Romans 8:5

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For those who identify with their old nature set their minds on the things of the old nature, but those who identify with the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Berean Standard Bible:

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.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For^{G1063} they that are^{G5607} after^{G2596} the flesh^{G4561} do mind^{G5426} the things^{G3588} of the flesh^{G4561}; but^{G1161} they that are after^{G2596} the Spirit^{G4151} the things^{G3588} of the Spirit^{G4151}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Romans 8:5

Romans 8:5 is a part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Christian community in Rome, written around AD 57. This verse encapsulates a central theme of Paul's theology concerning the contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. In the historical context, Paul is addressing a diverse audience, including both Jewish and Gentile Christians, guiding them on how to live out their faith in a complex cultural setting.

The verse distinguishes between two types of people: those who are "after the flesh" (Greek: σαρκικοί, sarkikoi) and those who are "after the Spirit" (Greek: πνευματικοί, pneumatikoi). To be "after the flesh" means to be oriented towards worldly, temporal, and selfish desires, living as if the physical world is the ultimate reality. In contrast, to be "after the Spirit" means to be guided by the Holy Spirit, focusing on spiritual, eternal matters, and aligning oneself with God's will and purposes.

Paul emphasizes that the mindset of each group is fundamentally different. The flesh-oriented individual prioritizes earthly, transient concerns, often leading to behavior that is self-centered and disconnected from God. Conversely, the Spirit-oriented individual seeks to understand and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, leading to a life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

This dichotomy reflects the broader theological tension in Paul's writings between the old nature, which is inherently sinful and opposed to God, and the new nature, which is regenerated and empowered by the Spirit to live in a way that pleases God. The verse serves as both a diagnosis of the human condition and a prescription for Christian living, urging believers to pursue spiritual maturity and transformation by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2).

In summary, Romans 8:5 succinctly presents the contrast between a life lived according to human desires and selfish ambition versus a life lived in harmony with God's Spirit. It is a call to the Christian community to embody the values of the Spirit, reflecting the character of Christ, and to understand that true life is found not in temporal pursuits but in the eternal life offered through the Spirit.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G5607
   There are 154 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὤν
   Transliteration: ṓn
   Pronunciation: on
   Description: present participle of εἰμί; being:--be, come, have.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2596
   There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κατά
   Transliteration: katá
   Pronunciation: kat-ah'
   Description: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
   
4. Strong's Number: G4561
   There are 130 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σάρξ
   Transliteration: sárx
   Pronunciation: sarx
   Description: probably from the base of σαρόω; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such):--carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).
   
5. Strong's Number: G5426
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φρονέω
   Transliteration: phronéō
   Pronunciation: fron-eh'-o
   Description: from φρήν; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience):--set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3588
   There are 498 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὁ
   Transliteration: ho
   Pronunciation: to
   Description: the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
8. Strong's Number: G4151
   There are 350 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πνεῦμα
   Transliteration: pneûma
   Pronunciation: pnyoo'-mah
   Description: from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare ψυχή.