This verse highlights that it's not just about what we think about, but how we think. The original Greek word translated as "set their minds on" (or "mind") carries a deep sense of valuing, desiring, and delighting in something, revealing that our inner orientation toward the flesh or the Spirit dictates the very core of our pursuits and affections.
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. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining the crucial difference between living according to our sinful nature versus living by the Holy Spirit. He just stated that condemnation is impossible for those in Christ, but now he clarifies that this freedom comes from a radical shift—moving from the "flesh" (our sinful desires) to the "Spirit" (God's transforming power). This verse sets up the following verses that detail the deadly consequences of a flesh-dominated mind and the life and peace found in a Spirit-led one.
Ever feel like your thoughts are pulled in two different directions? Paul highlights a crucial distinction: what you 'mind' reveals where your true allegiance lies.
The word translated 'set their minds on' (in the original Greek, 'phronema') isn't just about casual thoughts. It encompasses our deep-seated attitudes, desires, and the very way we orient our entire being.
Living by the Flesh: When we live according to the flesh, our 'phronema' is focused on earthly, visible, and temporal things. This includes anything that gratifies our natural desires and corrupt nature – pleasures, possessions, status, or even just self-preservation above all else.
Living by the Spirit: Conversely, when we live by the Spirit, our 'phronema' is directed toward the invisible, eternal realities. It's about valuing what God values, seeking His kingdom, and delighting in spiritual growth and truth.
Paul presents two distinct ways of living. Are these just options, or does one path exclude the other entirely?
The way Paul frames this verse suggests that humanity is divided into two mutually exclusive groups:
Under the Flesh's Rule: Those living 'according to the flesh' are dominated by their unregenerate nature. Their desires, priorities, and ultimate direction are dictated by this principle, leading away from God.
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Under the Spirit's Rule: Those living 'according to the Spirit' are guided and empowered by God's Holy Spirit. This is a supernatural state, a gift from God where His presence actively shapes their lives. This isn't about fleeting good feelings, but a decisive reorientation of the will towards God.
Crucially, Paul implies that you are either fully committed to one or the other. There's no neutral ground; a life dominated by fleshly desires cannot simultaneously please God.
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.
sarx · Greek Noun
Refers to the entire human being in a state of fallenness, dominated by sinful desires and rebellion against God, rather than merely the physical body. It represents the unregenerate nature that is alienated from God.
phronēma · Greek Noun
The active process of directing one's thoughts, desires, and focus toward a specific object or principle. It involves the orientation of the whole person toward a particular pursuit or reality.
thanatos · Greek Noun
The state of total separation from God resulting from sin, encompassing both spiritual alienation in the present and eternal judgment. It is the ultimate consequence of turning away from the Creator.
pneuma · Greek Noun
Refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who indwells the believer, regenerates the heart, and empowers the Christian life. He is the agent of sanctification and the guarantee of the believer’s future resurrection.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The state of reconciliation and harmony with God, and the internal tranquility that results from being rightly related to Him. It is a fundamental benefit of the gospel and a characteristic of God’s kingdom.
This passage directly contrasts 'walking by the Spirit' with 'fulfilling the desires of the flesh,' echoing the core idea of Romans 8:5 about the opposing motivations of the flesh and the Spirit.
Colossians 3:2This verse urges believers to 'set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,' which is a command to actively pursue the 'things of the Spirit' mentioned in Romans 8:5.
Matthew 6:24Jesus states that 'no one can serve two masters,' highlighting the fundamental incompatibility of devotion to God (the Spirit) versus devotion to worldly riches (often associated with the flesh), mirroring the choice presented in Romans 8:5.
1 Corinthians 2:14This verse describes the 'natural person' not accepting 'what comes from the Spirit of God' because it is foolishness to them, reinforcing the idea that a person influenced by the flesh cannot grasp or prioritize spiritual things.
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…
This verse highlights that it's not just about what we think about, but how we think. The original Greek word translated as "set their minds on" (or "mind") carries a deep sense of valuing, desiring, and delighting in something, revealing that our inner orientation toward the flesh or the Spirit dictates the very core of our pursuits and affections.
Paul is explaining the crucial difference between living according to our sinful nature versus living by the Holy Spirit. He just stated that condemnation is impossible for those in Christ, but now he clarifies that this freedom comes from a radical shift—moving from the "flesh" (our sinful desires) to the "Spirit" (God's transforming power). This verse sets up the following verses that detail the deadly consequences of a flesh-dominated mind and the life and peace found in a Spirit-led one.
Paul is explaining the crucial difference between living according to our sinful nature versus living by the Holy Spirit. He just stated that condemnation is impossible for those in Christ, but now he clarifies that this freedom comes from a radical shift—moving from the "flesh" (our sinful desires) to the "Spirit" (God's transforming power). This verse sets up the following verses that detail the deadly consequences of a flesh-dominated mind and the life and peace found in a Spirit-led one.
"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. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on…" — This verse highlights that it's not just about what we think about, but how we think. The original Greek word translated as "set their minds on" (or "mind") carries a deep sense of valuing, desir…
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Last reviewed October 2026
