Chambering
The Word in Romans 13:13
The term "chambering" appears in the KJV rendering of Romans 13:13, where Paul urges believers: "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying." The word translates the Greek koitais (literally "beds"), which in this context refers to sexual immorality, specifically repeated or habitual illicit sexual conduct. Modern translations render it as "sexual immorality" (ESV), "sexual promiscuity" (CSB), or "debauchery" (NIV).
The Context of Paul's Exhortation
Romans 13:11-14 forms the conclusion of Paul's practical instructions for Christian living. He frames his appeal with an urgent reminder that salvation is nearer than when believers first believed, and that the night of the present age is nearly over (Romans 13:11-12). Because the day of Christ's return is approaching, believers should cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. The list of sins to abandon, including chambering, represents the lifestyle of the old self that must be left behind.
Three Pairs of Sins
Paul structures his warning in Romans 13:13 as three pairs of related sins: rioting and drunkenness (excess in eating and drinking), chambering and wantonness (sexual sins), and strife and envying (relational sins). This pairing shows that sinful behavior is rarely isolated; one form of indulgence tends to accompany others. The placement of chambering alongside wantonness (licentiousness or shameless conduct) emphasizes that Paul has in view not merely isolated lapses but a pattern of unrestrained sexual behavior.
Sexual Ethics in Paul's Teaching
Paul consistently addressed sexual morality in his letters, recognizing that the Roman world's permissive attitudes toward sexual behavior posed a significant challenge for new believers. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, he commands believers to flee sexual immorality because their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, he calls believers to sanctification, specifically abstaining from sexual immorality. The use of "chambering" in Romans 13:13 fits within this broader pattern of instruction.
The Call to Put on Christ
The passage culminates in Romans 13:14 with the positive command: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Rather than merely prohibiting sinful behavior, Paul points believers toward Christ as the source of transformation. This verse famously played a pivotal role in Augustine's conversion, as he recorded in his Confessions. The movement from "chambering" to "putting on Christ" captures the essence of Christian transformation: replacing sinful patterns with the character of Jesus.
Relevance for Today
While the word "chambering" is obsolete in modern English, the behavior it describes remains a pressing concern for communities of faith. Paul's instruction calls believers to self-examination and intentional holiness, recognizing that sexual conduct is not a private matter disconnected from spiritual life but an integral part of walking in the light. The urgency of the approaching day adds weight to the call for moral seriousness.
Biblical Context
Chambering appears in the KJV of Romans 13:13 within Paul's exhortation to live as children of light in anticipation of Christ's return. The passage (Romans 13:11-14) concludes a section of practical Christian ethics that began in Romans 12. Paul pairs chambering with wantonness as part of a list of sinful behaviors incompatible with the Christian life.
Theological Significance
The concept behind 'chambering' teaches that sexual conduct is a matter of spiritual significance, not merely personal preference. Paul frames sexual purity as part of the believer's response to the approaching day of salvation, connecting ethical behavior with eschatological hope. The remedy he offers, putting on Christ, indicates that moral transformation comes through relationship with Jesus rather than mere willpower.
Historical Background
First-century Roman culture was notably permissive regarding sexual behavior, with prostitution, concubinage, and extramarital affairs widely accepted among pagan society. Paul's teaching on sexual morality challenged these cultural norms and distinguished the Christian community from its surrounding environment. The Greek word koitais (beds) was used euphemistically for sexual activity in both biblical and classical Greek literature, a usage similar to the English 'chambering.'