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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 8:4 so 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/8-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/45_Rom_08_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 8:4 - Living in the Spirit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="so 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." /><script 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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="/ad4.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/8-3.htm" title="Romans 8:3">◄</a> Romans 8:4 <a href="/romans/8-5.htm" title="Romans 8:5">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/romans/8.htm">New International Version</a> in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/nlt/romans/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. <a href="/esv/romans/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/bsb/romans/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> so 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. <a href="/blb/romans/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> so that the righteousness of the Law should be fulfilled in us not walking according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. <a href="/kjv/romans/8.htm">King James Bible</a> That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. <a href="/nkjv/romans/8.htm">New King James Version</a> that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/nasb_/romans/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/nasb/romans/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/nasb77/romans/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. <a href="/lsb/romans/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> so that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/amp/romans/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> so that the [righteous and just] requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not live our lives in the ways of the flesh [guided by worldliness and our sinful nature], but [live our lives] in the ways of the Spirit [guided by His power]. <a href="/csb/romans/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/hcsb/romans/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> in order that the law&#8217s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/asv/romans/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. <a href="/cev/romans/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He did this, so that we would do what the Law commands by obeying the Spirit instead of our own desires. <a href="/erv/romans/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. <a href="/gwt/romans/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Therefore, we, who do not live by our corrupt nature but by our spiritual nature, are able to meet God's standards. <a href="/gnt/romans/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> God did this so that the righteous demands of the Law might be fully satisfied in us who live according to the Spirit, and not according to human nature. <a href="/isv/romans/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> so that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not live according to human nature but according to the Spirit. <a href="/net/romans/8.htm">NET Bible</a> so that the righteous requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/nheb/romans/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> so that the requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/wbt/romans/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. <a href="/wey/romans/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in order that in our case the requirements of the Law might be fully met. For our lives are regulated not by our earthly, but by our spiritual natures.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/romans/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> so 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. <a href="/web/romans/8.htm">World English Bible</a> that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> that the righteousness of the Law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. <a href="/blb/romans/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> so that the righteousness of the Law should be fulfilled in us not walking according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. <a href="/ylt/romans/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. <a href="/slt/romans/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> That the justification of the law be filled up in us, not walking according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> That the justification of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. <a href="/cpdv/romans/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> so that the justification of the law might be fulfilled in us. For we are not walking according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. <a href="/nabre/romans/8.htm">New American Bible</a> so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us, who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit. <a href="/nrsvce/romans/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, for we do not walk after the things of the flesh, but after the Spirit. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> That the righteousness of The Written Law would be fulfilled in us, that we would not walk in the flesh but in The Spirit.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.<CM> <a href="/godbey/romans/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> in order that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to depravity, but according to the spirit. <a href="/haweis/romans/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled by us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. <a href="/mace/romans/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> so that the moral obligations of the law might be fulfilled by us, in living according to the spiritual, and not the carnal tenor thereof: <a href="/wey/romans/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in order that in our case the requirements of the Law might be fully met. For our lives are regulated not by our earthly, but by our spiritual natures. <a href="/worrell/romans/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> that the requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. <a href="/worsley/romans/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit. <a href="/parallel/romans/8-4.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=1824" 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> …3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, 4<a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1345.htm" title="1345: dikaiōma (N-NNS) -- From dikaioo; an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision.">righteous standard</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- 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/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">law</a> <a href="/greek/4137.htm" title="4137: plērōthē (V-ASP-3S) -- From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.">might be fulfilled</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.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/4043.htm" title="4043: peripatousin (V-PPA-DMP) -- From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.">walk</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/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</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> 5Those 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="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 5:16-18</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. / But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. <a href="/ezekiel/36-27.htm">Ezekiel 36:27</a> And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a> God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “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. <a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a> For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a> I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. <a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">1 John 3:24</a> Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us. <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a> For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. <a href="/hebrews/8-10.htm">Hebrews 8:10</a> For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/1_peter/1-2.htm">1 Peter 1:2</a> according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. <a href="/2_peter/1-4.htm">2 Peter 1:4</a> Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. <a href="/john/14-17.htm">John 14:17</a> the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you. <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a> so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.That.<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-24</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, … <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26,27</a> That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, … <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Colossians 1:22</a> In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:who.<a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Romans 8:1</a> There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Case</a> <a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/acts/24-27.htm">Fulfilled</a> <a href="/romans/4-21.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Law</a> <a href="/acts/27-41.htm">Met</a> <a href="/romans/7-5.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/romans/7-13.htm">Order</a> <a href="/romans/7-8.