But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just saying "don't sin." It's a radical reorientation: instead of guarding against temptation, we're called to actively dress ourselves in Jesus. This means embodying his character so completely that it becomes our new identity, leaving no room to "plan" or "set up" anything for the desires of our old selves.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following an exhortation to "put on the armor of light" and cast off the "works of darkness," Paul uses a clothing metaphor to urge believers to fully embrace Christ. This involves imitating his character and living by his principles, directly opposing the indulgent desires of their former sinful lives. The instruction is to actively clothe themselves in Christ's example, rather than making any arrangements to satisfy their fleshly appetites.
Ever feel like you're trying on different personalities throughout the day? The Bible uses a powerful metaphor here that speaks to a total transformation.
The phrase "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" is a vivid image. It's not just about believing in Him, but about taking on His very character and way of living. Think of it like a well-fitting garment that completely changes your appearance and how you move.
We all have desires, but not all of them lead us toward God. This verse gives clear instruction on how to handle the ones that don't.
The command to "make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" is a strong directive against nurturing sinful urges.
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Understand the original words
sarx · Greek Noun
The fallen human nature, often depicted as the seat of sinful desires, opposition to God, and inclination toward worldly or sinful gratification.
epithymia · Greek Noun
The inner, often unruly, urges or longings that originate in the fallen human nature and lead to sinful actions if not resisted.
This passage echoes the imagery of 'putting on Christ' from Romans 13:14, directly linking it to baptism and the new identity believers receive in Christ.
Ephesians 4:22-24It parallels the 'putting off' and 'putting on' language found implicitly in Romans 13:12-14, urging believers to shed their old selves and be renewed in the spirit of their minds, reflecting Christ's character.
Colossians 3:10This verse speaks of being renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ, which is the essence of 'putting on the Lord Jesus Christ' as described in Romans 13:14.
1 Peter 2:11Peter warns believers against 'fleshly lusts' that wage war against the soul, directly aligning with Paul's instruction in Romans 13:14 not to make provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.
barnesRomans 13:14: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
But put ye on - Compare Galatians 3:17 . The word rendered "put ye on" is the same used in Romans 13:12 , and is commonly employed in reference to "clothing" or "apparel." The phrase to "put on" a person, which seems a harsh expression in our language, was one not infrequently used by Greek writers, and means to imbibe his principles, to imitate his example, to copy his spirit…
vincentRomans 13:14: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
Provision (πρόνοιαν)Etymologically akin to take thought for, in 13:17.FleshIn the moral sense: the depraved nature.
This verse isn't just saying "don't sin." It's a radical reorientation: instead of guarding against temptation, we're called to actively dress ourselves in Jesus. This means embodying his character so completely that it becomes our new identity, leaving no room to "plan" or "set up" anything for the desires of our old selves.
Following an exhortation to "put on the armor of light" and cast off the "works of darkness," Paul uses a clothing metaphor to urge believers to fully embrace Christ. This involves imitating his character and living by his principles, directly opposing the indulgent desires of their former sinful lives. The instruction is to actively clothe themselves in Christ's example, rather than making any arrangements to satisfy their fleshly appetites.
Following an exhortation to "put on the armor of light" and cast off the "works of darkness," Paul uses a clothing metaphor to urge believers to fully embrace Christ. This involves imitating his character and living by his principles, directly opposing the indulgent desires of their former sinful lives. The instruction is to actively clothe themselves in Christ's example, rather than making any arrangements to satisfy their fleshly appetites.
"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." — This verse isn't just saying "don't sin." It's a radical reorientation: instead of guarding against temptation, we're called to actively dress ourselves in Jesus. This means embodying his character…
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Last reviewed October 2026