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Romans 8:13

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For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

For {G1063} if {G1487} ye live {G2198} after {G2596} the flesh {G4561}, ye shall {G3195} die {G599}: but {G1161} if {G1487} ye {G2289} through the Spirit {G4151} do mortify {G2289} the deeds {G4234} of the body {G4983}, ye shall live {G2198}.

For if you live according to your old nature, you will certainly die; but if, by the Spirit, you keep putting to death the practices of the body, you will live.

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Commentary

Romans 8:13 in the King James Version presents a stark contrast between two ways of living and their eternal consequences, emphasizing the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

Context

This verse is part of the powerful eighth chapter of Romans, where the Apostle Paul elaborates on the freedom and life available to believers through the Holy Spirit, contrasting it sharply with the bondage and death associated with living according to the sinful nature, often called "the flesh." Having just declared that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), Paul explains how this freedom is lived out daily by walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Verse 13 serves as a direct warning and promise based on this fundamental distinction.

Key Themes

  • The Way of the Flesh Leads to Death: Living according to our fallen, sinful desires (the "flesh") results in spiritual death and separation from God. This echoes earlier points Paul makes about the consequences of sin.
  • The Way of the Spirit Leads to Life: Living empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit results in spiritual life and communion with God, both now and eternally.
  • Mortification of Sin: The verse highlights the active process of putting sin to death. This isn't done by human effort alone, but "through the Spirit."
  • The Power of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit is presented as the essential power source enabling believers to overcome the pull of the sinful nature and live a life pleasing to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "flesh" is sarx, which in this context refers not just to the physical body but to the sinful nature inherited from Adam, the inclination towards sin that opposes God. "Spirit" is pneuma, referring to the Holy Spirit. The term "mortify" comes from the Greek word thanatoō, which literally means "to put to death" or "to kill." This isn't a passive process but an active, ongoing battle against sinful desires and actions, empowered by God's Spirit.

Reflection and Application

Romans 8:13 is a powerful reminder that the Christian life is a continuous choice and struggle. We are called to actively resist the impulses of our old nature. However, the good news is that we are not left to fight this battle in our own strength. The power to "mortify the deeds of the body" comes "through the Spirit" who dwells within believers. This means relying daily on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and conviction to turn away from sin and walk in righteousness. The outcome of this Spirit-led life is not condemnation but true life, in contrast to the spiritual death that is the wages of sin.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 6:8 (32 votes)

    For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

  • 1 Peter 2:11 (26 votes)

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

  • Colossians 3:5 (22 votes)

    ¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

  • Colossians 3:8 (22 votes)

    ¶ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27 (21 votes)

    But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

  • Titus 2:12 (20 votes)

    Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

  • Galatians 5:24 (17 votes)

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