Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
the things
G3588
τοῦ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
G4561
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
4 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
τοῦ
the things
G3588
τοῦ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
the things
G3588
τοῦ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
G4561
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
8 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
φρονοῦσιν
do mind
G5426
φρονοῦσιν
do mind
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
9 of 16
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
τοῦ
the things
G3588
τοῦ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
13 of 16
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
τοῦ
the things
G3588
τοῦ
the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.John 3:6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.Romans 8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.Mark 8:33But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.2 Corinthians 10:3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:2 Peter 2:10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.Ephesians 5:9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)1 Corinthians 15:48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
Historical Context
Ancient Stoicism emphasized right thinking (logos) as the path to virtue, but saw this as achievable through human reason. Paul's doctrine is radically different: the mind must be supernaturally renewed by the Spirit (12:2; Ephesians 4:23). True transformation begins not with moral effort but with regeneration that changes fundamental desires.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific "things of the flesh" do you find your mind drifting toward most frequently?
- How does cultivating "the mind of the Spirit" through Scripture and prayer reshape daily priorities?
- What's the relationship between what we "mind" (think about) and what we ultimately become?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh (hoi kata sarka phronousin ta tēs sarkos)—The verb phroneō means to set one's mind on, to be intent upon, to cherish certain thoughts and desires. This is not occasional sin but life-orientation. Those "after the flesh" are characterized by self-centered thinking, finding identity and satisfaction in created things rather than the Creator. Paul describes a comprehensive worldview shaped by rebellion.
But they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit—The parallel construction emphasizes the total contrast. Spirit-orientation means minds shaped by God's revealed truth, affections directed toward eternal realities, wills aligned with divine purposes. This is the renewed mind of 12:2, the mind of Christ mentioned in Philippians 2:5. The preposition kata ("after/according to") indicates conformity—we become like what we worship and pursue.