Romans 13:13
New International Version
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

New Living Translation
Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

English Standard Version
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.

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.

Berean Literal Bible
We should walk properly, as in daytime; not in reveling and drinking, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in dissension and jealousy.

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

New King James Version
Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

New American Standard Bible
Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy.

NASB 1995
Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

NASB 1977
Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

Legacy Standard Bible
Let us walk properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

Amplified Bible
Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy.

Christian Standard Bible
Let us walk with decency, as in the daytime: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling 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.

Contemporary English Version
So behave properly, as people do in the day. Don't go to wild parties or get drunk or be vulgar or indecent. Don't quarrel or be jealous.

English Revised Version
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We should live decently, as people who live in the light of day. Wild parties, drunkenness, sexual immorality, promiscuity, rivalry, and jealousy cannot be part of our lives.

Good News Translation
Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day--no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy.

International Standard Version
Let's behave decently, as people who live in the light of day. No wild parties, drunkenness, sexual immorality, promiscuity, quarreling, or jealousy!

Majority 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.

NET Bible
Let us live decently as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in discord and jealousy.

New Heart English Bible
Let us walk decently, as in the daytime; not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and lustful acts, and not in dissension and jealousy.

Webster's Bible Translation
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Weymouth New Testament
Living as we do in broad daylight, let us conduct ourselves becomingly, not indulging in revelry and drunkenness, nor in lust and debauchery, nor in quarrelling and jealousy.

World English Bible
Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
as in daytime, let us walk properly; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in strife and jealousy;

Berean Literal Bible
We should walk properly, as in daytime; not in reveling and drinking, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in dissension and jealousy.

Young's Literal Translation
as in day-time, let us walk becomingly; not in revellings and drunkennesses, not in chamberings and lasciviousnesses, not in strife and emulation;

Smith's Literal Translation
As in the day, let us walk becomingly; not in revelries and drunkenness, not in coition and licentiousness, not in strife and envy.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Let us walk honestly, as in the daylight, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and sexual immorality, not in contention and envy.

New American Bible
let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy.

New Revised Standard Version
let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Let us walk decently, as in the daylight; not in clamor and drunkenness, not in the practice of immorality, not in envy and strife.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And let us walk in a right manner as those in the daytime, not in partying, not in drunkenness, not in orgies, not in envy or in fighting,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Let us walk in a becoming manner, as in the day; not in riotings and in drunkenness, not in lewdness and in wantonness, not in contention and in envy:

Godbey New Testament
Let us walk circumspectly, as in the day; not with revelries and drunkenness, not with debaucheries and impurities, not in strife and envy:

Haweis New Testament
Let us walk becomingly as in the face of day, not in revels and drunkenness, not in impurities and wantonness, not in strife and envy.

Mace New Testament
let us behave with decency as in open view; not with rioting and drunkenness, not with lewdness and brutality, not with strife and envy.

Weymouth New Testament
Living as we do in broad daylight, let us conduct ourselves becomingly, not indulging in revelry and drunkenness, nor in lust and debauchery, nor in quarrelling and jealousy.

Worrell New Testament
As in the day, let us walk becomingly; not in revellings and drunkenness, not in lewdness and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy;

Worsley New Testament
Let us behave decently as being in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lasciviousness, not in strife and envying.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Put On Christ
12The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.…

Cross References
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:8-11
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord. ...

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.

1 Peter 4:3-4
For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. / Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:5-8
Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. / When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. ...

1 John 1:6-7
If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

2 Corinthians 12:20-21
For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. / I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.

Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. / It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Proverbs 23:20-21
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. / For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.

Isaiah 5:11-12
Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.

Isaiah 28:7-8
These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments. / For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth.

Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Proverbs 23:29-35
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? / Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. / Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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

us.

Luke 1:6
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

Galatians 5:16,25
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…

Ephesians 4:1,17
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, …

honestly.

Acts 2:15
For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

2 Peter 2:13
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

rioting.

Proverbs 23:20
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

Isaiah 22:12,13
And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: …

Isaiah 28:7,8
But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment…

chambering.

1 Corinthians 6:9,10
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, …

Galatians 5:19
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Ephesians 5:3-5
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; …

strife.

Galatians 5:15,21,26
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another…

Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

James 3:14-16
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth…

Jump to Previous
Acts Becomingly Broad Company Conduct Daylight Daytime Day-Time Debauchery Decently Dissension Drinking Drunkenness Drunkennesses Emulation Envy Envying Fighting Honestly Immorality Indulging Jealousy Lasciviousness Lustful Orgies Ourselves Promiscuity Properly Quarreling Quarrelling Reveling Revellings Revelry Right Rioting ses Sexual Strife Unclean Walk Wantonness
Jump to Next
Acts Becomingly Broad Company Conduct Daylight Daytime Day-Time Debauchery Decently Dissension Drinking Drunkenness Drunkennesses Emulation Envy Envying Fighting Honestly Immorality Indulging Jealousy Lasciviousness Lustful Orgies Ourselves Promiscuity Properly Quarreling Quarrelling Reveling Revellings Revelry Right Rioting ses Sexual Strife Unclean Walk Wantonness
Romans 13
1. Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the authorities.
8. Love is the fulfillment of the law.
11. The acts of darkness are out of season in the time of the Gospel.