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-23.htm">Regulated</a> <a href="/numbers/31-21.htm">Requirement</a> <a href="/romans/2-26.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/romans/6-20.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/romans/8-2.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/7-14.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/romans/7-13.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">Case</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Fulfilled</a> <a href="/romans/14-5.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Law</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-7.htm">Met</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Order</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-23.htm">Regulated</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Requirement</a> <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/romans/8-30.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/romans/8-10.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.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>so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us This phrase emphasizes the purpose of Christ's redemptive work. The "righteous standard of the law" refers to the moral and ethical requirements outlined in the Mosaic Law. In the Old Testament, the law was given to guide Israel in holiness and righteousness (Exodus 20; <a href="/deuteronomy/5.htm">Deuteronomy 5</a>). However, due to human sinfulness, no one could fully meet these standards (<a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>). Through Jesus Christ, believers are empowered to fulfill the law's righteous requirements, not by their own strength, but through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. This fulfillment is not about legalistic adherence but about embodying the law's intent through a life transformed by grace (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>).who do not walk according to the flesh "Walking according to the flesh" refers to living in a manner driven by sinful human nature. In biblical terms, "flesh" often symbolizes human weakness and propensity to sin (<a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a>). The cultural context of the Roman Empire, with its moral decadence and idolatry, provides a backdrop for understanding the contrast between living by the flesh and living by the Spirit. The early church faced the challenge of distinguishing itself from the surrounding pagan culture, which often indulged in fleshly desires. This phrase calls believers to reject a lifestyle dominated by sin and self-interest.but according to the Spirit Living "according to the Spirit" signifies a life led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is a central theme in Paul's writings, where the Spirit is seen as the source of new life and sanctification (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>). The Holy Spirit enables believers to live in a way that pleases God, producing spiritual fruit and guiding them in truth. This transformation is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a>, where God promises to give His people a new heart and spirit. The Spirit's indwelling presence is a mark of the new covenant, distinguishing believers as God's people and empowering them to live out the righteousness of the law.<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, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a> Refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_spirit.htm">The Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God's will and not according to the sinful nature. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_flesh.htm">The Flesh</a> Represents the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to the Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/fulfillment_of_the_law.htm">Fulfillment of the Law</a> The righteous standard of the law is fulfilled in believers not by their own efforts but through the work of the Holy Spirit. This fulfillment is a result of living according to the Spirit, not the flesh. <a href="/topical/w/walking_by_the_spirit.htm">Walking by the Spirit</a> Walking according to the Spirit involves daily submission to God's guidance and empowerment. It requires a conscious decision to reject the desires of the flesh and pursue spiritual growth. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_the_spirit.htm">Transformation through the Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to live in a way that pleases God. This transformation is evidence of our salvation and relationship with Christ. <a href="/topical/p/practical_righteousness.htm">Practical Righteousness</a> Our lives should reflect the righteousness of Christ, demonstrating love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit. This practical righteousness is a testimony to the world of God's transformative power.<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_does_walking_in_the_spirit_mean.htm">What does walking in the Spirit mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_jesus_uphold_the_law_in_grace.htm">If Christians are under grace, why does Jesus say that not even a "jot or tittle" of the law will pass away (Matthew 5:18)?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_regain_god's_wisdom_and_righteousness.htm">How can we return to God's wisdom and righteousness?</a> <a href="/q/why_emphasize_old_laws_if_a_new_covenant.htm">If God promises a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31–34, why do some passages in the Old Testament still emphasize following the old covenant laws? </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>(4) The consequence of this was a great change. Hitherto the Law could not be kept because of the antagonistic influence of the flesh; henceforth it may be kept for the reason that this influence has ceased and that its place is taken by the influence of the Spirit.The righteousness.--The just requirement of the Law, its due and rightful claims.Might be fulfilled in us.--That we might be examples of its fulfilment.Who walk not after the flesh.--Who direct our conduct not as the flesh would guide us. but according to the dictates and guidance of the Spirit--i.e., the indwelling Spirit of Christ, as in <a href="/romans/8-2.htm" title="For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.">Romans 8:2</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - That the ordinance (or, righteous requirement, rather than righteousness, as in the Authorized Version. The word is δίκαιωμα, not δικαιοσύνη. It Occurs elsewhere in the New Testament, <a href="/luke/1-6.htm">Luke 1:6</a>; <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a>; <a href="/romans/2-26.htm">Romans 2:26</a>; <a href="/hebrews/9-1.htm">Hebrews 9:1</a>; and in a like sense often in the LXX.; also, though with a difference of meaning, <a href="/romans/5-16.htm">Romans 5:16, 18</a>) of the Law may be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. This, then, is the purpose of Christ's victory over sin - that the requirement of the Law in us too may be fulfilled; which evidently means more -than that his victory may be imputed to us, on the ground of our faith only, while we remain as we were. The expression, δὶκαιωμα πληρωθῆ, and also the condition appended at the end of the verse, imply that the "Spirit of life" must so dominate over the flesh in ourselves that the Law may forfeit its claims over us. The sinful propensions of the flesh remain in us still (as the verses that follow distinctly show); but the Spirit that is in us is strong enough to overcome them now (cf. <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16-18</a>). It does not follow from this that any Christians will actually avoid all sin, or that they can be accepted on the ground of their own performance: to say this would be to contradict other Scripture (cf. <a href="/james/2-10.htm">James 2:10</a>; <a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8</a>); and Paul confessed himself to be not already perfected (<a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12</a>). But perfection, through Christ who lives in them, is put before us as, at any rate, the aim of the regenerate (cf. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a>); and by actual and progressive holiness they are to show that their union with Christ is real. His Spirit within them must, at any rate, give a new direction and tone to their characters and lives. <a href="/commentaries/romans/8-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative 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. righteous standard δικαίωμα (dikaiōma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1345.htm">Strong's 1345: </a> From dikaioo; an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine 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. Law νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. might be fulfilled πληρωθῇ (plērōthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4137.htm">Strong's 4137: </a> From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. us, ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. who τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative 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. {do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. live περιπατοῦσιν (peripatousin) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow. 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. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">NT Letters: Romans 8:4 That the ordinance of the law might (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/8-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 8:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 8:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/8-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 8:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 8:5" /></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>