Romans 8 5

Romans 8:5 kjv

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:5 nkjv

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:5 niv

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Romans 8:5 esv

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:5 nlt

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.

Romans 8 verses

Romans 8 5 Meaning

Romans 8:5 succinctly delineates two distinct categories of people, differentiated by the dominant focus and inclination of their lives. Those who live "according to the flesh"—referring to the sinful, unregenerate nature—have their entire mindset, values, and desires oriented toward worldly, temporal, and selfish pursuits, dictated by that fallen nature. In contrast, those who live "according to the Spirit"—meaning empowered, directed, and transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit—direct their thoughts, affections, and aims towards divine, eternal, and spiritual realities, reflecting the Spirit's influence within them. This verse establishes the fundamental internal orientation that ultimately determines one's conduct and destiny.

Romans 8 5 Context

Romans 8:5 forms a pivotal statement within Paul's discourse on Christian living, serving as an explanation for the theological triumph proclaimed at the chapter's outset: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom 8:1). Following the deeply personal and agonizing wrestling with indwelling sin described in chapter 7—where the believer under the Law finds himself powerless to consistently do good—Romans 8 presents the liberating solution through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

This verse elaborates on the distinction introduced in Rom 8:4 between walking "according to the flesh" and "according to the Spirit," explaining the internal disposition that defines each path. It clarifies why there is no condemnation for those in Christ, as their spiritual orientation shifts from self-serving human nature to a Spirit-empowered life. Paul addresses a culture deeply influenced by both Jewish legalism and Greco-Roman philosophies, some of which—like Stoicism—emphasized self-sufficiency and moral exertion, differing greatly from Paul's emphasis on the Spirit's divine enabling. His argument directly challenges the idea that human effort alone can overcome sin, highlighting that one's ultimate focus dictates the outcome of life or death, which will be expounded in the subsequent verses (Rom 8:6-8).

Romans 8 5 Word analysis

• For those who live: The Greek, οἱ γὰρ κατὰ σάρκα ὄντες (hoi gar kata sarka ontes), literally "those being according to the flesh." ὄντες (ontes) is a participle of "to be," signifying an ongoing state of existence or identity, not merely occasional actions. It describes a lifestyle, a continuous state of being aligned with or characterized by the flesh.

• according to the flesh: κατὰ σάρκα (kata sarka). Kata here denotes conformity, nature, or characteristic. Sarx (σάρξ), "flesh," in Paul's theology is not merely the physical body, but the sinful, fallen human nature—the self apart from God, oriented towards self-sufficiency and rebellion against Him. It represents the unredeemed aspect of humanity that is naturally hostile to God's will and unable to please Him.

• set their minds on: τὰ τῆς σαρκὸς φρονοῦσιν (ta tēs sarkos phronousin). Phronousin (φρονοῦσιν), from phroneō, signifies more than intellectual thought; it refers to the deep inclination, mindset, disposition, values, and affections that govern a person's entire being. It describes where one's primary interests, affections, and preoccupations lie. This is an active, continuous process, not just passive thoughts.

• the things of the flesh: τὰ τῆς σαρκός (ta tēs sarkos). This refers to everything that is produced by, pertains to, or caters to the sinful human nature. It encompasses worldly desires, self-gratification, ungodly ambitions, and rebellion against God, as described in Galatians 5:19-21. These "things" are the objects of the fleshly mind's affection and pursuit.

• but those who live according to the Spirit: οἱ δὲ κατὰ πνεῦμα, τὰ τοῦ πνεύματος (hoi de kata pneuma, ta tou pneumatos). Similar construction to the first clause. Here, Pneuma (πνεῦμα) refers to the Holy Spirit, the divine indwelling presence in believers that brings new life and enables righteous living. "According to the Spirit" means guided by, empowered by, and in conformity with the Holy Spirit.

• set their minds on the things of the Spirit: φρονοῦσιν (phronousin) is repeated, indicating the same intense mental and affectional orientation. "The things of the Spirit" (τὰ τοῦ πνεύματος) are everything that is of God, commanded by God, brings glory to God, and flows from the Holy Spirit. This includes spiritual discernment, righteous living, obedience, love, peace, and the other fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), as well as a focus on eternal and heavenly realities (Col 3:1-2).

Romans 8 5 Bonus section

The concept of phroneō (to set the mind on) used in this verse is highly significant. It implies a deeper disposition than simply thinking a thought; it speaks of a controlling inclination or mindset that determines the direction of one's life. This is not merely an intellectual activity but includes will and emotion. The continuous present tense of phronousin highlights this as an ongoing, habitual state or inclination, underscoring that our internal orientation is a consistent declaration of what truly masters us. This deep internal setting of the mind reveals the core identity of the individual: either one driven by their sinful nature or one led by the Holy Spirit. This understanding is critical to interpreting the radical transformation promised to believers.

Romans 8 5 Commentary

Romans 8:5 provides a crucial interpretive lens for understanding the struggle described in Romans 7 and the triumph offered in Romans 8. Paul draws a clear distinction between two fundamentally different ways of existence, defined by an overarching, internal orientation rather than merely outward actions. It's a matter of the ruling principle within an individual.

The "flesh" (sarx) represents not merely physical indulgence, but the totality of human nature as corrupted by sin and hostile to God. When one lives "according to the flesh," their entire disposition, their inner GPS system (phroneō), is instinctively drawn to what pleases the fallen self and aligns with worldly values. This results in pursuits, thoughts, and desires that are inherently unspiritual and eventually lead to death (Rom 8:6).

Conversely, living "according to the Spirit" means having one's life decisively governed and directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. For the believer, their minds, affections, and wills are transformed and increasingly inclined towards God and His ways. This isn't just a matter of trying harder; it's a divine enabling that reshapes one's deepest desires and reorients their entire being towards "the things of the Spirit," which ultimately lead to life and peace (Rom 8:6).

This verse doesn't suggest believers alternate between these two states hourly but describes their overall life trajectory and foundational allegiance. It emphasizes that salvation involves a radical shift in one's ultimate devotion and intellectual-emotional focus.

Practical usage examples:

• A person constantly consuming worldly entertainment, gossip, or self-gratifying content (setting mind on things of the flesh) versus one seeking edifying scriptures, spiritual fellowship, and worship (setting mind on things of the Spirit).
• Prioritizing career advancement, material possessions, or personal comfort above all else versus prioritizing God's kingdom, serving others, and spiritual growth.
• Someone whose internal dialogue is dominated by resentment, self-pity, or unholy imaginings versus one who consciously chooses to dwell on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable (Phil 4:8).