Romans 13:14

KJV

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} put ye on {G1746} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} make {G4160} not {G3361} provision {G4307} for {G1519} the flesh {G4561}, to fulfil the lusts {G1939} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Yeshua the Messiah; and don’t waste your time thinking about how to provide for the sinful desires of your old nature.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

American Standard Version

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 13:14 serves as a powerful concluding exhortation in Paul's discussion of Christian conduct, urging believers to fully embrace their new identity in Christ. It calls for a deliberate and active spiritual transformation, metaphorically described as "putting on" the character and righteousness of Jesus, while simultaneously renouncing and actively avoiding any indulgence or planning that would cater to the sinful desires of the fallen human nature. This verse encapsulates the essence of practical holiness, emphasizing that true Christian living involves both a positive identification with Christ and a negative renunciation of sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 13 begins with Paul's instructions on submission to governing authorities, followed by the overarching command to love one's neighbor as oneself, thereby fulfilling the law ([Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). The immediate preceding verses ([Romans 13:11-13](/romans/13-11-13 "Romans 13:11-13 - The Urgency of the Hour")) introduce a sense of eschatological urgency, urging believers to "wake up" because their salvation is nearer than when they first believed. Paul contrasts "works of darkness" with "armor of light," setting the stage for the climactic call in [Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Put on Christ"). This verse functions as the practical application and summation of the ethical demands laid out in the chapter, providing the means by which believers can truly "walk properly, as in the daytime" ([Romans 13:13](/romans/13-13 "Romans 13:13 - Walk Properly")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire. The culture of Rome was characterized by various pagan practices, moral laxity, and often, a pursuit of sensual pleasures. Christians in this environment faced constant temptation to conform to the prevailing societal norms. Paul's exhortation to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and "make not provision for the flesh" was a radical call to counter-cultural living, demanding a distinct ethical identity that stood apart from the surrounding paganism and its associated vices. The concept of "putting on" a new identity was also familiar in the ancient world, where new garments could signify a change in status or role.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **spiritual transformation**, highlighting the radical change that occurs when one is united with Christ. It also emphasizes **practical holiness**, moving beyond mere theological assent to lived righteousness, where the believer's conduct reflects their new identity. Furthermore, it addresses the ongoing **struggle against sin** (the "flesh"), acknowledging its persistent pull while providing the divine solution—identification with Christ. The eschatological urgency mentioned in [Romans 13:11-12](/romans/13-11-12 "Romans 13:11-12 - Nearness of Salvation") also frames this call to ethical living, as believers are to live in light of Christ's imminent return and the full realization of their salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _allá'_):** Properly "other things," but adverbially "contrariwise." Here, it marks a strong contrast or transition from the previous negative commands (casting off works of darkness) to a positive, active command. It introduces a vital, alternative course of action.
* **put ye on (Greek, _endýō'_):** From *en* (in) and *dyno* (to sink into a garment), meaning "to invest with clothing." This is a vivid metaphor for a complete and pervasive identification with Christ, suggesting that His character and righteousness should fully envelop the believer, influencing every aspect of their being and conduct.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** While literally referring to the physical body, in this theological context, *sarx* signifies human nature in its fallen, unredeemed state—the sinful disposition that is inherently hostile to God and prone to rebellion. It represents the old self with its inherent desires and tendencies toward sin, as opposed to the Spirit.
* **provision (Greek, _prónoia'_):** From *pronoeō*, meaning "forethought, provident care or supply." To "make not provision" means to intentionally avoid planning, preparing, or creating opportunities that would cater to or nourish the sinful desires of the flesh. It implies a proactive abstinence from anything that would facilitate sin.
* **lusts (Greek, _epithymía'_):** A longing, often specifically for what is forbidden. In this context, it refers to strong, often illicit or sinful cravings and passions that arise from the fallen nature (*sarx*), leading to immoral thoughts and actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ":** This is the primary positive command, urging believers to clothe themselves entirely with the character, attitudes, and righteousness of Jesus Christ. It signifies a radical identity shift, where Christ's life becomes the pattern and power for the believer's daily existence, transforming their thoughts, words, and actions. It's an active, daily appropriation of Christ's nature.
* **"and make not provision for the flesh":** This is the negative command, directly countering the previous positive one. It instructs believers to intentionally refrain from planning, preparing, or creating any circumstances that would enable or nourish the sinful human nature (*sarx*). It's a call to proactive vigilance against temptation and a refusal to cater to its desires.
* **"to fulfil the lusts thereof":** This clause explains the purpose or consequence of "making provision for the flesh." The objective of such "provision" is to satisfy or indulge the sinful cravings and passions (*epithymía*) that emanate from the fallen nature. Paul's command is to break this cycle by cutting off the "provision" that leads to the fulfillment of these destructive desires.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The central device is **Metaphor**, specifically the imagery of "putting on" (clothing) the Lord Jesus Christ. This vivid metaphor conveys a complete and pervasive identification, suggesting that Christ's character should envelop the believer entirely, much like a garment. It implies a deep identity shift rather than a superficial change. The contrast between "putting on Christ" and "making provision for the flesh" creates a strong **Antithesis**, highlighting the two opposing ways of life available to the believer: one empowered by Christ and the other driven by sinful desires. The phrase "make not provision for the flesh" also functions as a **Metonymy**, where "flesh" stands for the sinful human nature, and "making provision" represents the actions and choices that enable its desires. This combination of devices makes the exhortation memorable, urgent, and deeply practical.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 13:14 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian sanctification and identity. It encapsulates the Pauline tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of salvation, asserting that while believers are new creations in Christ, they must actively, daily choose to live out that new reality. The command to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" speaks to the believer's union with Christ, where His righteousness becomes their covering and His life their pattern. This active appropriation of Christ's character is inextricably linked to the mortification of the old self, the "flesh," which remains a source of temptation. The verse thus underscores that true spiritual growth is not passive but requires intentional, Spirit-empowered resistance to sin and a proactive pursuit of Christ-likeness, reflecting the ongoing process of being conformed to His image.

