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<!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 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/8-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/45_Rom_08_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 8:5 - Living in the Spirit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." /><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'; 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but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. <a href="/nlt/romans/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. <a href="/esv/romans/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. <a href="/bsb/romans/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. <a href="/blb/romans/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For those being according to flesh mind the things of the flesh; but those according to Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/kjv/romans/8.htm">King James Bible</a> For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. <a href="/nkjv/romans/8.htm">New King James Version</a> For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/nasb_/romans/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/nasb/romans/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/nasb77/romans/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/lsb/romans/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/amp/romans/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. <a href="/csb/romans/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. <a href="/hcsb/romans/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. <a href="/asv/romans/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. <a href="/cev/romans/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> People who are ruled by their desires think only of themselves. Everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit thinks about spiritual things. <a href="/erv/romans/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the spirit the things of the spirit. <a href="/gwt/romans/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Those who live by the corrupt nature have the corrupt nature's attitude. But those who live by the spiritual nature have the spiritual nature's attitude. <a href="/gnt/romans/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants. <a href="/isv/romans/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. <a href="/msb/romans/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. <a href="/net/romans/8.htm">NET Bible</a> For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit. <a href="/nheb/romans/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/wbt/romans/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For they that are according to the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh: but they that are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/wey/romans/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For if men are controlled by their earthly natures, they give their minds to earthly things. If they are controlled by their spiritual natures, they give their minds to spiritual things. <a href="/web/romans/8.htm">World English Bible</a> For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For those who are according to the flesh, mind the things of the flesh; and those according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit; <a href="/blb/romans/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For those being according to flesh mind the things of the flesh; but those according to Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/ylt/romans/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For those who are according to the flesh, the things of the flesh do mind; and those according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit; <a href="/slt/romans/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For they being according to the flesh mind things of the flesh; and they according to the Spirit the things of the Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For they that are according to the flesh, mind the things that are of the flesh; but they that are according to the spirit, mind the things that are of the spirit. <a href="/cpdv/romans/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For those who are in agreement with the flesh are mindful of the things of the flesh. But those who are in agreement with the spirit are mindful of the things of the spirit. <a href="/nabre/romans/8.htm">New American Bible</a> For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For they who are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh; but they who are after the Spirit, do mind the things of the Spirit. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Those who are in the flesh are governed by the flesh, and those who are of The Spirit are governed by The Spirit.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For those who are according to the flesh, mind the things of the flesh; but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/godbey/romans/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For those being in harmony with depravity, do mind the things of depravity, and those in harmony with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit: <a href="/haweis/romans/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For they who are after the flesh, mind the things of the flesh; but they who are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/mace/romans/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for they that are sensually affected, abandon themselves to sensuality, but the spiritual pursue their spiritual entertainments. <a href="/wey/romans/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For if men are controlled by their earthly natures, they give their minds to earthly things. If they are controlled by their spiritual natures, they give their minds to spiritual things. <a href="/worrell/romans/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For those who are according to the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <a href="/worsley/romans/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For they who are after the flesh, mind the things of the flesh; but they who are led by the Spirit, do mind spiritual things. <a href="/parallel/romans/8-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=1834" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/8.htm">Living in the Spirit</a> …4so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></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.">who 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. ">the flesh</a> <a href="/greek/5426.htm" title="5426: phronousin (V-PIA-3P) -- (a) I think, (b) I think, judge, (c) I direct the mind to, seek for, (d) I observe, (e) I care for. ">set their minds</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">on the things</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarkos (N-GFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">flesh;</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</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 who 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/4151.htm" title="4151: pneuma (N-ANS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">the Spirit</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">set their minds on the things</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.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumatos (N-GNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit.</a> 6The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16-17</a> 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. <a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a> Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. <a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a> Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> 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. <a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Galatians 6:8</a> 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. <a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Ephesians 2:3</a> 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. <a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14-15</a> But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-16</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Matthew 16:23</a> 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.” <a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-5</a> For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a> I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? <a href="/proverbs/23-7.htm">Proverbs 23:7</a> for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a> “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.For they.<a href="/romans/8-12.htm">Romans 8:12,13</a> Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh… <a href="/john/3-6.htm">John 3:6</a> That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-48.htm">1 Corinthians 15:48</a> As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.mind.<a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Romans 8:6,7</a> For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace… <a href="/mark/8-33.htm">Mark 8:33</a> But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.<a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> 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.of the Spirit.<a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9,14</a> 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… <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> 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.<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-25</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Controlled</a> <a href="/romans/6-12.