Romans 8:6
New International Version
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

New Living Translation
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

English Standard Version
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Berean Standard Bible
The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,

Berean Literal Bible
For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit, life and peace,

King James Bible
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

New King James Version
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

New American Standard Bible
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

NASB 1995
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

NASB 1977
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

Legacy Standard Bible
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

Amplified Bible
Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever];

Christian Standard Bible
Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.

American Standard Version
For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:

Contemporary English Version
If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace.

English Revised Version
For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the spirit is life and peace:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The corrupt nature's attitude leads to death. But the spiritual nature's attitude leads to life and peace.

Good News Translation
To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace.

International Standard Version
To focus our minds on the human nature leads to death, but to focus our minds on the Spirit leads to life and peace.

Majority Standard Bible
The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,

NET Bible
For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace,

New Heart English Bible
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace;

Webster's Bible Translation
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace:

Weymouth New Testament
Because for the mind to be given up to earthly things means death; but for it to be given up to spiritual things means Life and peace.

World English Bible
For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for the mind of the flesh [is] death, and the mind of the Spirit—life and peace;

Berean Literal Bible
For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit, life and peace,

Young's Literal Translation
for the mind of the flesh is death, and the mind of the Spirit -- life and peace;

Smith's Literal Translation
For the thought of the flesh, death; and the thought of the Spirit, life and peace.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For the wisdom of the flesh is death; but the wisdom of the spirit is life and peace.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the prudence of the flesh is death. But the prudence of the spirit is life and peace.

New American Bible
The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.

New Revised Standard Version
To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For the mind of the flesh is death, and the mind of The Spirit is life and peace,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.

Godbey New Testament
for the mind of depravity is death: and the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.

Haweis New Testament
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Mace New Testament
now sensual inclinations lead to death; but spiritual affections to a life of tranquillity.

Weymouth New Testament
Because for the mind to be given up to earthly things means death; but for it to be given up to spiritual things means Life and peace.

Worrell New Testament
For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;

Worsley New Testament
Now to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Living in the Spirit
5Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, 7because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.…

Cross References
Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Galatians 6:8
The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Ephesians 4:23
to be renewed in the spirit of your minds;

James 3:14-16
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

1 Peter 4:6
That is why the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged as men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Ezekiel 18:31
Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.


Treasury of Scripture

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

to be carnally minded.

Romans 8:7,13
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be…

Romans 6:21,23
What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death…

Romans 7:5,11
For 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…

to be spiritually minded.

Romans 5:1,10
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: …

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

John 14:6,27
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me…

Jump to Previous
Carnally Controlled Death Earthly Flesh Life Means Mind Minded Peace Sinful Spirit Spiritual Spiritually
Jump to Next
Carnally Controlled Death Earthly Flesh Life Means Mind Minded Peace Sinful Spirit Spiritual Spiritually
Romans 8
1. Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation.
5. What harm comes of the flesh;
13. and what good of the Spirit.
19. The glorious deliverance the creation longs for,
29. was beforehand decreed from God.
38. Nothing can sever us from his love.














The mind of the flesh is death
This phrase highlights the contrast between living according to the sinful nature and the consequences it brings. Biblically, "flesh" often refers to human nature in its fallen state, prone to sin and rebellion against God (Galatians 5:19-21). The "mind of the flesh" suggests a mindset or worldview dominated by earthly desires and self-centeredness. Historically, this reflects the Greco-Roman context where indulgence in physical pleasures was common. Theologically, death here is not just physical but spiritual, indicating separation from God (Ephesians 2:1). This aligns with the Genesis account of the Fall, where sin led to both physical and spiritual death (Genesis 2:17).

but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace
In contrast, the "mind of the Spirit" refers to a mindset transformed by the Holy Spirit, characterized by alignment with God's will and purposes (Galatians 5:22-23). This transformation is a key theme in Pauline theology, emphasizing the new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Life here signifies eternal life, a restored relationship with God, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (John 3:16, Romans 6:23). Peace is both an inner tranquility and a reconciled relationship with God, echoing the Hebrew concept of "shalom," which encompasses wholeness and well-being (Philippians 4:7). This peace is a fulfillment of the prophetic promise of the Messiah bringing peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

3. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in the life of believers, guiding and empowering them to live according to God's will.

4. The Flesh
A term used by Paul to describe the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to the Spirit.

5. Life and Peace
The outcomes of living according to the Spirit, as opposed to the death that comes from living according to the flesh.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Flesh and the Spirit
Recognize the distinction between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. The flesh leads to spiritual death, while the Spirit leads to life and peace.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
Embrace the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and transforming our minds. Seek His presence daily to cultivate a mindset that aligns with God's will.

Pursuing Life and Peace
Actively pursue the life and peace that come from the Spirit. This involves regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

Mindset Matters
Be intentional about what you allow to influence your mind. Fill your thoughts with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth
Develop habits that foster spiritual growth, such as daily Bible reading, prayer, and accountability with fellow believers.(6) Translate, For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. To think of nothing but the gratification of the senses, is in itself death--that dead condition of the soul which issues in eternal death; and, on the other hand, to have the thoughts and affections governed solely by the Spirit, brings with it that healthful, vital harmony of all the functions of the soul which is a sure pledge and foretaste of a blissful immortality. Death and life are here, as elsewhere, most frequently in St. Paul, neither spiritual death and life alone, nor eternal death and life alone, but both combined. The Apostle does not here draw any distinction between the two things.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mind
φρόνημα (phronēma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5427: Thought, purpose, aspirations. From phroneo; inclination or purpose.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

flesh
σαρκὸς (sarkos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

[is] death,
θάνατος (thanatos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mind
φρόνημα (phronēma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5427: Thought, purpose, aspirations. From phroneo; inclination or purpose.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Spirit
πνεύματος (pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

[is] life
ζωὴ (zōē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

peace,
εἰρήνη (eirēnē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515: Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.


Links
Romans 8:6 NIV
Romans 8:6 NLT
Romans 8:6 ESV
Romans 8:6 NASB
Romans 8:6 KJV

Romans 8:6 BibleApps.com
Romans 8:6 Biblia Paralela
Romans 8:6 Chinese Bible
Romans 8:6 French Bible
Romans 8:6 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Romans 8:6 For the mind of the flesh (Rom. Ro)
Romans 8:5
Top of Page
Top of Page