Paragraph 12:3–8

12:3a

For: Here this word introduces a way to be renewed in the mind (12:2b).

by the grace given me: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as by :

(1) It introduces the means or instrument by which Paul spoke to them. For example:

through the grace that I have been given (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, Revised English Bible)

(2) It introduces the reason why Paul urged them. For example:

because of God’s gracious gift to me (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG supports it.

the grace given me: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

the grace that ⌊God⌋ gave to me

grace: Here this word refers to God’s gift of power to Paul that made him an apostle. See how you translated this word in 1:5.

12:3b

every one of you: This phrase refers to every person in the group of believers at Rome. For example:

everyone among you (English Standard Version)

12:3c

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought: This clause indicates that a believer should think about himself in a way that does not go beyond what God says about him. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think (English Standard Version)
-or-
never pride yourself on being better than you really are (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Don’t think you are better than you really are (New Living Translation (2004))

12:3d

with sober judgment: This phrase refers to thinking in a reasonable or sensible way. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

Use good sense (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
with proper/good thinking

12:3e

according to the measure of faith God has given you: This phrase indicates that a believer should think of himself according to the amount of faith that God has given to him. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you (New International Version)
-or-
based on how much faith God has given to each of you

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