Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. New Living Translation For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. English Standard Version For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Berean Standard Bible because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Berean Literal Bible because the mind of the flesh is hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able. King James Bible Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. New King James Version Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. New American Standard Bible because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, NASB 1995 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, NASB 1977 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; Legacy Standard Bible because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, Amplified Bible the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, Berean Annotated Bible because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God {Theon}: It does not submit to God’s {Theou} law, nor can it do so. Christian Standard Bible The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. Holman Christian Standard Bible For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. American Standard Version because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: Contemporary English Version Our desires fight against God, because they do not and cannot obey God's laws. English Revised Version because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: GOD'S WORD® Translation This is so because the corrupt nature has a hostile attitude toward God. It refuses to place itself under the authority of God's standards because it can't. Good News Translation And so people become enemies of God when they are controlled by their human nature; for they do not obey God's law, and in fact they cannot obey it. International Standard Version That is why the mind that focuses on human nature is hostile toward God. It refuses to submit to the authority of God's Law because it is powerless to do so. NET Bible because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so. New Heart English Bible because the mind set on the flesh is hostile towards God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Webster's Bible Translation Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Weymouth New Testament Abandonment to earthly things is a state of enmity to God. Such a mind does not submit to God's Law, and indeed cannot do so. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblebecause the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. World English Bible because the mind of the flesh is hostile toward God, for it is not subject to God’s law, neither indeed can it be. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbecause the mind of the flesh [is] enmity to God, for to the Law of God it does not subject itself, Berean Literal Bible because the mind of the flesh is hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able. Young's Literal Translation because the mind of the flesh is enmity to God, for to the law of God it doth not subject itself, Smith's Literal Translation Wherefore the thought of the flesh enmity to God: for it is not subject to the law of God, for it cannot be. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBecause the wisdom of the flesh is an enemy to God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither can it be. Catholic Public Domain Version And the wisdom of the flesh is inimical to God. For it is not subject to the law of God, nor can it be. New American Bible For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God; it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it; New Revised Standard Version For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBecause the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, because it cannot be. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Because the mind of the flesh is hatred toward God, for it is not subject to the law of God because it cannot be. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBecause the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be. Godbey New Testament Therefore the mind of depravity is enmity toward God: for it is not subordinated to the law of God, for it is not able so to be. Haweis New Testament Because the propensity of the flesh is inimical against God: for it is not in subjection to the law of God, neither indeed can it be. Mace New Testament because a sensual disposition of mind is averse to God: for it is not subject to the divine law, nor indeed can it be. Weymouth New Testament Abandonment to earthly things is a state of enmity to God. Such a mind does not submit to God's Law, and indeed cannot do so. Worrell New Testament because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither, indeed, can it be; Worsley New Testament because the carnal mind is an enemy to God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Living in the Spirit…6The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, 7because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.… Cross References because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: Colossians 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. James 4:4 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. Romans 1:30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. It does not submit to God’s law, Romans 10:3 Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Psalm 78:10 They failed to keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law. Nehemiah 9:26 But they were disobedient and rebelled against You; they flung Your law behind their backs. They killed Your prophets, who had admonished them to return to You. They committed terrible blasphemies. nor can it do so. Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good—you who are accustomed to doing evil. James 4:4 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. 1 Corinthians 2:14 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. Galatians 5:17 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. Colossians 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. Ephesians 2:3 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. 1 John 2:15-16 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. Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Treasury of Scripture Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. the carnal mind. Romans 1:28,30 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; … Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; for it. Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Romans 7:7-14,22 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet… neither. Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 1 Corinthians 2:14 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. Jump to Previous Able Carnal Earthly Enmity Flesh God's Hostile Indeed Itself Law Mind Opposite Sinful State Subject Submit TowardsJump to Next Able Carnal Earthly Enmity Flesh God's Hostile Indeed Itself Law Mind Opposite Sinful State Subject Submit TowardsRomans 8 1. Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation.5. What harm comes of the flesh; 13. and what good of the Spirit. 19. The glorious deliverance the creation longs for, 29. was beforehand decreed from God. 38. Nothing can sever us from his love. because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: The "mind of the flesh" refers to the sinful nature inherent in humanity since the Fall (Genesis 3). This nature is in direct opposition to God, as it is driven by self-interest and worldly desires. The hostility mentioned here is not merely passive resistance but active opposition to God's will and purposes. This enmity is evident throughout Scripture, as seen in the rebellion of humanity against God’s commands (Genesis 6:5, Romans 1:21-23). The fleshly mind is incapable of understanding or accepting spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:14), highlighting the need for divine intervention through the Holy Spirit to transform the heart and mind (Ezekiel 36:26-27). It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. The Roman Church The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. 3. The Flesh In this context, "the flesh" refers to the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to God's will and law. 4. God's Law The divine commandments and moral guidelines given by God, which reflect His holy and righteous nature. 5. The Mind Represents human thought processes and inclinations, which can be influenced by either the flesh or the Spirit. Teaching Points Understanding the FleshRecognize that the "mind of the flesh" represents our natural, sinful inclinations that are inherently opposed to God's will. The Necessity of Spiritual Renewal Emphasize the need for a transformation of the mind through the Holy Spirit to overcome the hostility of the flesh. Submission to God's Law Highlight the importance of submitting to God's law, which requires a heart and mind aligned with the Spirit rather than the flesh. The Role of the Holy Spirit Teach that only through the Holy Spirit can believers overcome the limitations of the flesh and live in accordance with God's will. Practical Steps for Renewal Encourage practical steps such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers to cultivate a mind that is led by the Spirit. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Romans 8:7?2. How does Romans 8:7 describe the mindset of the flesh toward God? 3. What practical steps can we take to avoid a "hostile" mindset? 4. How does Romans 8:7 connect with Genesis 6:5 about human nature? 5. In what ways can we align our minds with the Spirit daily? 6. How does understanding Romans 8:7 impact our relationship with God and others? 7. How does Romans 8:7 define the relationship between the mind and God? 8. Why is the mind described as hostile to God in Romans 8:7? 9. What does Romans 8:7 imply about human nature and sin? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 8? 11. What are sin's noetic effects? 12. What does "misotheism" or "misotheist" mean? 13. What are sin's noetic effects? 14. What defines being an enemy of God? What Does Romans 8:7 Mean becauseVerse 7 begins with “because,” linking back to Romans 8:6: “The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” Paul explains why death accompanies a flesh-ruled life. Scripture repeatedly ties cause to consequence: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23); “The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction” (Galatians 6:8). Living by the flesh inevitably leads to separation from God’s life and peace. the mind of the flesh This phrase points to an inward disposition that centers on human desires apart from God. The “natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God… because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). The fleshly mind evaluates everything by self-interest, seeking gratification rather than God’s glory. It is not merely weak; it is fundamentally oriented away from the Spirit. hostile to God Hostility means open enmity, not innocent ignorance. James 4:4 warns, “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.” Colossians 1:21 reminds believers that they were once “alienated from God and… hostile in your minds.” The anti-God posture of the flesh shows up when God’s holiness confronts human pride; resistance flares because the flesh treasures autonomy. does not submit to God’s law Rebellion expresses itself in refusal to bow to God’s revealed will. Romans 3:10-12 declares, “There is no one righteous… no one who seeks God.” Psalm 2:1-3 pictures nations conspiring to “cast away” the Lord’s cords. Whether in overt defiance or polite indifference, the unrenewed mind hears God’s commands and chooses its own way instead. nor can it do so The problem is deeper than unwillingness; it is inability. Spiritual deadness renders the flesh powerless to please God: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). Ephesians 2:1-3 describes humanity as “dead in trespasses,” enslaved to “the cravings of our flesh.” Apart from the Spirit’s regenerating work, submission to God’s law is impossible. summary Romans 8:7 exposes the grim reality of a life governed by the flesh: it is locked in hostility toward God, refuses His authority, and lacks the capacity to change itself. Only the Spirit can liberate the heart from this dead-end mindset and produce true life and peace. (7) The carnal mind is death--because it implies enmity with God, and enmity with God is death.Greek becauseδιότι (dioti) Conjunction Strong's 1360: On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. mind φρόνημα (phronēma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 5427: Thought, purpose, aspirations. From phroneo; inclination or purpose. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: 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 Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. [is] hostile ἔχθρα (echthra) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2189: Enmity, hostility, alienation. Feminine of echthros; hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition. to εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. God: Θεόν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. It does not submit ὑποτάσσεται (hypotassetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5293: From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey. to τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. Law, νόμῳ (nomō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. nor οὐδὲ (oude) Adverb Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. can it [do so]. δύναται (dynatai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. Links Romans 8:7 NIVRomans 8:7 NLT Romans 8:7 ESV Romans 8:7 NASB Romans 8:7 KJV Romans 8:7 BibleApps.com Romans 8:7 Biblia Paralela Romans 8:7 Chinese Bible Romans 8:7 French Bible Romans 8:7 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Romans 8:7 Because the mind of the flesh (Rom. Ro) |
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