Romans 8:8

KJV

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

KJV (with Strong's)

So then {G1161} they that are {G5607} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561} cannot {G3756}{G1410} please {G700} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus, those who identify with their old nature cannot please God.

Berean Standard Bible

Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.

American Standard Version

and they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:8 stands as a profound declaration within Paul's theological discourse, asserting the absolute inability of humanity, when defined by its unregenerate nature—the "flesh"—to genuinely please or satisfy God. This verse underscores that apart from the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, human efforts, intentions, or religious observances originating from a fallen state are fundamentally incapable of aligning with or fulfilling God's righteous will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8:8 is strategically positioned within Paul's magnum opus, the Epistle to the Romans, specifically in the pivotal eighth chapter, which celebrates the liberating power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. This verse serves as a concluding summary to Paul's preceding argument in [Romans 8:5-7](/romans/8-5-7 "Romans 8:5-7 - The Mind Set on the Flesh vs. Spirit"), where he starkly contrasts those who "live according to the flesh" with those who "live according to the Spirit." The mind of the flesh, Paul explains, is "hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so." Romans 8:8 thus solidifies the stark reality that the unregenerate human, trapped in the power of sin, is inherently incapable of pleasing God, setting the stage for the glorious declaration of the Spirit's indwelling power in [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - Indwelling of the Spirit"). This entire section builds upon the intense personal struggle described in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Struggle with Sin and the Law"), where Paul laments the inability to do what is good and the pervasive power of sin, ultimately leading to the cry, "Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24). Romans 8 provides the answer: the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, "flesh" (Greek: _sarx_) often referred to the physical body, sometimes seen as inferior or even evil by certain philosophical schools (e.g., Gnosticism, which Paul would later refute). However, Paul's usage of _sarx_ in Romans, particularly in chapters 7 and 8, transcends a purely physical meaning. While it includes the physical, it primarily denotes the entire human being in its unredeemed state, apart from God's Spirit. This is not merely the body but the fallen human nature, encompassing mind, will, and emotions, which is oriented away from God and enslaved to sin. This theological understanding would have been revolutionary to both Jewish readers, who might have relied on adherence to the Law for righteousness, and Gentile readers, who might have sought moral improvement through philosophy or self-discipline. Paul asserts that the problem lies deeper than outward actions or intellectual assent; it is a fundamental orientation of the human heart and will.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 8:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans. Firstly, it highlights the **radical depravity of fallen humanity**, emphasizing that the unregenerate human nature, or "flesh," is fundamentally opposed to God and incapable of pleasing Him. This is not merely a matter of imperfection but of inherent hostility and inability, as articulated in [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - None is Righteous"). Secondly, it underscores the **absolute necessity of divine intervention and regeneration** by the Holy Spirit. If the flesh "cannot please God," then a new nature, empowered by the Spirit, is indispensable for true spiritual life and obedience, a theme beautifully developed in [Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit Gives Life"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly points to the **sovereignty of God's grace** in salvation. Since human effort from the "flesh" is futile, salvation and the ability to live a life pleasing to God must originate entirely from His gracious initiative and empowering Spirit, rather than human merit or striving. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis on salvation by grace through faith, as seen in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** (G4561) In this context, "flesh" refers not merely to the physical body but to the entire human being in its unregenerate state, alienated from God and dominated by sin. It represents the fallen human nature, with its inherent weaknesses, passions, and a disposition hostile to God's will. This is a crucial Pauline theological term, distinct from the physical body itself, which can, in believers, become a "temple of the Holy Spirit."
* **cannot (Greek, _ou dýnamai'_):** (G3756 + G1410) This combination of the absolute negative particle (_ou_) and the verb "to be able" (_dýnamai_) signifies a complete and utter inability. It is not merely that those in the flesh struggle to please God, or occasionally fail; rather, they are entirely incapable of doing so. This emphasizes a fundamental, intrinsic spiritual impotence stemming from their unregenerate nature, highlighting the depth of human depravity.
* **please (Greek, _aréskō'_):** (G700) This word means "to be agreeable," "to seek to be so," or "to satisfy." In the context of pleasing God, it refers to living in a way that is acceptable to Him, that aligns with His character and commands, and that brings Him delight. The inability of the flesh to "please" God indicates that its actions, motives, and very orientation are fundamentally displeasing to Him, regardless of outward appearances or human perception of "goodness."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So then":** This phrase (Greek: _hōste_) acts as a logical conclusion or inference, drawing directly from the preceding verses (Romans 8:5-7) which contrast the mind of the flesh with the mind of the Spirit. It signals that what follows is a direct consequence of Paul's established premise about the nature of the flesh.
* **"they that are in the flesh":** This identifies the group of people under discussion. "In the flesh" (Greek: _en sarki_) signifies a state of being, a spiritual condition. It describes individuals whose lives are characterized and dominated by their fallen, unredeemed human nature, apart from the indwelling and transforming power of the Holy Spirit. This is not about physical existence, but spiritual orientation.
* **"cannot please God":** This is the stark, uncompromising declaration of the verse. It asserts an absolute impossibility. Because the "flesh" is inherently hostile to God and His law (as stated in Romans 8:7), it is fundamentally incapable of performing actions or maintaining an attitude that is truly pleasing or acceptable to God. This highlights the radical spiritual disconnect and moral bankruptcy of humanity apart from divine grace.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his powerful theological point. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the entire chapter, and indeed the preceding one, is built upon the stark opposition between "flesh" and "Spirit." This verse serves as a climactic statement on the utter futility of the former. Paul also uses **Absolute Language** with the phrase "cannot please God," employing a strong negative ("ou") to emphasize an unyielding, intrinsic inability rather than a mere difficulty or occasional failure. This hyperbolic phrasing underscores the complete spiritual bankruptcy of the unregenerate state. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "flesh" (the part or characteristic) stands in for the entire unregenerate person (the whole), effectively equating the state of being "in the flesh" with the spiritual condition of being unable to please God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:8 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the depth of human depravity and the absolute necessity of divine grace and regeneration. It teaches that the problem of sin is not merely behavioral but ontological; it's a fundamental orientation of the human heart that is inherently hostile to God. This radical inability to please God by one's own efforts underscores the biblical doctrine of total depravity, which, properly understood, means that every part of human nature (mind, will, emotions) has been affected and corrupted by sin, rendering humanity incapable of saving itself or earning God's favor. Consequently, true righteousness and the ability to live a life pleasing to God can only come through a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, transforming the heart and empowering a new life in Christ. This verse thus lays the groundwork for the profound truth that salvation is entirely a work of God, received by faith, not by human striving.

