For those 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul isn't just saying people prefer earthly things or spiritual things; he's highlighting that the entire focus of our minds—our thoughts, desires, and aspirations—will be dominated by one or the other. This isn't a passive preference, but an active redirection of our inner world.
For those 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining what it means to "walk according to the Spirit" versus "walking according to the flesh," which he introduced in the previous verse. This verse draws a sharp distinction: if your life is dominated by your sinful nature, your thoughts and desires will naturally focus on worldly, fleshly things. Conversely, if you are truly living by the Holy Spirit, your mind will be set on spiritual realities and God's will.
What does it really mean to 'mind' something? It's not just a fleeting thought; it's the deep-seated preference that shapes our entire direction.
Paul uses the Greek word 'phroneo' here, which goes beyond simple thinking. It encompasses our entire outlook, our desires, our deepest affections, and what we prioritize.
Are you trying to walk a middle path? Paul makes it clear: you're either living under the dominion of the flesh or the direction of the Spirit.
This verse presents a stark choice. Paul isn't describing two options we can switch between freely, but two fundamentally different states of being. There's no neutral ground; you are 'after the flesh' or 'after the Spirit.'
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Understand the original words
phroneō · Greek Verb
The act of focusing one’s intellectual, emotional, and volitional energy on a specific object. It suggests a consistent, deliberate alignment of one's worldview and desires.
This passage directly contrasts the 'desires of the flesh' with the 'desires of the Spirit,' mirroring the core theme of Romans 8:5 about which principle dominates one's mind and actions.
Colossians 3:2This verse urges believers to 'set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,' directly aligning with the 'setting the mind on the things of the Spirit' found in Romans 8:5.
Philippians 3:19This passage describes those whose 'mind is set on earthly things' as enemies of the cross of Christ, highlighting the ultimate destination and consequence of being dominated by the 'things of the flesh'.
1 Corinthians 2:14This verse explains that the 'natural person' cannot accept spiritual truths because they are 'spiritually discerned,' illustrating the fundamental difference in mindset between those dominated by the flesh and those by the Spirit.
bensonRomans 8:5: "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit."
Romans 8:5-7. For — Or rather, now; they that are after the flesh — The apostle having, Romans 8:1 , described those to whom there is no condemnation, as persons who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, to prevent all mistakes in such an important point, here informs us what he means by walking after the flesh, and after the Spirit. The former,…
pulpitRomans 8:5: "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit."
Verses 5-8. - For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. Because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they tha…
Paul isn't just saying people prefer earthly things or spiritual things; he's highlighting that the entire focus of our minds—our thoughts, desires, and aspirations—will be dominated by one or the other. This isn't a passive preference, but an active redirection of our inner world.
Paul is explaining what it means to "walk according to the Spirit" versus "walking according to the flesh," which he introduced in the previous verse. This verse draws a sharp distinction: if your life is dominated by your sinful nature, your thoughts and desires will naturally focus on worldly, fleshly things. Conversely, if you are truly living by the Holy Spirit, your mind will be set on spiritual realities and God's will.
Paul is explaining what it means to "walk according to the Spirit" versus "walking according to the flesh," which he introduced in the previous verse. This verse draws a sharp distinction: if your life is dominated by your sinful nature, your thoughts and desires will naturally focus on worldly, fleshly things. Conversely, if you are truly living by the Holy Spirit, your mind will be set on spiritual realities and God's will.
"For those 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." — Paul isn't just saying people prefer earthly things or spiritual things; he's highlighting that the entire focus of our minds—our thoughts, desires, and aspirations—will be dominated by one or th…
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Last reviewed October 2026