12:2a

Do not be conformed to this world: This clause is passive. It indicates that the believer should not allow the things of this world to change his thinking so that it goes against what God would want. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊Others⌋ must not conform you to this world
-or-
Do not allow/let this world to conform you to its way of thinking

conformed: This word refers generally to making something into the shape someone desires. Here it refers to changing someone’s thinking and behavior to be like another’s thinking and behavior. Here are other ways to translate this word:

model (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
made like

this world: The Greek words are literally “this age.” It refers to the situation of life at the time of Paul and at this present time. It implies the thinking and behavior of people who do not believe, therefore thinking and behavior that does not honor God.

12:2b

but: Some languages would not naturally see contrast between “do not be conformed to this world” and “be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” For example:

and

The Otomi and Tagbanwa Back Translations on TW omit this word.

be transformed: This clause is passive. It refers to allowing God to make their thinking different than before. It follows God’s will rather than the thinking of the people of this world. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

allow ⌊God⌋ to transform

The Greek word refers generally to changing the form or nature of something. Jesus was transformed on the high mountain (Matthew 17:2) from an ordinary looking person to one filled with light. Here transformed refers to changing your outlook, thinking, and way of life to something completely new to you. Here are other ways to translate this word:

change (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
changed within (New Century Version)

The Greek present tense indicates that this transformation occurs over time; it does not happen all at once.

by: Here the word by indicates that the way to be transformed is having your mind renewed. Here is another way to translate that word:

through

renewing: This word refers to making something as if new again.

mind: This word refers to the faculty of thinking.

12:2c

Then: This word introduces the purpose of being transformed by the renewal of the mind. Here are other ways to translate this word:

so that (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
that (English Standard Version)

you will be able to test and approve: The Greek is more literally “the testing-approving (by) you (plur.).” The Greek verb refers to examining something under conditions that show what kind of thing it is and deciding if it is the right or genuine thing. Here the believer discerns what is God’s will and what is not, and so approves and does his will. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

you will approve
-or-
you will analyze and see
-or-
you will come-to-know and agree-with

See how you translated the Greek verb (“approve”) in 2:18.

will be able to: The Greek tense indicates an ongoing action. The context indicates that Paul expected the readers to test and approve God’s will.

what is: Here the word what indicates that this process of testing and approving helps the believer to learn what God’s will is.

12:2d

the…will of God: Here the word will refers to what God wants to see happen or what he wants his people to do. See how you translated this word in 1:10 or 2:18.

good, pleasing, and perfect: This clause further describes the things that God wants to happen. This clause does not separate some of the will of God from other parts of the will of God.

good: The Greek word refers to what is morally good. But many languages only have one word and it covers both morally good (for example, deeds that are good for others) and good qualities (for example, a good house).

pleasing: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as pleasing also means “acceptable” (as in 12:1). Here it probably indicates that the person finds God’s will acceptable or pleasing.

perfect: This word means “without fault.” There is nothing at all wrong with God’s will.

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