Romans 12:4
καθάπερ γὰρ ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι πολλὰ μέλη ἔχομεν, τὰ δὲ μέλη πάντα οὐ τὴν αὐτὴν ἔχει πρᾶξιν,
Focus Topic: Simile with καθάπερ and Subject-Complement Agreement
This verse introduces a comparison between the physical body and the community of believers. Paul uses καθάπερ to build a parallel, followed by coordinated clauses emphasizing diversity within unity. The grammar expresses both sameness of identity and variety of function.
Simile Introduction: καθάπερ γάρ
καθάπερ (“just as”) introduces a simile or analogy. It sets up a comparison that will be completed in the next verse (Romans 12:5). The particle γάρ provides a logical connection with the previous exhortation (v.3), explaining why humility and sober thinking are necessary — because we are members of one body.
Prepositional Phrase: ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι
This phrase uses the preposition ἐν with the dative singular noun σῶμα (“body”) modified by ἑνί (“one”) — “in one body.” It sets the spatial and metaphorical framework for the analogy.
Main Clause: πολλὰ μέλη ἔχομεν
ἔχομεν is present active indicative, 1st person plural, from ἔχω (“we have”). The subject is implied in the verb, and the object is πολλὰ μέλη (“many members”). The emphasis is on plurality within singular unity.
Coordinated Clause: τὰ δὲ μέλη πάντα οὐ τὴν αὐτὴν ἔχει πρᾶξιν
This clause introduces a contrast with δέ — “but the members all do not have the same function.”
| Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|
| τὰ μέλη πάντα | “all the members” — plural neuter subject |
| οὐ τὴν αὐτὴν ἔχει πρᾶξιν | “do not have the same function” — ἔχει agrees with collective sense of μέλη, taking πρᾶξιν (“function, activity”) as the object |
Key Vocabulary Note: πρᾶξις
πρᾶξις refers to an action, function, or practice — here it denotes the role or activity assigned to a member within a larger whole. Not all parts have the same role, though they belong to the same body.
Key Observations
- καθάπερ signals a metaphor that will be extended into the next verse.
- πολλὰ μέλη and ἓν σῶμα contrast plurality and unity.
- The verb ἔχει in singular with πρᾶξιν despite plural subject τὰ μέλη reflects the Greek idiom of collective subjects.
- The syntax prepares for Paul’s exhortation that every believer has a distinct gift or function within the Church.
Ecclesiology Expressed in Syntax
The grammatical structure of this verse captures a fundamental ecclesiological truth: the Church is one body with many members, each with a unique function. The contrast between ἑνὶ σώματι and πολλὰ μέλη is framed syntactically to promote unity without uniformity. Paul’s grammar builds the theological case for spiritual diversity under a common Lord and purpose.
