Romans 8:10
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
8 of 17
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
14 of 17
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
Ephesians 3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.John 17:23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.Colossians 1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.Romans 8:11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.Philippians 1:23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:Revelation 14:13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.1 Corinthians 15:45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.Hebrews 9:27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Historical Context
Gnostic movements in the early centuries despised the body as evil, teaching that salvation meant escape from physical existence. Paul affirms bodily resurrection (v. 11, 23), not escape from embodiment. The tension between present spiritual life and future bodily redemption shapes Christian eschatology—we live between resurrection and return.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians think about physical mortality and decay in light of spiritual life?
- What's the relationship between Christ's righteousness and the Spirit's life-giving presence?
- How does this verse provide comfort when facing aging, illness, or death?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin (ei de Christos en humin, to sōma nekron dia hamartian)—Paul shifts from Spirit in you (v. 9) to Christ in you, again demonstrating Trinitarian unity. "The body is dead" doesn't mean physical death but mortality—nekron indicates the body's death-bound condition. Dia hamartian ("because of sin") points to Genesis 3: Adam's sin brought death's sentence. Even redeemed believers experience physical decay; salvation has not yet reversed mortality.
But the Spirit is life because of righteousness (to pneuma zōē dia dikaiosunēn)—The contrast is striking: body death-bound, Spirit life-giving. The Spirit imparts zōē (eternal life quality) dia dikaiosunēn ("because of righteousness")—likely Christ's imputed righteousness (3:21-26) which satisfies justice and secures life. Though the body awaits resurrection (v. 11), the Spirit's presence is present-tense life, the "already" of salvation before the "not yet" of glorification (v. 23).