Romans 8:5
What does Romans 8:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 8:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 8:5 means
Paul distinguishes two kinds of people by what occupies their minds and affections. Those “after the flesh” set their thoughts, desires, and priorities on fallen, self-centered aims. Those “after the Spirit” orient their inner life to God’s purposes, valuing what the Spirit values. This is not a call to occasional spiritual reflection, but a description of ongoing mindset and allegiance. Our thinking flows from our spiritual condition; what we love shapes what we pursue. The verse invites sober self-examination: What governs our outlook—temporal gratification or the things of God? By grace, the Spirit redirects our inner compass, creating new appetites and aims that accord with God’s kingdom.
Romans 8:5 in context
Romans 8 — No Condemnation, No Separation
The high-water mark of Paul's letters. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. The Spirit of life sets us free from the law of sin and death; the same Spirit cries 'Abba, Father' in our hearts and assures us we are children and heirs. Suffering is real, but the glory ahead is incomparably greater. All things work together for good to those who love God. And nothing — neither death nor life nor angels nor things present nor things to come — shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Justification
- Indwelling Spirit
- Adoption
- Final perseverance
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For those who are living in the way of the flesh give their minds to the things of the flesh, but those who go in the way of the Spirit, to the things of the Spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For 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;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For they that are according to flesh mind the things of the flesh; and they that are according to Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Context
Verse 5 develops the practical outworking of verse 4’s “walk after the Spirit.” The contrast between flesh and Spirit now focuses on the mind—our inner orientation. This prepares for verse 6, where Paul states the outcomes of these mindsets: death for the fleshly mind, life and peace for the spiritual mind. The sequence—mindset, outcome, and God-ward or anti-God character—continues through verse 8, painting a stark, sobering picture that underscores the necessity of the Spirit’s work.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:18
For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
- Romans 8:6
For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:
- John 3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
- Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
- 2 Peter 2:10
but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:
- Colossians 3:1
If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Sermon ideas from Romans 8:5
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Romans 8:5 teaches us about justification
What Romans 8:5 teaches us about indwelling spirit
What Romans 8:5 teaches us about adoption
What Romans 8:5 teaches us about final perseverance
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
Topic
Bible Verses About Depression
The Bible acknowledges the reality of depression, offering comfort, hope, and guidance for enduring difficult seasons.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Like a Failure
When the inner voice won't quit — what God actually says about you.