For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that the "mind of the flesh" isn't just opposed to God, but it is essential hostility itself. This isn't a passing mood; it's an ingrained, irreconcilable alienation so deep that submission to God's law is not only unwilling but genuinely impossible.
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining why the "mind set on the flesh" leads to death, as stated in the previous verse. He clarifies that this mindset isn't just a passive preference but active hostility towards God because it refuses to obey God's law, and in fact, cannot obey it in its current state. This sets the stage for the contrast he will draw in the following verses between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit.
Ever wondered why it feels like such a battle to follow God? This verse cuts to the core, revealing a deep-seated opposition within us.
Beyond Simple Disagreement
The Bible doesn't just say the 'mind set on the flesh' disagrees with God; it declares it is hostile to Him. This isn't a minor quirk or a polite difference of opinion. The original language and context paint a picture of active, personal opposition. It's an inherent, unchangeable disposition of alienation from God. This hostility means it doesn't just ignore God's ways; it actively resists and opposes them. Think of it like a sworn enemy, not just someone who hasn't signed up yet. This deep-seated opposition is the very essence of being 'in the flesh.'
The Core of the Conflict
This isn't about individual choices in a vacuum. It's about the fundamental orientation of a life lived apart from divine renewal. The 'mind of the flesh' is characterized by its self-centeredness, its reliance on its own understanding, and its pursuit of earthly desires. In essence, it places itself in opposition to God's rightful rule and claims.
This hostility is 'enmity'—a deep, implacable hatred that seeks to thwart God's purposes and ignore His character.
Why is submission to God's law so difficult, even impossible, for the unrenewed mind? This verse gives a definitive answer.
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A Moral Impossibility
The verse doesn't just say the flesh will not submit to God's law; it states it cannot. This isn't a lack of opportunity or a minor inconvenience; it's a fundamental inability. The 'mind of the flesh' is so defined by its rebellion and self-focus that it is structurally incapable of aligning with God's perfect will.
Think of it this way: the flesh's desires and the law of God are like two opposing magnets; they don't just repel, they are fundamentally designed to push away from each other. It's not a physical inability, but a moral one. The inner disposition is so contrary to God's holy standards that true, willing submission is out of reach.
The Root of Rebellion
This 'cannot' is crucial. It means the problem isn't just superficial behavior; it's a deep-seated condition. The flesh doesn't just choose to disobey; its very nature is incompatible with obedience to God. This is why spiritual transformation requires more than just trying harder – it requires divine intervention to change the very core of one's desires.
Understand the original words
echthra · Greek Noun
Open opposition or enmity; a state of being an enemy. In a biblical context, it describes the rebellious posture of the unregenerate heart against the sovereign rule and character of God.
nomos · Greek Noun
The instruction of God, reflecting His holy character and will for humanity. While often associated with the Mosaic Law, it represents the standard of righteousness that God demands, which the flesh is inherently incapable of satisfying.
This passage shows the deep-seated inclination of humanity's heart towards evil, illustrating the 'mind of the flesh' that Paul describes as inherently hostile to God and unable to submit to His will.
James 4:4James directly states that 'friendship with the world is enmity with God,' echoing Paul's point that the mindset focused on earthly, fleshly desires is fundamentally opposed to God and His ways.
John 8:43Jesus tells the crowds that they cannot understand His word because they are unable to hear it. This inability reflects the concept in Romans 8:7, where the 'mind of the flesh' is so opposed to God that it simply cannot submit to His law or understand His truth.
1 Corinthians 2:14Paul here describes the natural person as unable to accept spiritual truths because they 'are spiritually discerned.' This aligns perfectly with Romans 8:7's assertion that the mind set on the flesh cannot submit to God's law, as spiritual truths are God's law in action.
cambridgeRomans 8:7: "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
7 . Because ] The reason of the radical difference of the two “minds” is now further shewn by a description of the essential condition of the “mind of the flesh.” the carnal mind ] Lit. the mind of the flesh ; the same phrase in Gr. as that rendered “to be carnally minded,” Romans 8:6 . enmity ] Cp. ch. Romans 5:10 . The expression here is as forcible as possible. As trul…
clarkeRomans 8:7: "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God - Because it is a carnal mind, and relishes earthly and sinful things, and lives in opposition to the pure and holy law of God: therefore, it is enmity against God; it is irreconcilable and implacable hatred. It is not subject to the law of God - It will come under no obedience; for it is sin, and the very principle of rebelli…
The verse emphasizes that the "mind of the flesh" isn't just opposed to God, but it is essential hostility itself. This isn't a passing mood; it's an ingrained, irreconcilable alienation so deep that submission to God's law is not only unwilling but genuinely impossible.
Paul is explaining why the "mind set on the flesh" leads to death, as stated in the previous verse. He clarifies that this mindset isn't just a passive preference but active hostility towards God because it refuses to obey God's law, and in fact, cannot obey it in its current state. This sets the stage for the contrast he will draw in the following verses between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit.
Paul is explaining why the "mind set on the flesh" leads to death, as stated in the previous verse. He clarifies that this mindset isn't just a passive preference but active hostility towards God because it refuses to obey God's law, and in fact, cannot obey it in its current state. This sets the stage for the contrast he will draw in the following verses between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit.
"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot." — The verse emphasizes that the "mind of the flesh" isn't just opposed to God, but it is essential hostility itself. This isn't a passing mood; it's an ingrained, irreconcilable alienation so deep…
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Last reviewed October 2026