Romans 8:4
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαίωμα
the righteousness
G1345
δικαίωμα
the righteousness
Strong's:
G1345
Word #:
3 of 16
an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
of the law
G3551
νόμου
of the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
5 of 16
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
πληρωθῇ
might be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
might be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
6 of 16
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 16
(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 #:
11 of 16
(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 #:
12 of 16
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 #:
13 of 16
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 #:
14 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Galatians 5:16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.Colossians 1:22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:Hebrews 12:23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,Revelation 14:5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Historical Context
The early church debated whether Gentile converts needed to observe Mosaic law (Acts 15; Galatians 2). Paul's argument is revolutionary: the law's deepest intention (righteousness) is fulfilled not through external compliance but through the Spirit's internal transformation of desires and affections.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit fulfill the law's righteous requirement without imposing external legal codes?
- What is the relationship between justification (declared righteous) and sanctification (made righteous in practice)?
- How does "walking after the Spirit" differ from legalistic rule-keeping?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us (hina to dikaiōma tou nomou plērōthē en hēmin)—The hina clause indicates divine purpose: Christ's work aimed at producing practical righteousness in believers. Dikaiōma refers to the law's righteous requirement (singular), likely summarized in love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 13:8-10). The passive voice plērōthē ("be fulfilled") indicates this is God's work in us, not our achievement through willpower.
Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit—This distinguishes two orientations: kata sarka (according to flesh) versus kata pneuma (according to Spirit). "Flesh" (sarx) in Paul often means unregenerate human nature in rebellion against God, not merely physical body. The Spirit's indwelling changes the believer's fundamental orientation from self-centered autonomy to God-centered submission, enabling obedience the law commanded but couldn't produce.