Rom 6:12
Reign (βασιλευέτω)
The antithesis implied is not between reigning and existing, but between reigning and being deposed. (Dr. Marvin Vincent
Rom 6:12 Let not sin reign even in your mortal body - It must be subject to death, but it need not be subject to sin. (John Wesley)
G5219
ὑπακούω
hupakouō
hoop-ak-oo'-o
From G5259 and G191; to hear under (as a subordinate), that is, to listen attentively; by implication to heed or conform to a command or authority: - hearken, be obedient to, obey.
G1939
ἐπιθυμία
epithumia
ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah
From G1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden): - concupiscence, desire, lust (after).
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you G5219obey its G1939lusts, (NASB)
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should G5219obey it in the G1939lusts thereof. (KJV)
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not G5219give in to G1939sinful desires. (NLT)
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you G5219obey its G1939desires, (NET)
To "hear under" or to listen attentively. If we are practicing sin, then we must be attentively listening to its call because our heart has a longing for that which is forbidden. So we ought to depose the sinful king and let the righteous kind (Christ Jesus) rule because we are dead to its power. We now have a choice because of His Grace.
Rom 6:11-15
The strongest motives against sin, and to enforce holiness, are here stated. Being made free from the reign of sin, alive unto God, and having the prospect of eternal life, it becomes believers to be greatly concerned to advance thereto. But, as unholy lusts are not quite rooted out in this life, it must be the care of the Christian to resist their motions, earnestly striving, that, through Divine grace, they may not prevail in this mortal state. Let the thought that this state will soon be at an end, encourage the true Christian, as to the motions of lusts, which so often perplex and distress him. Let us present all our powers to God, as weapons or tools ready for the warfare, and work of righteousness, in his service. There is strength in the covenant of grace for us. Sin shall not have dominion. God's promises to us are more powerful and effectual for mortifying sin, than our promises to God. Sin may struggle in a real believer, and create him a great deal of trouble, but it shall not have dominion; it may vex him, but it shall not rule over him. Shall any take occasion from this encouraging doctrine to allow themselves in the practice of any sin? Far be such abominable thoughts, so contrary to the perfections of God, and the design of his gospel, so opposed to being under grace. What can be a stronger motive against sin than the love of Christ? Shall we sin against so much goodness, and such love? (Matthew Henry)