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href="/bsb/romans/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers <i>and sisters,</i> we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So then, brothers, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My dear friends, we must not live to satisfy our desires. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So, brothers and sisters, we have no obligation to live the way our corrupt nature wants us to live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So then, my friends, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Consequently, brothers, we are not—with respect to human nature, that is—under an obligation to live according to human nature. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers, we have no obligation to the flesh, to live after the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, it is not to our lower natures that we are under obligation that we should live by their rule.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />So, then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> So, then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, so as to live according to the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Consequently, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, my brethren, we are not indebted to the flesh to live after the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Now my brethren, we are indebted, not to the flesh that we should walk in the flesh,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to depravity, to live according to depravity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Truly then we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />You are, therefore, brethren oblig'd to oppose your sensual passions;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, it is not to our lower natures that we are under obligation that we should live by their rule.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Accordingly, then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to <i>the</i> flesh;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live after the flesh:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/8-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=1905" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/8.htm">Heirs with Christ</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11</span>And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/686.htm" title="686: Ara (Conj) -- Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.">Therefore,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: esmen (V-PIA-1P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">we have</a> <a href="/greek/3781.htm" title="3781: opheiletai (N-NMP) -- From opheilo; an ower, i.e. Person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor.">an obligation,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">but it is not</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">flesh,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zēn (V-PNA) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">to live</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">according to</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarka (N-AFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">it.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16-18</a></span><br />So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. / But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Galatians 6:8</a></span><br />The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a></span><br />Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5</a></span><br />Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-15.htm">2 Corinthians 5:15</a></span><br />And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22-24</a></span><br />to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a></span><br />Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-34.htm">John 8:34-36</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. / A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. / So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9</a></span><br />Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3</a></span><br />For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7</a></span><br />For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-27.htm">Ezekiel 36:27</a></span><br />And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a></span><br />“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/11-19.htm">Ezekiel 11:19-20</a></span><br />And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, / so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/30-6.htm">Deuteronomy 30:6</a></span><br />The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.</p><p class="hdg">we are.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/6-2.htm">Romans 6:2-15</a></b></br> God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/116-16.htm">Psalm 116:16</a></b></br> O LORD, truly I <i>am</i> thy servant; I <i>am</i> thy servant, <i>and</i> the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19,20</a></b></br> What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost <i>which is</i> in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/luke/16-5.htm">Debtors</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Live</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/romans/6-14.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/romans/8-11.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Debtors</a> <a href="/romans/8-13.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/8-13.htm">Live</a> <a href="/romans/8-13.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/romans/11-30.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/romans/8-13.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/romans/8-13.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/8-5.htm">What harm comes of the flesh;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/8-13.htm">and what good of the Spirit.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/8-19.htm">The glorious deliverance the creation longs for,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/8-29.htm">was beforehand decreed from God.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Nothing can sever us from his love.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation,</b><br>The term "therefore" connects this verse to the preceding discussion in <a href="/romans/8.htm">Romans 8</a>, where Paul contrasts life in the Spirit with life in the flesh. The use of "brothers" indicates a familial relationship among believers, emphasizing unity and shared identity in Christ. The "obligation" refers to a moral and spiritual duty that arises from the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. This concept of obligation is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminiscent of the Old Testament where Israel was called to live according to God's laws.<p><b>but it is not to the flesh,</b><br>The "flesh" here symbolizes the sinful nature and human inclinations that are opposed to God's will. Paul frequently uses "flesh" to describe the fallen human condition that is in rebellion against God. This phrase underscores the believer's freedom from the dominion of sin, a theme Paul elaborates on in <a href="/romans/6-14.htm">Romans 6:14</a>, where he states that sin shall not be the master over those under grace. The rejection of the flesh aligns with the call to holiness found throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/1_peter/1-16.htm">1 Peter 1:16</a>, "Be holy, because I am holy."<p><b>to live according to it.