting and drunkenness,":** This is the first pair of prohibitions, addressing excesses related to revelry and substance abuse. "Rioting" (kōmos) refers to carousing, drunken feasts, or wild parties, often associated with pagan festivals marked by unrestrained indulgence. "Drunkenness" (méthē) specifically denotes intoxication. These behaviors are condemned as they lead to a loss of self-control, impair judgment, and are inconsistent with the sober-mindedness expected of believers awaiting Christ's return.
* **"not in chambering and wantonness,":** This second pair of prohibitions targets sexual immorality and unrestrained sensuality. "Chambering" (koítē) literally means "bed" but is used euphemistically to refer to illicit sexual relations or promiscuity. "Wantonness" (asélgeia) signifies licentiousness, lewdness, or a shameless disregard for moral decency, often involving public displays of immorality. These behaviors are a direct affront to Christian purity and the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
* **"not in strife and envying.":** The final pair of prohibitions addresses interpersonal conflicts and destructive emotions within the community. "Strife" (éris) refers to contention, quarrels, or disputes, indicating a lack of peace and unity. "Envying" (zēlos) denotes jealousy, bitter rivalry, or malicious emulation. These attitudes and actions undermine the love and harmony that should characterize the body of Christ, directly contradicting the command to love one another.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 13:13 employs several effective **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent message. Central to the verse is the use of **Metaphor**, particularly the contrast between "day" and "night." "Day" symbolizes light, truth, and the imminent arrival of Christ's kingdom, representing a life of transparency and righteousness. "Night," by contrast, implicitly represents the sphere of darkness, secrecy, and ungodliness, where the proscribed behaviors (rioting, drunkenness, chambering, wantonness, strife, envying) typically occur. This metaphorical framework establishes a clear moral dichotomy. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Antithesis**, directly contrasting the positive command ("walk honestly, as in the day") with a series of negative prohibitions ("not in rioting... not in chambering... not in strife..."). This stark opposition powerfully highlights the behaviors to be avoided by those who belong to the light. Finally, **Parallelism** is evident in the repeated "not in..." structure, which creates a rhythmic and emphatic rejection of specific vices, reinforcing their unsuitability for Christian conduct. The pairing of vices (rioting and drunkenness, chambering and wantonness, strife and envying) also demonstrates a form of parallelism, grouping related moral failings together.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 13:13 is a powerful call to practical holiness, rooted in the theological reality of salvation and the eschatological hope. It underscores the truth that justification by faith is not an end in itself but the beginning of a transformed life of sanctification. The "day" motif connects this ethical imperative directly to the return of Christ, emphasizing that genuine faith should manifest in a lifestyle that anticipates and prepares for His coming. This means shedding the "works of darkness"—behaviors characteristic of a world alienated from God—and embracing a life of integrity, purity, and relational harmony, which are the fruits of the Spirit. The verse implicitly teaches that Christian ethics are not merely a set of rules but a natural outflow of a new identity in Christ, lived out in conscious awareness of God's presence and impending judgment.

* [Ephesians 5:8-11](/ephesians/5-8-11 "Ephesians 5:8-11 - Walk as Children of Light")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [1 Peter 4:3-4](/1_peter/4-3-4 "1 Peter 4:3-4 - Living for God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 13:13 challenges believers today to a radical re-evaluation of their daily conduct in light of eternity. The call to "walk honestly, as in the day" urges us to live with unwavering integrity, transparency, and moral uprightness in every sphere of life—our homes, workplaces, digital interactions, and private thoughts. This means rejecting the allure of secret sins and embracing a life lived openly before God and others, knowing that the "day" of accountability is always at hand. The specific prohibitions serve as a timeless warning against the seductive power of worldly indulgence and relational discord. We are called to exercise self-control over our appetites, fleeing from any form of excess or immorality that would defile our bodies, minds, or spirits. Furthermore, the injunction against "strife and envying" reminds us of our sacred responsibility to cultivate peace, unity, and love within the Christian community, actively resisting the divisive forces of jealousy, rivalry, and contention. Living out this verse requires a conscious, daily decision to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" ([Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Put on the Lord Jesus Christ")), allowing His character to shape our every word and deed, and living with the urgency of those who truly believe that the "day is at hand."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to "walk in the night," engaging in behaviors that are hidden or would not stand up to the "daylight" of God's scrutiny?**
* **How does the awareness of Christ's imminent return (the "day") motivate or challenge my current lifestyle choices and priorities?**
* **Am I actively cultivating self-control and purity, or am I allowing worldly indulgences (like excessive entertainment, consumption, or sexual immorality) to subtly influence my conduct?**
* **How do "strife" and "envying" manifest in my relationships, particularly within my Christian community, and what steps can I take to foster greater unity and love?**

### FAQ

**What does "walk honestly, as in the day" mean for Christians today?**

Answer: "Walking honestly, as in the day" means living a life characterized by integrity, transparency, and moral uprightness, as if constantly under the illuminating scrutiny of daylight. For Christians today, this implies that our conduct, both public and private, should be above reproach and consistent with our faith. It means living authentically, without hypocrisy or hidden sins, because we are "children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Children of Light")). It also carries an eschatological urgency, reminding us to live in a manner prepared for the "day" of Christ's return or the full realization of His kingdom.

**Why does Paul specifically list "rioting and drunkenness, chambering and wantonness, strife and envying"?**

Answer: Paul lists these specific behaviors because they represent common vices prevalent in the Greco-Roman world that were antithetical to Christian conduct and the principles of love and purity. "Rioting and drunkenness" refer to excessive revelry and intoxication, which lead to a loss of self-control and are characteristic of pagan feasts. "Chambering and wantonness" address sexual immorality and licentiousness, which defile the body and disregard moral decency. "Strife and envying" refer to interpersonal conflicts, jealousy, and bitter rivalry, which undermine unity and love within the Christian community. By explicitly naming these, Paul provides clear, practical examples of the "works of darkness" that believers are to "cast off" ([Romans 13:12](/romans/13-12 "Romans 13:12 - Casting Off Darkness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 13:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The call to "walk honestly, as in the day" is a direct reflection of Christ, who is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), in whom there is no darkness at all ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light")). He perfectly exemplified a life lived in complete transparency, integrity, and purity, utterly devoid of the vices Paul condemns. Christ's advent ushered in the "day" of salvation, dispelling the "night" of sin and ignorance. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us into His glorious light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Therefore, our ability to "cast off the works of darkness" and "put on the armour of light" ([Romans 13:12](/romans/13-12 "Romans 13:12 - The Armor of Light")) is not by our own strength but by virtue of our union with Christ. As believers, we are called to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" ([Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Put on the Lord Jesus Christ")), allowing His righteousness to become our practical conduct, reflecting His character to a world still shrouded in night. Our transformed lives, marked by purity, self-control, and love, are a testament to the saving and sanctifying power of the One who came as the true and everlasting Day.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1 Thessalonians 4:3

For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

1 Thessalonians 4:5

Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

1 Thessalonians 4:12

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing.

1 John 2:6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,