Romans Chapter 13 · Verse 14

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Original Language Analysis

ἀλλ' But G235
ἀλλ' But
Strong's: G235
Word #: 1 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐνδύσασθε put ye on G1746
ἐνδύσασθε put ye on
Strong's: G1746
Word #: 2 of 14
to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριον the Lord G2962
κύριον the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 4 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦν Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦν Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 5 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Χριστόν Christ G5547
Χριστόν Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 6 of 14
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκὸς the flesh G4561
σαρκὸς the flesh
Strong's: G4561
Word #: 9 of 14
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
πρόνοιαν provision G4307
πρόνοιαν provision
Strong's: G4307
Word #: 10 of 14
forethought, i.e., provident care or supply
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 11 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ποιεῖσθε make G4160
ποιεῖσθε make
Strong's: G4160
Word #: 12 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
εἰς for G1519
εἰς for
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 13 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐπιθυμίας to fulfil the lusts G1939
ἐπιθυμίας to fulfil the lusts
Strong's: G1939
Word #: 14 of 14
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

Analysis & Commentary

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ—Alla endysasthe ton kyrion Iēsoun Christon (ἀλλὰ ἐνδύσασθε τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν). The aorist imperative endysasthe (put on) calls for decisive action—clothe yourself with Christ. This echoes Galatians 3:27: 'as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.' To 'put on Christ' is to assume His character, embody His virtues, live in union with Him (Colossians 3:10-14). The full title—kyrion Iēsoun Christon (Lord Jesus Christ)—emphasizes His authority (Lord), humanity (Jesus), and messianic office (Christ).

And make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof—Kai tēs sarkos pronoian mē poieisthe eis epithymias (καὶ τῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε εἰς ἐπιθυμίας). Pronoian (πρόνοια, provision/forethought) means planning ahead. The prohibition: don't make advance arrangements to indulge epithymias (lusts/desires) of sarx (flesh—sinful nature). Don't position yourself for temptation, don't create opportunities for sin. This is practical wisdom—avoid situations, relationships, media, environments that fuel fleshly desires.

Historical Context

This verse converted Augustine. Tormented by sexual sin and philosophical confusion, he heard a child's voice: 'Tolle lege' (take up and read). Opening Scripture, he read Romans 13:13-14. Immediately convicted, he renounced his lifestyle, embraced chastity, and pursued Christ—becoming the greatest theologian since Paul. This text demonstrates Scripture's transformative power when applied by the Spirit. 'Put on Christ' became a baptismal formula in the early church, symbolizing believers' new identity. Putting off the old self (Ephesians 4:22) and putting on Christ is the essence of conversion and sanctification.

Questions for Reflection