Let us walk with decency
The phrase "Let us walk" is derived from the Greek word "περιπατέω" (peripateo), which means to conduct one's life or to live. This implies an ongoing, habitual action, suggesting that our daily lives should consistently reflect a standard of moral integrity. "Decency" translates from the Greek "εὐσχημόνως" (euschemonos), which conveys a sense of propriety and respectability. In the context of a conservative Christian perspective, this calls believers to live in a manner that is honorable and reflects the light of Christ, as if always in the presence of God, who sees all things.

as in the daytime
The imagery of "daytime" is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing truth, transparency, and righteousness. The Greek word "ἡμέρα" (hemera) is used here, which literally means "day." In the ancient world, daytime was associated with visibility and clarity, as opposed to the secrecy and hidden deeds often associated with night. This phrase encourages believers to live openly and honestly, as if their actions are always visible to others and to God, aligning with the call to be "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8).

not in carousing and drunkenness
"Carousing" comes from the Greek "κῶμος" (komos), referring to wild, noisy festivities often associated with excessive drinking and revelry. "Drunkenness" is translated from "μέθη" (methe), indicating intoxication. Historically, such behaviors were common in pagan rituals and celebrations, which were antithetical to the disciplined and sober life expected of Christians. This admonition serves as a reminder to avoid behaviors that lead to a loss of self-control and moral compromise, emphasizing the importance of sobriety and self-discipline.

not in sexual immorality and debauchery
"Sexual immorality" is translated from the Greek "κοίτη" (koite), which literally means "bed" but is used euphemistically for illicit sexual relations. "Debauchery" comes from "ἀσέλγεια" (aselgeia), indicating a lack of restraint and shameless conduct. In the Greco-Roman world, such behaviors were often normalized, yet Paul calls Christians to a higher standard of purity and holiness. This reflects the biblical teaching that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and thus should be treated with respect and honor.

not in dissension and jealousy
"Dissension" is from the Greek "ἔρις" (eris), meaning strife or contention, while "jealousy" is "ζῆλος" (zelos), which can mean zeal but in this context refers to envy. These terms highlight relational sins that disrupt community and fellowship. In a conservative Christian view, unity and love within the body of Christ are paramount, as Jesus taught that love for one another is a defining mark of His disciples (John 13:35). This exhortation calls believers to pursue peace and harmony, avoiding attitudes and actions that lead to division and discord.

(13) Honestly.--Decorously, becomingly, as men do when their actions are seen.

It is interesting to know that this verse, happening to catch the eye of St. Augustine, had a great effect in leading to his baptism and change of life.

Verses 13, 14. - As in the day, let us walk honestly (in the sense which honeste bears in Latin of decently, becomingly, with de. serum. The word εὐσχημόνως occurs also in 1 Thessalonians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 7:35: 14:40. It denotes here a walk of life the entire opposite of ἀσχημοσύνη (ch. 1:27), and of the things done in secret of which it is a shame to speak; cf. Ephesians 5:11, 12); not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying (rather, jealousy, denoting jealous wrath, cf. Acts 13:45). But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ. The figure of a new investment being renewed from ver. 12, it is here Christ himself who is to be put on. So also Galatians 3:27. For the idea implied, cf. Ephesians 4:23, 24; Colossians 3:12; ch. 8:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 6:15, 17. "Induere autem Christum hic significat virtute Spiritus ejus undique nos muniri, qua idonei ad omnes sanctitatis partes reddamur. Sic enim instauratur in nobis imago Dei, quae unicum est animae ornamentum" (Calvin). It may be observed that in Galatians 3:27 Christians are said to have already put on Christ in their baptism; here they are exhorted still to do so. There is no real contradiction; they are but exhorted to realize in actual life the meaning of their baptism. And make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof (literally, unto lusts).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Let us behave
περιπατήσωμεν (peripatēsōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4043: From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.

decently,
εὐσχημόνως (euschēmonōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2156: Becomingly, decorously, decently. Adverb from euschemon; decorously.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] daytime,
ἡμέρᾳ (hēmera)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

in carousing
κώμοις (kōmois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2970: A feasting, reveling, carousal. From keimai; a carousal.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

drunkenness,
μέθαις (methais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3178: Deep drinking, drunkenness. Apparently a primary word; an intoxicant, i.e. intoxication.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

in sexual immorality
κοίταις (koitais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2845: From keimai; a couch; by extension, cohabitation; by implication, the male sperm.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

debauchery,
ἀσελγείαις (aselgeiais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 766: From a compound of a and a presumed selges; licentiousness.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

in dissension
ἔριδι (eridi)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2054: Contention, strife, wrangling. Of uncertain affinity; a quarrel, i.e. wrangling.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

jealousy.
ζήλῳ (zēlō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2205: From zeo; properly, heat, i.e. 'zeal' (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice).


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NT Letters: Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly as (Rom. Ro)
Romans 13:12
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