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/6-8.htm">Live</a> <a href="/romans/7-25.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Controlled</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/8-12.htm">Live</a> <a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/romans/8-23.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/romans/8-8.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/8-12.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/8-6.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/8-11.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 8</div>1. <a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation.</a> 5. <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">What harm comes of the flesh;</a> 13. <a href="/romans/8-13.htm">and what good of the Spirit.</a> 19. <a href="/romans/8-19.htm">The glorious deliverance the creation longs for,</a> 29. <a href="/romans/8-29.htm">was beforehand decreed from God.</a> 38. <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Nothing can sever us from his love.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Those who live according to the flesh This phrase refers to individuals who are guided by their sinful nature, often described as the "flesh" in biblical terms. The "flesh" represents human nature in its fallen state, prone to sin and rebellion against God. In the context of Romans, Paul contrasts the life led by the flesh with the life led by the Spirit. This dichotomy is central to understanding the Christian life as a battle between the old self and the new creation in Christ (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>). The "flesh" is not merely physical but encompasses all aspects of human life that are opposed to God's will.set their minds on the things of the flesh; To "set their minds" indicates a deliberate focus or preoccupation. This phrase suggests that those living according to the flesh are consumed by worldly desires and pursuits, such as materialism, power, and sensual pleasures. This mindset is in direct opposition to the teachings of Christ, who calls for a life of self-denial and spiritual focus (<a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24-26</a>). The "things of the flesh" can also be linked to the works of the flesh listed in <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a>, which include immorality, idolatry, and envy, among others.but those who live according to the Spirit In contrast, this phrase describes individuals who are guided by the Holy Spirit. Living according to the Spirit involves a transformation that begins with accepting Christ and is characterized by a life that seeks to align with God's will. This transformation is a fulfillment of the prophecy in <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a>, where God promises to give a new heart and spirit to His people. The Spirit empowers believers to overcome the desires of the flesh and to produce the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>.set their minds on the things of the Spirit. This phrase emphasizes a conscious decision to focus on spiritual matters, such as prayer, worship, and the study of God's Word. It involves a continual renewal of the mind, as Paul later elaborates in <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a>, urging believers not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. The "things of the Spirit" include love, joy, peace, patience, and other virtues that reflect the character of Christ. This mindset is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, enabling believers to discern God's will and to live in a manner that pleases Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological writings. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a> The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a> The third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers to live according to God's will and not according to the flesh. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_flesh.htm">The Flesh</a> A term used by Paul to describe the sinful nature and human inclinations that are opposed to God's Spirit. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_spirit.htm">The Spirit</a> Refers to the Holy Spirit, who guides and transforms believers to live in accordance with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_flesh_and_the_spirit.htm">Understanding the Flesh and the Spirit</a> Recognize the distinction between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. The flesh represents our sinful nature, while the Spirit represents God's transformative power in our lives. <a href="/topical/m/mindset_matters.htm">Mindset Matters</a> Our mindset determines our actions. Setting our minds on the Spirit leads to life and peace, while focusing on the flesh leads to death and hostility towards God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome the desires of the flesh. We must rely on the Spirit's guidance to live a life pleasing to God. <a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_to_live_by_the_spirit.htm">Practical Steps to Live by the Spirit</a> Engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers to cultivate a mindset focused on the Spirit. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_renewal.htm">Transformation through Renewal</a> Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind daily, transforming your thoughts and actions to align with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 8</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_being_spiritually_minded.htm">What defines being spiritually minded?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_atonement_signify.htm">What defines being spiritually minded?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_handle_negativity.htm">What does the Bible say about handling negativity?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'born_of_the_flesh'_mean.htm">What does "born of the flesh" mean?</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>(5-8) Further description of the antithesis between flesh and spirit in regard to (1) their object, <a href="/romans/8-5.htm" title="For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.">Romans 8:5</a>; (2) their nature, <a href="/context/romans/8-7.htm" title="Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.">Romans 8:7-8</a>; (3) their end, <a href="/romans/8-6.htm" title="For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.">Romans 8:6</a>.(5) They that are . . .--Those who not only walk (direct their conduct) according to the promptings of the flesh, but who are in themselves and in the whole bent of their dispositions the slaves of these promptings.Do mind the things of the flesh.--Their whole mental and moral activity is set upon nothing else but the gratification of these cravings of sense. The phrase "who mind" is not confined to the exercise of the intellect, but includes the affections; in fact it includes all those lesser motives, thoughts, and desires which are involved in carrying out any great principle of action--whether it be selfish and "carnal" or spiritual.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 5-8. - For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. Because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. These verses are added for explanation and enforcement of the condition demanded at the end of ver. 4; pressing the fact that "the infection of our nature" - "the lust of the flesh, called in Greek phronema sarkos" (Art. 9.) - with its antagonism to the Law of God, and its deadly tendency, remains even in the regenerate, and that hence we are still in danger of succumbing to it; but that if we do - unless the Spirit within us prove in practice the stronger power - the condition required for our individual redemption is not fulfilled. οἱ ἐν σαρκὶ ὄντες, in ver. 7, evidently does not mean those who are still in the body, but the same essentially as οἱ κατὰ σάρκα ὄντες in ver. 5; ἐν denotes the element in which they live (see verse following). The δὲ which connects ver. 8 with the foregoing has its ecbatic, not its adversative sense. So then, in the Authorized Version, though not strictly equivalent, seems sufficiently to express the general idea. <a href="/commentaries/romans/8-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Those Οἱ (Hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. who live ὄντες (ontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. according to κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). [the] flesh σάρκα (sarka) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. set their minds φρονοῦσιν (phronousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5426.htm">Strong's 5426: </a> (a) I think, (b) I think, judge, (c) I direct the mind to, seek for, (d) I observe, (e) I care for. on the things τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. flesh; σαρκὸς (sarkos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. those [who live] οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. according to κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). [the] Spirit πνεῦμα (pneuma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. [set their minds on] the things τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Spirit. πνεύματος (pneumatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">NT Letters: Romans 8:5 For those who live according to (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/8-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 8:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 8:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/8-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 8:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 8:6" /></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>