</b><br>Living "according to it" refers to following the desires and dictates of the flesh, which leads to spiritual death, as Paul explains earlier in <a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Romans 8:6</a>. This phrase highlights the contrast between the life led by the Spirit and one dominated by sinful desires. The call to live by the Spirit is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, such as in <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16</a>, where he urges believers to "walk by the Spirit" to avoid gratifying the desires of the flesh. This lifestyle is a reflection of the new creation in Christ, as described in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>, where the old has passed away, and the new has come.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is writing to the Christian believers in Rome, providing theological insights and practical guidance for living a life in Christ.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/roman_christians.htm">Roman Christians</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, these early Christians were living in a diverse and often challenging environment, facing both internal and external pressures to conform to worldly standards.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_flesh.htm">The Flesh</a></b><br>A term used by Paul to describe the sinful nature and human inclinations that are opposed to God's Spirit.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_spirit.htm">The Spirit</a></b><br>Refers to the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God's will and not according to the flesh.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/o/obligation.htm">Obligation</a></b><br>The duty or responsibility that believers have, which Paul clarifies is not to the flesh but to live by the Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_obligation.htm">Understanding Our Obligation</a></b><br>As believers, our obligation is not to the flesh but to live according to the Spirit. This means making conscious choices that align with God's will and purpose for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/empowerment_by_the_spirit.htm">Empowerment by the Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome the desires of the flesh. We must rely on His strength and guidance to live a life that pleases God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/daily_renewal.htm">Daily Renewal</a></b><br>Living by the Spirit requires daily renewal of our minds and hearts. This involves regular prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/resisting_temptation.htm">Resisting Temptation</a></b><br>We must be vigilant in resisting the temptations of the flesh, recognizing that our true identity and purpose are found in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_as_witnesses.htm">Living as Witnesses</a></b><br>Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the Spirit, serving as a testimony to others of God's grace and truth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_law.htm">What is the Bible's stance on Christians and the law?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_address_sin.htm">What does the Bible say about handling sin?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_romans_6_7_contradict_experience.htm">Romans 6:7 states, “he who has died has been freed from sin,” yet Christians still sin. Does this contradict everyday observation and human experience? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_being_spiritual.htm">What defines being spiritual?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12-17) These verses form a hortatory application of the foregoing, with further development of the idea to live after and in the Spirit.<p>(12) <span class= "bld">We are debtors.</span>--<span class= "ital">We are under an obligation.</span> Observe that in the lively sequence of thought the second clause of the antithesis is suppressed, "We are under an obligation, not to the flesh (but to the Spirit)."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 12, 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh; for if ye live after the flesh, ye must</span> (<span class="greek">μέλλετε</span>, expressing here a result that must; follow. The Authorized Version has "shall;' not distinguishing the force of the phrase from that of the simple future <span class="greek">ζήσεσθε</span> which follows), <span class="cmt_word">die; but if by the Spirit ye do mortify</span> (rather, <span class="accented">do to death</span>, or make to <span class="accented">die</span>, so as to correspond to the die preceding) <span class="cmt_word">the deeds of the body, ye shall live</span>. Here "the body" (<span class="greek">τοῦ σώματος</span>) must be taken in the same sense as in vers. 10, 11. True, the "deeds" spoken of are, in fact, those of <span class="accented">the flesh</span>; but the body is regarded as the organ of the lusts of the flesh, and it is fitly named here in connection with the thought of the preceding verses. The word translated. "deeds" is <span class="greek">πράξεις</span>, denoting, not single acts, but rather <span class="accented">doings -</span> the general outcome in action of fleshly lusts using the body as their organ. <span class="greek">Μέλλετε ἀποθήσκειν</span> and <span class="greek">ζήσεσθε</span>, viewed in connection with <span class="greek">ζωοποιήσει</span> in ver. 11, seem to point ultimately to the result hereafter of the two courses of life denoted: but not, it would seem, exclusively; for our future state is constantly regarded by the apostle as the continuance and sequence of what is begun in us already - whether of life in Christ now unto life eternal, or of death in sin now unto death beyond the grave. The general idea may be stated thus: If ye live after the flesh, the power in you to which you give your allegiance and adhesion will involve you in its own doom, death; but if ye live after the Spirit, you identify yourselves with the Spirit of life that is in you, whereby you will be emancipated at last even from these your mortal bodies, whose doings you already slay. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/8-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Therefore,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἄρα</span> <span class="translit">(Ara)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_686.htm">Strong's 686: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brothers,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδελφοί</span> <span class="translit">(adelphoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we have</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐσμέν</span> <span class="translit">(esmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[an] obligation,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀφειλέται</span> <span class="translit">(opheiletai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3781.htm">Strong's 3781: </a> </span><span class="str2">From opheilo; an ower, i.e. Person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[but it is] not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῇ</span> <span class="translit">(tē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flesh,</span><br /><span class="grk">σαρκὶ</span> <span class="translit">(sarki)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to live</span><br /><span class="grk">ζῆν</span> <span class="translit">(zēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it].</span><br /><span class="grk">σάρκα</span> <span class="translit">(sarka)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/8-12.htm">NT Letters: Romans 8:12 So then brothers we are debtors not (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/8-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 8:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 8:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/8-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 8:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 8:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>