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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:5 profoundly contrasts two distinct orientations of life: one governed by the fallen human nature, often termed "the flesh," and the other empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit. This verse serves as a foundational statement within Paul's theological framework, asserting that an individual's spiritual disposition—what they "mind" or focus on—determines their trajectory, leading either to spiritual death or to life and peace, thereby setting the stage for the transformative power of the indwelling Spirit in the believer's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8:5 is a pivotal statement within Paul's magnum opus, the Epistle to the Romans, specifically nestled in chapter 8, which is often hailed as the "Magna Carta of the Holy Spirit." This verse immediately follows Paul's triumphant declaration in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus") that "there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus," having just concluded the arduous struggle with sin and the Law described in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Struggle with Sin"). Verse 5 establishes the core dichotomy—flesh versus Spirit—that explains *how* believers are freed from sin's dominion, not by human effort or adherence to the Law, but by a new, Spirit-led existence. It directly sets up the consequences of each mindset detailed in [Romans 8:6-8](/romans/8-6-8 "Romans 8:6-8 - The Mind of the Flesh vs. The Mind of the Spirit"), where the mind of the flesh is death, and the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers, navigating the complexities of their respective backgrounds within a new Christian identity. The concept of "flesh" (Greek: _sarx_) in Jewish thought, particularly in the Old Testament, often referred to humanity's weakness and mortality. However, in Pauline theology, it takes on a deeper ethical and spiritual meaning, representing the unregenerate human nature, alienated from God and inherently prone to sin, not merely the physical body. This understanding would have resonated with those familiar with the Septuagint's use of _sarx_ and the broader Jewish emphasis on the heart's inclination. Conversely, the "Spirit" (Greek: _pneuma_) would have evoked the divine presence and power, familiar from prophetic traditions where God's Spirit empowers individuals for divine service and brings about renewal, now understood as the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans and Pauline theology. The primary theme is the **Dichotomy of Flesh and Spirit**, which is not merely a physical versus spiritual contrast but a fundamental opposition between the fallen human nature and the divine, empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This leads to the theme of **Spiritual Mindset and Orientation**, where the verb "mind" (Greek: _phronéō_) emphasizes that one's deepest affections, intentions, and priorities determine their spiritual reality. This is crucial for understanding the **Nature of Christian Living**, which is presented not as mere behavioral modification but as a radical transformation of one's inner disposition, enabled by the Spirit. This transformation is the very essence of the "new creation" in Christ, moving from a life dominated by sin and death to one characterized by the "life and peace" promised to those who walk in the Spirit, as further elaborated in [Romans 8:6](/romans/8-6 "Romans 8:6 - Life and Peace in the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** In Pauline theology, this term extends beyond mere physical substance to denote the fallen, unredeemed human nature, characterized by its inherent rebellion against God and its propensity toward sin. It represents the totality of human existence apart from the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, encompassing sinful desires, earthly pursuits, and a self-centered orientation.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This refers specifically to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. In the context of Romans 8, _pneûma_ signifies the divine life-giving and empowering presence that indwells believers, enabling them to live righteously, overcome sin, and fulfill God's will. It is the source of spiritual life and transformation.
* **mind (Greek, _phronéō'_):** This verb signifies more than just intellectual thought; it implies setting one's affections, intentions, and entire disposition toward something. It speaks to a deep-seated mental attitude, a prevailing inclination, or what one values and pursues most earnestly. To "mind the things of the flesh" means to be consumed by, preoccupied with, and directed by the desires of the sinful nature. To "mind the things of the Spirit" means to be focused on, value, and pursue spiritual realities and God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;":** This clause introduces the first of two contrasting groups. "After the flesh" (Greek: _katá sárx_) signifies a life lived according to the dictates and desires of the fallen human nature. Such individuals "mind" (Greek: _phronéō_) or set their affections and priorities on "the things of the flesh"—that is, on worldly, sinful, and self-serving pursuits that are contrary to God's will. This describes an orientation of life where the unredeemed nature is the dominant influence.
* **"but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.":** This clause presents the stark contrast. "But" (Greek: _dé_) introduces the alternative. "After the Spirit" (Greek: _katá pneûma_) describes those whose lives are directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. These individuals "mind" or have their affections and intentions set on "the things of the Spirit"—spiritual realities, God's will, righteousness, and eternal values. This signifies a life where the Holy Spirit is the guiding and transforming power.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 8:5 is rich in **Antithesis**, presenting a direct and powerful contrast between two opposing ways of life: "after the flesh" versus "after the Spirit." This creates a clear **Dichotomy**, emphasizing that there is no middle ground in one's fundamental spiritual orientation. The "flesh" and "Spirit" are also used in a sense that borders on **Personification**, as if they are active agents or principles that exert influence over human behavior and thought. The repetition of "flesh" and "Spirit" (a form of **Anaphora** if considering the broader passage, but here more specifically **Repetition for Emphasis**) underscores the central conflict and the two distinct categories of existence Paul is defining. This rhetorical strategy effectively highlights the profound choice and the radical difference in outcomes between these two paths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:5 is a cornerstone for understanding the radical transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. It moves beyond a mere moral distinction to a fundamental ontological shift: one is either aligned with the fallen nature, leading to spiritual death, or aligned with the divine Spirit, leading to life and peace. This verse emphasizes that true spirituality is not just about outward actions but about the inward disposition of the heart and mind, reflecting a deep-seated orientation towards God or away from Him. It underscores the necessity of the Spirit's work for genuine godliness, as human nature, left to itself, is incapable of pleasing God.

* [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")
* [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")
* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Man Cannot Understand Spiritual Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:5 serves as a profound call to self-examination and intentional living for every believer. It challenges us to honestly assess the true north of our inner compass: What dominates our thoughts, shapes our desires, and dictates our actions? Are we primarily driven by self-gratification, worldly ambitions, and the impulses of our fallen nature, or are our minds increasingly set on God's will, spiritual truths, and the things that honor Him? This verse reminds us that the Christian life is not passive; it requires a conscious, daily yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance. It is a continuous process of choosing to walk in obedience, to cultivate a mindset that aligns with Christ, and to allow the Spirit to transform our desires and priorities. This ongoing surrender empowers us to overcome the dominion of sin and experience the abundant life and peace that only the Spirit can provide, moving us from a state of spiritual death to vibrant spiritual vitality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "things of the flesh" do I find myself most prone to minding or pursuing in my daily life?**
* **In what practical ways can I more intentionally "mind the things of the Spirit" today and this week?**
* **How does my current thought life reflect either a focus on the flesh or a focus on the Spirit, and what changes do I need to make?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "the flesh" in Romans 8:5?**

Answer: In Pauline theology, "the flesh" (Greek: _sárx_) does not primarily refer to the physical body itself, but to the sinful, unregenerate human nature. It represents humanity's inherent rebellion against God, its self-centeredness, and its inability to please God apart from divine grace. It encompasses all that is contrary to the Spirit of God, including sinful desires, worldly ambitions, and a disposition that is hostile to God's will. This is distinct from the physical body, which, though susceptible to sin, is not inherently evil and is ultimately redeemed and glorified by God. For more on this, see [Romans 7:18](/romans/7-18 "Romans 7:18 - In My Flesh Dwells No Good Thing").

**How does one "mind the things of the Spirit"?**

Answer: To "mind the things of the Spirit" (Greek: _phronéō ta tou pneúmatos_) means to set one's affections, thoughts, and entire disposition on spiritual realities, God's will, and the pursuits that honor Him. It involves a conscious and continuous choice to align one's inner life with the Holy Spirit's leading. This includes meditating on God's Word, praying, seeking righteousness, cultivating spiritual virtues, and prioritizing eternal values over temporal ones. It is an active orientation of the heart and mind, empowered by the indwelling Spirit, leading to a life of obedience and communion with God, as encouraged in [Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Set Your Affections on Things Above").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:5, while contrasting the flesh and the Spirit, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that the power of the flesh, which leads to death, is broken, and the life of the Spirit, which leads to life and peace, is made accessible. Jesus, as the incarnate Son, perfectly lived a life "after the Spirit," always doing the will of the Father and never yielding to the impulses of the flesh, even in the face of temptation ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). His sacrificial death on the cross condemned sin in the flesh, rendering its power null for those who are "in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")). Furthermore, Christ's resurrection and ascension paved the way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who now indwells believers, enabling them to "mind the things of the Spirit" and walk in newness of life ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"); [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). Thus, the ability to live "after the Spirit" is not a human achievement but a divine gift, secured by Christ's finished work and empowered by His Spirit, allowing believers to participate in His victory over sin and death, and to increasingly reflect His character ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")).

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

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:25

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

John 3:6

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Colossians 3:1

¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:3

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.