Romans 13:13 Meaning: What Does It Mean to Walk 'as in the Day'?
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.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy.
as in day-time, let us walk becomingly; not in revellings and drunkennesses, not in chamberings and lasciviousnesses, not in strife and emulation;
As in the day, let us walk becomingly; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and lasciviousness, not in strife and emulation.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul calls Christians to walk properly as in daylight, rejecting reveling, drunkenness, sexual immorality, strife, and jealousy.
Context
Paul is nearing the end of his letter to the Roman Christians. In the verses just before, he has told them that love fulfills the law, and that the time is urgent, salvation is nearer than when they first believed. The night is far gone, the day is at hand. Against that backdrop he says, “Let’s walk properly, as in the day.” Then he lists specific behaviors that belong to the night: reveling and drunkenness, sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, strife and jealousy. These are not random sins. They represent a whole way of life that hides from the light. Paul wants believers to live in a way that matches the daylight of Christ’s presence and coming.
Key Words
Three words help us feel the force of what Paul is saying. Walk (peripateō) in the New Testament almost always means how you live, your conduct, the path you take day by day. It is about the whole direction of your life, not just an occasional choice. Properly (euschēmonōs) comes from words for “well” and “form.” It means decently, becomingly, in a way that fits who you are. People see your life and say, “Yes, that looks right for a child of God.” And reveling (kōmois) originally described the rowdy, drunken parades that pagans held at night in honor of their gods. It was the kind of party that only happens after dark because it would not bear the light. Paul uses that word on purpose: these behaviors are suited to night, not day. Together, these words paint a picture: Christians have been called into the daylight, and our lives should show it.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions read this verse as both a present call and a future hope. Reformed and Protestant commentators often stress the urgency: the “day” is the approaching return of Christ, and we live now in the light of that coming day. Catholic and Orthodox readings emphasize the transformation of the whole person, putting off the old self and putting on Christ, as Paul says in the next verse. Anglican scholars note that “walk properly” means living with the true decorum of obedience to God. All traditions agree that these specific vices are incompatible with a life lived openly before God. The metaphor of day and night points to a new identity: we are no longer people of the darkness, but of the light, and our behavior should match that reality.
A common misunderstanding
A common misunderstanding is that Paul’s warnings here are only for new believers or for those fresh out of paganism, not for mature Christians. The list can seem extreme, surely believers wouldn’t indulge in reveling and drunkenness. In fact, Paul is addressing the whole church at Rome, including long-time Christians. As the Cambridge commentary notes, these warnings show that even the most sincere Christian is never invulnerable to gross temptation in his own strength. The command to walk as in the day is for every believer, every day. It is ongoing, not a one-time instruction for beginners.
Living This Out
This verse invites you to ask a simple question: what do I do in the shadows that I would not do in broad daylight? It is not just about the six sins Paul names. It is about any habit, thought, or choice that prefers darkness. This week, you might take one honest look at your life and ask God to show you an area where you are still walking as if it were night. Then decide to bring it into the light. Walk properly not because people are watching, but because you live in the day of Christ’s presence. He sees you, He loves you, and He invites you to live a life that is decent, becoming, and free of shame.
Main takeaway: Because we belong to the day, we can live openly and decently, leaving behind the vices that thrive in darkness.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God wants us to make good choices even when no one is watching. Walking with God means not doing things that hurt us or others, like being mean or selfish. We can live like it’s always daytime because God is with us.
For ages 9, 12
Paul compares two ways of living: night and day. Night is when people do things they are ashamed of, party too much, say cruel things, give in to jealousy. Day is when everything is open and honest. Because Jesus is coming back and we belong to the light, we get to choose how we live. Ask yourself: would I be okay if everyone saw what I’m doing? If not, maybe that’s a night-time habit. You can pray and ask God to help you live in the day.
Questions People Ask
What does 'walk properly' mean in Romans 13:13?
The Greek word is euschēmonōs, meaning decently, becomingly, in a way that fits your identity. Paul is saying that Christians should live in a manner consistent with being children of the light, open, honorable, and free from shame.
Why does Paul list these specific sins together?
Paul groups six vices into three pairs: reveling and drunkenness (excessive partying), sexual immorality and debauchery (unrestrained lust), strife and jealousy (inner anger and envy). All are behaviors that belong to the night, done in secret or under cover of darkness. Together they represent a life that avoids the light.
Is Paul saying Christians should never have any fun or celebration?
No. The word for 'reveling' (kōmoi) refers to the rowdy, drunken parties of pagan festivals, often linked to idolatry. Paul is warning against that kind of excess, not against joyful celebration with family and friends. The key is whether our behavior fits the daylight of Christ’s presence.
Are these warnings only for new believers?
Not at all. Paul wrote to the whole Roman church, which included both new and mature Christians. Commentators note that even the most sincere believer is never immune to temptation. This passage serves as an ongoing reminder for everyone to walk in the light.
How can I practically 'walk as in the day' this week?
Start by asking what you would hide from others. Is there a habit, relationship, or thought you keep in the dark? Bring it into the open before God. Let the fact that He sees you and loves you free you to live honestly. Make one small change that aligns your life with the daylight of Christ.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study