* [John 3:3-6](/john/3-3-6 "John 3:3-6 - You Must Be Born Again")
* [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Dead in Sins, Made Alive in Christ")
* [Philippians 3:3-9](/philippians/3-3-9 "Philippians 3:3-9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:8 offers a sobering yet liberating truth for all people. For those who have not yet surrendered to Christ, it serves as a crucial mirror, reflecting the reality that no amount of self-effort, good deeds, religious rituals, or moral striving can bridge the chasm between their fallen nature and God's perfect righteousness. This truth should lead to a profound humility and a recognition of the desperate need for a Savior and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. For believers, this verse is a powerful reminder of the source of their new life and ability to please God. It guards against legalism and self-righteousness, constantly pointing back to the Spirit's indwelling as the only means by which true obedience and God-pleasing living are possible. It calls us to cease striving in our own strength and instead to yield daily to the Spirit's leading, understanding that our capacity to love, obey, and serve God flows from His work within us, not our inherent goodness or willpower. This fosters a posture of dependence, gratitude, and reliance on God's grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "flesh" as our unregenerate nature, rather than just our physical body, change your perception of your own spiritual capabilities?**
* **If we "cannot please God" in the flesh, what does this imply about the nature of true spiritual transformation and the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you still be relying on self-effort or human striving to please God, rather than yielding to the Spirit's power?**
* **How does this verse deepen your appreciation for God's grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that non-Christians cannot do anything good?**

Answer: This verse does not mean that non-Christians are incapable of performing outwardly moral, kind, or beneficial actions in society. Many people who do not know God perform acts of charity, justice, and compassion. However, Romans 8:8 speaks to the *spiritual* inability of the unregenerate "flesh" to *please God*. This means that actions, regardless of their outward appearance, when originating from a heart not submitted to God and not empowered by His Spirit, cannot meet God's perfect standard of righteousness or be truly pleasing to Him in a salvific sense. Their motives, ultimate purpose, and inherent spiritual state fall short of God's holiness. As [Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags") says, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." True pleasing of God comes from faith and a Spirit-transformed heart, as [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Without Faith it is Impossible to Please God") states, "without faith it is impossible to please God."

**What does it mean to be "in the flesh" versus "in the Spirit"?**

Answer: To be "in the flesh" (Greek: _en sarki_) describes the spiritual condition of humanity apart from Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. It signifies a life dominated by the fallen, unredeemed human nature, which is inherently self-centered, hostile to God, and enslaved to sin. This is the natural state of all humanity after the fall. In contrast, to be "in the Spirit" (Greek: _en pneumati_) describes the spiritual condition of a believer in Christ. It means that one's life is now characterized and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who has regenerated the heart, broken the power of sin, and enables a new life of obedience and righteousness. As [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - You Are Not in the Flesh But in the Spirit") clarifies, "But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you." This is a fundamental shift in spiritual allegiance and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:8, in its stark declaration of the flesh's inability to please God, powerfully highlights the indispensable work of Jesus Christ. Humanity's predicament—a nature inherently hostile to God and incapable of righteousness—is precisely what Christ came to address. The Law, though holy and good, could not deliver us from this bondage because the "flesh" was too weak ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Weakness of the Law")). However, God, in His infinite love, sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, He broke the power of sin and death, offering a way for humanity to be reconciled to God. Furthermore, by His resurrection and ascension, He poured out the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, empowering them to live a new life "in the Spirit." It is through union with Christ that believers are freed from the dominion of the flesh, crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be brought to nothing ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Crucified with Christ")). Therefore, the ability to please God is not found in human effort or natural goodness, but solely in Christ, who enables us to walk in newness of life, making us new creations who can now, by the Spirit, live a life that is truly pleasing to our Heavenly Father ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Our ability to please God is a direct result of His finished work and the Spirit's ongoing transformation.

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

John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:6

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

Romans 7:5

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Hebrews 11:5

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;