Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Original Language Analysis
Οὐδὲν
no
G3762
Οὐδὲν
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
1 of 15
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἄρα
There is therefore
G686
ἄρα
There is therefore
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
2 of 15
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
3 of 15
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ·
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ·
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
10 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σάρκα
the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
11 of 15
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
περιπατοῦσιν,
who walk
G4043
περιπατοῦσιν,
who walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
12 of 15
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.Galatians 3:13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:Romans 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:Romans 8:34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.John 5:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.John 15:4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.Philippians 3:9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:Isaiah 54:17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.Romans 8:14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Historical Context
Paul wrote Romans around AD 57 from Corinth to a church he had not yet visited. Chapter 8 represents the climax of his systematic presentation of the gospel (1:16-17), moving from justification (3:21-5:21) through sanctification (6:1-8:17) to glorification (8:18-39). The Jewish-Gentile tensions in Rome made clear teaching on law, grace, and the Spirit's work essential.
Questions for Reflection
- How does "no condemnation" in verse 1 relate to the "wretched man" struggle of 7:24? What changed between these verses?
- What does it mean to be "in Christ Jesus" beyond intellectual assent to doctrine?
- How does the Spirit's indwelling transform daily "walking" from legal obligation to Spirit-enabled delight?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (οὐδὲν κατάκριμα, ouden katakrima)—The "therefore" (ara) links back to chapter 7's struggle with sin and forward to the Spirit's triumph. Katakrima denotes judicial condemnation, the death sentence sin deserves. For those in Christ Jesus (en Christō Iēsou)—Paul's favorite phrase (164 times)—this verdict is eternally reversed. The phrase en Christō indicates vital union, not mere proximity: believers are forensically identified with Christ's death and resurrection (6:3-11).
The condition who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit is not a requirement for justification but the inevitable evidence of it. The present participle peripatousin ("walking") describes the habitual pattern of life that flows from regeneration. This verse forms the thesis of Romans 8: those justified by faith (5:1) are freed from sin's condemnation (8:1), sin's dominion (6:14), and the law's curse (7:6), now empowered by the Spirit for sanctification.