CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 8:8 Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/8-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/45_Rom_08_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 8:8 - Living in the Spirit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/romans/8-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/romans/8-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/8-7.htm" title="Romans 8:7">◄</a> Romans 8:8 <a href="/romans/8-9.htm" title="Romans 8:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a 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 />Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And those being in <i>the</i> flesh are not able to please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and they that are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If we follow our desires, we cannot please God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and they that are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Those who are under the control of the corrupt nature can't please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who obey their human nature cannot please God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Indeed, those who are under the control of human nature cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And those who are controlled by the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And those whose hearts are absorbed in earthly things cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Those who are in the flesh can’t please God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for neither is it able; and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And those being in <i>the</i> flesh are not able to please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for neither is it able; and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they being in the flesh cannot please God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they who are in the flesh, cannot please God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So then, they who are in the flesh cannot please God.<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 />And those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Those, then, who are in the flesh, can not please God.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But those being in depravity are not able to please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />They then who are in the flesh, cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />so that they who are in a carnal state, cannot be acceptable to the divine being, as for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And those whose hearts are absorbed in earthly things cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and they who are carnal, cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/8-8.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=1861" 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">Living in the Spirit</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">Those</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">controlled by</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">the flesh</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."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynantai (V-PIM/P-3P) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">cannot</a> <a href="/greek/700.htm" title="700: aresai (V-ANA) -- To please, with the idea of willing service rendered to others; hence almost: I serve. Probably from airo; to be agreeable.">please</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">9</span>You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.…<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 5:16-17</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a></span><br />You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-6.htm">John 3:6</a></span><br />Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-16</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.<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="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Ephesians 2:3</a></span><br />All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5-6</a></span><br />Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">Philippians 3:18-19</a></span><br />For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Matthew 16:23</a></span><br />But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-2.htm">1 Peter 4:2-3</a></span><br />Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God. / For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a></span><br />The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a></span><br />Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Proverbs 21:27</a></span><br />The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.</p><p class="hdg">they that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Romans 7:5</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3,5,6</a></b></br> Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… </p><p class="hdg">please.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17</a></b></br> And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-29.htm">John 8:29</a></b></br> And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">1 Corinthians 7:32</a></b></br> But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Able</a> <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Absorbed</a> <a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Controlled</a> <a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/5-5.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/acts/21-39.htm">Please</a> <a href="/romans/7-22.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Sinful</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/8-25.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-15.htm">Absorbed</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Controlled</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Please</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Sinful</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>Those controlled by the flesh</b><br>This phrase refers to individuals who live according to their sinful nature, prioritizing earthly desires over spiritual ones. In biblical context, "flesh" often symbolizes human weakness and propensity to sin, as seen in <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a>, where the "acts of the flesh" are contrasted with the "fruit of the Spirit." The term "controlled" implies a lack of freedom, suggesting that those who live by the flesh are in bondage to sin, as Paul elaborates in <a href="/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14-25</a>. Historically, this reflects the Greco-Roman understanding of the body and soul, where the body was often seen as a hindrance to spiritual enlightenment.<p><b>cannot please God</b><br>This phrase underscores the impossibility of earning God's favor through human effort alone. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a> states that "without faith it is impossible to please God," highlighting the necessity of faith over works. Theologically, this aligns with the doctrine of total depravity, which posits that sin affects all parts of a person, making divine grace essential for salvation. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where sacrifices and rituals were insufficient without a heart aligned with God's will, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11-17</a>. The inability to please God through the flesh points to the need for a transformative relationship with Christ, who fulfills the law and enables believers to live by the Spirit, as described in <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9-11</a>.<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 was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_flesh.htm">The Flesh</a></b><br>In this context, "the flesh" refers to the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to the Spirit of God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority and the one whom believers seek to please through their lives and actions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_spirit.htm">The Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God, in contrast to living according to the flesh.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_flesh.htm">Understanding the Flesh</a></b><br>Recognize that "the flesh" represents our sinful nature and tendencies that are contrary to God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_by_the_spirit.htm">Living by the Spirit</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live in a way that pleases God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_incompatibility_of_flesh_and_spirit.htm">The Incompatibility of Flesh and Spirit</a></b><br>Understand that living according to the flesh and pleasing God are mutually exclusive; one cannot do both.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith.htm">The Role of Faith</a></b><br>Highlight that faith is essential in overcoming the desires of the flesh and living a life that is pleasing to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_to_overcome_the_flesh.htm">Practical Steps to Overcome the Flesh</a></b><br>Encourage practical steps such as prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship with other believers to strengthen one's walk in the Spirit.<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_are_the_works_of_the_flesh.htm">What are the works of the flesh?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_white_supremacists_christian.htm">What does 'carnally minded is death' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'carnally_minded'_mean.htm">What does "carnally minded is death" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_sin_struggle_persist_in_romans_7_25.htm">In Romans 7:25, if Christ is the solution to sin, why does the struggle described still persist according to the text and other New Testament passages?</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>(8) <span class= "bld">So then</span> <span class= "bld">. . .</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">and.</span> Neither can it be expected that those who are absorbed in the things of sense should be able to please God.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/8-8.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">Those</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<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">controlled by</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] 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">cannot</span><br /><span class="grk">δύνανται</span> <span class="translit">(dynantai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">please</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀρέσαι</span> <span class="translit">(aresai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_700.htm">Strong's 700: </a> </span><span class="str2">To please, with the idea of willing service rendered to others; hence almost: I serve. Probably from airo; to be agreeable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God.</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεῷ</span> <span class="translit">(Theō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/8-8.htm">Romans 8:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/8-8.htm">NT Letters: Romans 8:8 Those who are in the flesh can't (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/8-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 8:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 8:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/8-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 8:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 8:9" /></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>