Romans 8:7
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκὸς
the carnal
G4561
σαρκὸς
the carnal
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
5 of 18
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
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
νόμῳ
to the law
G3551
νόμῳ
to the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
11 of 18
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
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.James 4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.Hebrews 8:10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:Romans 7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:2 Timothy 3:4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;Colossians 1:21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciledRomans 8:4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Romans 5:10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.John 7:7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Historical Context
Paul's doctrine of total inability contradicted both Jewish confidence in law-keeping ability and Greek philosophical optimism about human reason. This verse became foundational in Augustine's debates with Pelagius (early 5th century) over whether humans possess natural capacity to obey God apart from grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding the carnal mind as "enmity" rather than mere weakness change your view of sin?
- What are the implications of "neither indeed can be" for evangelism and apologetics?
- How does this verse relate to Jesus' statement "no man can come to me, except the Father draw him" (John 6:44)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God (to phronēma tēs sarkos echthra eis theon)—Echthra means active hostility, not mere indifference. The flesh-oriented mind is God's enemy, in a state of war against His character and claims. This echoes James 4:4: "friendship with the world is enmity with God." The present tense "is" indicates an abiding state, not occasional opposition.
For it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be (oude gar dunatai)—The double negative intensifies: not subject and cannot be subject. This is total inability apart from regeneration. The carnal mind lacks capacity for submission to divine authority—not won't submit but can't submit. This demonstrates the necessity of new birth (John 3:3); moral reformation is insufficient. Only the Spirit's regenerating work can reverse this fundamental hostility.