Romans 14:12

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

So {G3767} then {G686} every one {G1538} of us {G2257} shall give {G1325} account {G3056} of {G4012} himself {G1438} to God {G2316}.

So then, every one of us will have to give an account of himself to God.

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Commentary

Romans 14:12 emphasizes a profound truth about Christian life: individual accountability before God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while we live in community and fellowship, our ultimate responsibility is to the Lord alone for our choices and actions.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader discussion in Romans 14 regarding Christian liberty and conscience. Paul addresses disagreements among believers concerning "disputable matters" such as dietary laws or the observance of specific days (Romans 14:1). He urges believers not to judge or despise one another over these non-essential issues, reminding them that each person's conscience is directed by God, not by other believers. The verses immediately preceding this one, Romans 14:10-11, state that "we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ," citing Isaiah 45:23. Verse 12 then summarizes this principle: every individual will personally answer to God.

Key Themes

  • Individual Accountability: The core message is that each believer is personally responsible for their walk with God. Our spiritual journey and decisions are ultimately between us and the Lord, not subject to the judgment of others.
  • The Judgment Seat of Christ: This verse points forward to a future reckoning, often referred to as the Bema seat judgment for believers. It's not a judgment for salvation (which is secured by faith in Christ), but an assessment of our faithfulness and stewardship of the life God has given us (2 Corinthians 5:10).
  • Christian Liberty and Conscience: In the context of Romans 14, this accountability means we should live according to our conscience before God, without imposing our convictions on others or being condemned by theirs.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "give account" translates the Greek word logos (λόγος). While logos often means "word" or "reason," in this context, it carries the sense of a reckoning, a defense, or an explanation. It implies a detailed report of one's actions, motivations, and use of resources before a divine judge. This is not a casual conversation but a serious rendering of stewardship.

Practical Application

Romans 14:12 calls believers to a life of conscientious living, focusing on their own relationship with God rather than on judging the practices of fellow Christians in disputable matters. It encourages us to:

  • Live with Intentionality: Recognize that every choice, word, and deed has significance before God.
  • Prioritize Personal Walk: Spend more time examining our own hearts and actions than scrutinizing others' spiritual practices.
  • Embrace Humility: Understand that we are all equally accountable to God, fostering a spirit of grace and patience towards others (Galatians 6:5).

Ultimately, this verse reminds us that our faith is deeply personal, and our responsibility to God is paramount. It encourages a life lived in mindful awareness of His presence and our future accounting.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 4:5 (26 votes)

    Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

  • Matthew 12:36 (26 votes)

    But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

  • Matthew 16:27 (18 votes)

    For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

  • Galatians 6:5 (14 votes)

    For every man shall bear his own burden.

  • Luke 16:2 (11 votes)

    And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:9 (10 votes)

    Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.

  • Matthew 18:23 (2 votes)

    Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.