Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκὸς
carnally
G4561
σαρκὸς
carnally
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
5 of 14
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
θάνατος
is death
G2288
θάνατος
is death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
6 of 14
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
spiritually
G4151
πνεύματος
spiritually
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 14
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
Galatians 6:8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.Romans 8:13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.Romans 13:14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,John 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Romans 6:21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.Romans 7:5For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Historical Context
The Greek philosophical tradition (especially Platonism) emphasized escape from the body as the path to enlightenment. Paul's use of "flesh" is not anti-physical but anti-rebellious—the issue is sin's dominion, not embodiment. The resurrection hope (8:11, 23) demonstrates that redemption includes the body, not escape from it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual "death" manifest in daily life before physical death occurs?
- What is the connection between a Spirit-directed mind and the experience of peace?
- How can you cultivate the "mind of the Spirit" in a culture saturated with fleshly appeals?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For to be carnally minded is death (to phronēma tēs sarkos thanatos)—Phronēma denotes not just individual thoughts but the mind-set, the comprehensive disposition. The present tense "is" indicates death not just as future consequence but present reality—spiritual deadness, separation from God who is life (Ephesians 2:1). The carnal mind is death because it is fundamentally opposed to the life-giving God.
But to be spiritually minded is life and peace (to phronēma tou pneumatos zōē kai eirēnē)—The Spirit's mind-set brings zōē (eternal life quality beginning now, John 17:3) and eirēnē (peace, the shalom of reconciliation with God, 5:1). This parallels Galatians 6:8: "he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Paul presents two paths with two destinies—no middle ground exists.