* [Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ")
* [Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old, Put On the New")
* [Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9-10 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New Self")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 13:14 offers a timeless and deeply practical challenge for every believer. It compels us to examine the intentionality of our daily choices: Are we actively cultivating habits, thoughts, and relationships that "put on" the character of Christ, or are we inadvertently creating environments that "make provision" for the desires of our fallen nature? This verse calls for a radical reorientation of our priorities, urging us to be vigilant against subtle temptations and to proactively dismantle any structures or patterns in our lives that feed sinful inclinations. Living out this command requires not only self-awareness but also a profound reliance on the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in alignment with our new identity in Christ, transforming our desires and enabling us to walk in practical holiness. It reminds us that our spiritual journey is a dynamic process of daily surrender and appropriation, where Christ is increasingly evident in every facet of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently "making provision for the flesh," perhaps unknowingly?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" more intentionally in your thoughts, words, and actions?**
* **How does understanding your identity in Christ empower you to resist the "lusts of the flesh"?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ"?**

Answer: To "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" is a powerful metaphor signifying a complete and pervasive identification with Him. Just as one puts on a garment to cover themselves, believers are called to be clothed in Christ's character, righteousness, and way of life. It means adopting His attitudes, emulating His actions, and allowing His Spirit to transform one's inner being and outward conduct. This concept is foundational to Christian discipleship and is echoed in passages like [Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ"), which states, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." It implies a daily, active choice to live in conformity with who Christ is.

**What is meant by "the flesh" in this verse?**

Answer: In Pauline theology, "the flesh" (Greek: *sarx*) does not primarily refer to the physical body itself, but to the sinful human nature, the unredeemed aspect of humanity that is inherently prone to rebellion against God and His will. It represents the old self with its desires, passions, and tendencies toward sin, which stands in opposition to the Spirit of God. To "make not provision for the flesh" means to intentionally avoid creating opportunities, planning, or feeding these sinful desires, recognizing that they hinder spiritual growth and dishonor God. This struggle is further elaborated in [Galatians 5:16-17](/galatians/5-16-17 "Galatians 5:16-17 - Walk by the Spirit"), where Paul contrasts walking by the Spirit with fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

**How does this verse relate to self-control and spiritual discipline?**

Answer: This verse directly calls for both self-control and spiritual discipline. The command to "make not provision for the flesh" requires intentional self-restraint and a proactive stance against indulging sinful cravings. This involves disciplined choices about what we consume (media, entertainment), how we use our time, and the company we keep. Simultaneously, "putting on the Lord Jesus Christ" implies actively pursuing spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship, which cultivate Christ-like character and strengthen one's resistance to temptation. It's a synergistic process: denying the flesh creates space for Christ to be more fully "put on," and the active pursuit of Christ-likeness weakens the power of the flesh. The Holy Spirit is essential in empowering believers in this ongoing battle, as seen in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit"), where self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 13:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The command to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" is not merely an ethical injunction but a spiritual reality made possible by His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. Through His death, Christ broke the power of the "flesh" and its dominion over believers ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Our Old Self Crucified")), and through His resurrection, He offers new life empowered by the Spirit. When believers are united with Christ by faith, they are clothed in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Made Righteous in Christ")) and receive the Holy Spirit, who enables them to walk "not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Walk by the Spirit")). Jesus Himself perfectly exemplified living without making "provision for the flesh," resisting every temptation and living in complete obedience to the Father ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus Tempted Yet Sinless")). Therefore, "putting on Christ" is not an act of human striving but a Spirit-empowered appropriation of the new identity and power already secured by Christ's finished work, allowing believers to progressively reflect His character and defeat the desires that once enslaved them.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Galatians 3:27

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 5:16

[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: