Romans 8:7

KJV

Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G1360} the carnal {G4561} mind {G5427} is enmity {G2189} against {G1519} God {G2316}: for {G1063} it is {G5293} not {G3756} subject {G5293} to the law {G3551} of God {G2316}, neither {G3761} indeed {G1063} can be {G1410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the mind controlled by the old nature is hostile to God, because it does not submit itself to God’s Torah — indeed, it cannot.

Berean Standard Bible

because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

American Standard Version

because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:7 profoundly articulates the inherent and active opposition of the unregenerate human mind to God. It asserts that the "carnal mind," representing the human intellect, will, and affections operating independently of divine influence, is not merely indifferent but fundamentally hostile towards God. This deep-seated antagonism renders it incapable of submitting to God's righteous law, underscoring humanity's complete spiritual inability and desperate need for divine transformation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8:7 is a pivotal statement within Paul's extended theological argument in Romans 8, which masterfully contrasts life "in the flesh" with life "in the Spirit." Immediately preceding this verse, Paul declares in [Romans 8:6](/romans/8-6 "Romans 8:6 - The Contrast of Flesh and Spirit") that "to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:7 directly explains *why* the carnal mind leads to death: because it is fundamentally at odds with God Himself and His righteous standards. This verse thus serves as the theological bedrock for understanding the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit's indwelling for genuine spiritual life, obedience, and reconciliation with God, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent exposition on the Spirit's liberating work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was addressed to a diverse community of believers in the heart of the Roman Empire, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts. For Jewish believers, the concept of "the Law of God" was central to their identity and covenant relationship, yet they struggled with its demands, as highlighted in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Struggle with Sin and the Law"). For Gentiles, who came from various pagan backgrounds, the idea of a singular, holy God and His universal moral law was a radical concept. Paul's assertion in [Romans 8:7](/romans/8-7 "Romans 8:7 - The Carnal Mind's Enmity") speaks to a universal human condition, transcending cultural or ethnic distinctions: the fallen human nature, apart from Christ, is inherently rebellious against divine authority, regardless of one's background or understanding of the Law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Romans and broader biblical theology. It deepens the understanding of **Humanity's Fallen Condition**, emphasizing that sin is not merely a collection of wrong actions but a state of being, a mindset ("carnal mind") that is inherently hostile to God. This theme is foundational to Paul's argument for the necessity of justification by faith in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Furthermore, it highlights the **Inability of the Law to Save or Sanctify**, demonstrating that while the Law reveals God's righteousness and exposes sin, it cannot transform the heart or enable obedience because the carnal mind is incapable of submission. This sets up the crucial role of the **Holy Spirit's Empowering Work**, as it is only through the Spirit that believers can overcome the flesh and live in obedience to God, a central promise of the New Covenant in passages like [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Carnal (Greek, _sárx'_):** As used here, `sárx` (G4561) refers not merely to the physical body but to human nature in its fallen, unregenerate state, characterized by its frailties, passions, and moral weakness. It signifies the human disposition apart from the Spirit of God, oriented towards self and sin, rather than God and righteousness.
* **Mind (Greek, _phrónēma'_):** The term `phrónēma` (G5427) denotes a mental inclination, disposition, or purpose. It encompasses the thoughts, attitudes, intentions, and affections that spring from one's inner being. Thus, "carnal mind" refers to the entire orientation of the unregenerate person's inner life – their way of thinking, desiring, and purposing – which is dominated by the flesh.
* **Enmity (Greek, _échthra'_):** `Échthra` (G2189) signifies hostility, hatred, or antagonism. It describes a state of being an enemy, a profound spiritual alienation and active opposition. This is not passive indifference but an inherent, deep-seated animosity towards God and His ways.
* **Can be (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** The verb `dýnamai` (G1410) means "to be able" or "to be possible." In the negative ("neither indeed can be"), it emphasizes an absolute, inherent inability. The carnal mind is not merely unwilling to submit to God's law; it is fundamentally incapable of doing so, highlighting the radical nature of humanity's fallenness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:"** This opening clause presents the fundamental problem: the core disposition of the unregenerate human being is not neutral or even passively disobedient, but actively hostile toward God. This "mind of the flesh" (as `phrónēma sarcos` might be literally translated) is characterized by a deep-seated antagonism, a state of being an enemy of the Creator, arising from its inherent self-orientation and rebellion against divine authority.
* **"for it is not subject to the law of God,"** This clause explains the practical manifestation of that enmity. Because the carnal mind is hostile to God, it naturally refuses to submit to His revealed will, which is embodied in the Law. "Not subject" implies an active resistance and unwillingness to place oneself under the authority or guidance of God's commands, viewing them as burdensome or contrary to its own desires.
* **"neither indeed can be."** This final, powerful assertion underscores the absolute spiritual incapacity of the carnal mind. It is not merely a matter of unwillingness that could be overcome by greater effort or better teaching; it is an inherent inability. The unregenerate human will, intellect, and affections, left to themselves, are fundamentally incapable of aligning with, submitting to, or truly obeying God's perfect and holy standards. This highlights the profound spiritual deadness and total depravity that necessitates divine intervention for any genuine spiritual change.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 8:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. **Personification** is evident as "the carnal mind" is presented as an active agent, possessing "enmity" and being "not subject" to the law, as if it were a conscious entity with its own will and disposition. This gives the abstract concept of a fallen mindset a vivid, almost adversarial quality. The phrase "neither indeed can be" utilizes **Absolute Language** and a form of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the complete and utter inability of the carnal mind. It's not just difficult or unlikely; it is fundamentally impossible, underscoring the radical nature of human depravity. The verse also relies on **Contrast**, implicitly building upon the preceding verse ([Romans 8:6](/romans/8-6 "Romans 8:6 - The Contrast of Flesh and Spirit")) where the "carnal mind" is juxtaposed with the "spiritual mind," highlighting the diametrically opposed outcomes of each. Finally, the concept of "flesh" (`sárx`) functions as a **Metonymy** or **Metaphor** for the entire unregenerate human nature, encompassing not just physical desires but the whole being's orientation away from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:7 serves as a stark theological statement on the depth of human depravity and the radical nature of sin. It teaches that the problem of sin is not merely external (bad actions) but internal (a corrupt nature and mind). This inherent hostility and inability of the carnal mind underscore the biblical doctrine of total depravity, which asserts that every part of the human being—mind, will, and emotions—is affected by sin, rendering humanity incapable of pleasing God or seeking Him on its own terms. This profound spiritual incapacity highlights the absolute necessity of God's sovereign grace and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit to transform the human heart and enable genuine obedience and reconciliation. Without this divine intervention, humanity remains in a state of spiritual death, alienated from its Creator.

* [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Wickedness of Man's Heart"): "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "The Deceitful Heart"): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
* [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Trespasses and Sins"): "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins... and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:7 offers a sobering mirror, reflecting the true condition of humanity apart from God's transforming grace. For the believer, it cultivates profound humility and gratitude, reminding us that our ability to love, obey, and even desire God is a gift of His Spirit, not a natural human capacity. This understanding should lead us to greater dependence on the Holy Spirit for daily sanctification, recognizing that the battle against the "flesh" is an ongoing reality, as the remnants of our old nature continue to contend against the Spirit's leading. For those who do not yet know Christ, this verse illuminates the spiritual barrier that separates them from God, emphasizing that the issue is not merely ignorance or lack of effort, but a fundamental enmity that only divine intervention can overcome. It compels us to share the Gospel with urgency and compassion, knowing that only through Christ can a new mind and heart be given, capable of submitting to God and experiencing His life and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "carnal mind" as "enmity against God" change your perspective on human nature and the need for salvation?**
* **In what areas of your life do you still recognize the subtle influence of the "carnal mind," and how can you intentionally submit these areas to the Holy Spirit?**
* **How does this verse deepen your appreciation for the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in making you "subject to the law of God"?**
* **Considering the inherent inability of the carnal mind, what implications does this have for how we approach evangelism and discipleship?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is the "carnal mind" and how does it differ from the physical brain?**

Answer: The "carnal mind" (Greek: `phrónēma sarcos`) in [Romans 8:7](/romans/8-7 "Romans 8:7 - The Carnal Mind's Enmity") refers not to the physical brain, but to the entire disposition, inclination, and mindset of humanity as it exists apart from the regenerating work of God's Spirit. It encompasses the intellect, will, emotions, and desires when they are oriented towards self and sin, rather than towards God and His righteousness. It's the natural, fallen human way of thinking and valuing, which is inherently rebellious and self-serving. It stands in direct contrast to the "spiritual mind" (`phrónēma pneumatos`) mentioned in [Romans 8:6](/romans/8-6 "Romans 8:6 - The Spiritual Mind Brings Life and Peace"), which is the mind transformed and guided by the Holy Spirit.

**Does Romans 8:7 mean that unregenerate people are incapable of doing anything good or moral in society?**

Answer: Romans 8:7 describes a spiritual inability concerning God's law and a relationship with Him, not necessarily a total absence of civil or relational good. Unregenerate people can certainly perform acts that are beneficial to society, exhibit kindness, and adhere to moral codes. This is often attributed to God's common grace, where He restrains evil and enables a measure of order and goodness in the world ([Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Common Grace")). However, from a biblical perspective, even these "good" acts, when not motivated by love for God and performed in faith, do not earn salvation or truly please God in the ultimate sense, because the underlying "carnal mind" remains hostile to God's ultimate authority and purpose ([Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")). The inability in [Romans 8:7](/romans/8-7 "Romans 8:7 - The Carnal Mind's Enmity") refers to a spiritual incapacity to genuinely submit to God's law from a transformed heart or to achieve righteousness that meets His divine standard.

**How does one overcome the "carnal mind" if it "neither indeed can be" subject to God's law?**

Answer: Overcoming the "carnal mind" is not a matter of human effort or willpower, but a divine work of regeneration and sanctification. Since the carnal mind is inherently incapable of submitting to God, the solution lies in receiving a new mind and a new heart. This transformation occurs through faith in Jesus Christ, by which a person is born again by the Holy Spirit ([John 3:3-8](/john/3-3-8 "John 3:3-3 - You Must Be Born Again")). The Holy Spirit then indwells the believer, empowering them to live according to God's will and to walk "not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")). While the struggle with the remnants of the flesh continues ([Galatians 5:17](/galatians/5-17 "Galatians 5:17 - The Conflict of Flesh and Spirit")), the believer now has the capacity and desire, through the Spirit, to obey God's law, a capacity that was entirely absent in the carnal mind.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:7 starkly presents the human dilemma: a mind inherently hostile to God, utterly incapable of submitting to His law. This profound spiritual deadness and enmity find their ultimate solution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the law, not merely by external adherence but by a perfectly obedient and loving heart, demonstrating what it means to be truly "subject to the law of God" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). More critically, Christ's atoning death on the cross addresses the very "enmity" that separates humanity from God. Through His sacrifice, He reconciled us to God "when we were enemies" ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Death")), effectively breaking the power of the carnal mind's hostility. His resurrection and ascension then paved the way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, empowering them with a new nature and a "spiritual mind" that is capable of loving God and obeying His commands ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit Dwells in You")). Thus, what was impossible for the carnal mind becomes possible through Christ, as He provides both the perfect righteousness that satisfies the law's demands and the transforming Spirit who enables a life of genuine submission and peace with God ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ")).

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

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.

1 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Ephesians 4:18

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Ephesians 4:19

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Romans 7:22

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: