Romans 8:9
But 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.
Original Language Analysis
σαρκὶ
the flesh
G4561
σαρκὶ
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
6 of 26
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
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
πνεῦμα
that the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
that the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
9 of 26
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
πνεῦμα
that the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
that the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 26
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
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οἰκεῖ
dwell
G3611
οἰκεῖ
dwell
Strong's:
G3611
Word #:
13 of 26
to occupy a house, i.e., reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit
πνεῦμα
that the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
that the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
19 of 26
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
ἔχει
have
G2192
ἔχει
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
22 of 26
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
οὗτος
he
G3778
οὗτος
he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
23 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
Galatians 4:6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.1 Corinthians 3:16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?2 Timothy 1:14That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.1 Corinthians 6:19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?John 14:17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.Romans 8:11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.Galatians 5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,Romans 8:2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.Ephesians 2:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Historical Context
The early church faced questions about whether the Spirit's reception was immediate at conversion or a subsequent "second blessing." Paul's teaching is clear: the Spirit's indwelling is simultaneous with faith (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14). Later Pentecostal theology distinguished between indwelling and empowering, but Romans 8:9 makes Spirit-possession the non-negotiable mark of belonging to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific evidences of the Spirit's indwelling should be present in every believer's life?
- How does this verse address those who claim Christian identity without life-transformation?
- What's the relationship between "Spirit of God" and "Spirit of Christ"—what does this reveal about the Trinity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you—The strong adversative de ("but") marks the contrast: the Roman believers are not en sarki (in the flesh) but en pneumati (in the Spirit). This is positional truth, not perfectionist claim—they still struggle with sin (7:14-25) but are no longer defined by it. The condition eiper ("if so be") is assumed true; Paul addresses genuine believers, assuming the Spirit's indwelling.
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (ei de tis pneuma Christou ouk echei, houtos ouk estin autou)—This is the acid test of Christian identity. Ouk estin autou means "is not his," doesn't belong to Christ. The Spirit's indwelling is not an optional upgrade for elite Christians but the defining mark of all believers. Note the interchangeable titles: "Spirit of God" and "Spirit of Christ"—evidence of Trinitarian theology. No Spirit, no salvation; genuine conversion always includes the Spirit's regenerating presence.