Romans 8:12
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Original Language Analysis
Ἄρα
Therefore
G686
Ἄρα
Therefore
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 12
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
οὖν
G3767
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 12
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὀφειλέται
debtors
G3781
ὀφειλέται
debtors
Strong's:
G3781
Word #:
4 of 12
an ower, i.e., person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor (against god)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρκα
the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
8 of 12
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
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
10 of 12
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Historical Context
Paul's ethics flow from indicatives (what God has done) to imperatives (how we should live). This differs from both legalism (obey to earn favor) and antinomianism (grace requires no obedience). The Reformation principle of "justification by faith alone, but faith is never alone" captures Paul's theology: justification is free; sanctification is the Spirit-enabled fruit of gratitude.
Questions for Reflection
- What "debts" does the flesh claim—what lies does it tell about what we owe it?
- How does viewing obedience as response to grace rather than requirement for acceptance change motivation?
- What specific obligations do you have to the Spirit who has given you life and righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh (ara oun, adelphoi, opheiletai esmen ou tē sarki tou kata sarka zēn)—The "therefore" draws ethical implications from theological truth (vv. 1-11). Opheiletai means "debtors," those under obligation. Paul's statement is rhetorically powerful: we are debtors, yes—but not to the flesh. The flesh has no legitimate claim; it brought only condemnation and death (vv. 6-8).
The address adelphoi ("brethren") is warm, affirming shared family identity in Christ. The obligation believers have is to the Spirit (implied contrast), who brought life, righteousness, and resurrection hope (vv. 2, 10-11). This is not legalistic duty but grateful response to grace. The Christian life is living in light of what God has done, not earning what He might do.