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. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say the "mind of the flesh" acts like an enemy to God; it declares that this mindset is "enmity" itself, an inherent, irreducible hostility. This isn't about occasional bad thoughts, but the very core disposition of an unrenewed heart, making genuine submission to God impossible without a radical internal transformation.
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. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining the stark contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. He's just stated that being "controlled by the flesh leads to death," and now he dives into why that is the case. This verse unpacks the fundamental opposition between the unrenewed human heart and God's very nature, setting up the subsequent verses that highlight the life and peace found in the Spirit.
Paul doesn't just say the flesh opposes God; he calls it 'enmity.' What does that intense word reveal about our natural state?
The phrase 'mind that is set on the flesh' (or 'carnal mind') describes a fundamental orientation of our unregenerate selves. It's not just a casual dislike, but an active, deep-seated 'enmity' – a personal hostility.
A Deep Divide
This isn't about a few bad habits; it's about a core disposition. The natural mind, left to itself, is fundamentally opposed to God's very being and His righteous claims. This hostility isn't something we choose to adopt; it's inherent to our fallen nature.
Not Just Disagreement
Think of it like oil and water – they don't just disagree, they fundamentally repel each other. The 'mind of the flesh' is characterized by its self-centeredness, its desires that run contrary to God's will. This isn't a bug; it's a feature of the unrenewed heart.
Paul doesn't stop at declaring hostility. He says the flesh 'does not submit... indeed, it cannot.' What does this 'cannot' truly mean?
The verse makes a powerful statement about our natural state: we not only don't submit to God's law, but we cannot.
Moral Inability, Not Physical
This 'cannot' isn't a lack of physical strength or intelligence. It's a . Our desires, our affections, our entire bent is so opposed to God's law that true, willing submission is impossible apart from divine intervention. Think of it like a fish trying to climb a tree – it's not a matter of effort, but of fundamental nature.
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The Law's Purpose
God's law reveals His perfect standard. The mind of the flesh, by its very nature, rebels against this standard. It can't truly embrace or obey it willingly. This isn't an excuse for sin, but a diagnosis of its root: a heart that is fundamentally alienated from God's righteous will.
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.
areskō · Greek Verb
To do what is well-pleasing or acceptable to God. This term denotes the posture of one whose life and actions align with God's will and are validated by His favor.
This verse describes the pervasive wickedness of humanity before the flood, stating that 'every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually,' which echoes Romans 8:7's idea that the 'mind of the flesh' is inherently hostile and incapable of aligning with God's will.
John 3:3Jesus tells Nicodemus, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' This highlights the spiritual inability, the 'cannot,' mentioned in Romans 8:7, emphasizing that a fundamental change is required for true submission to God.
1 Corinthians 2:14The Apostle Paul writes that 'the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.' This directly supports the idea that the unrenewed mind, the 'mind of the flesh,' is not only unwilling but fundamentally incapable of submitting to God's ways.
James 4:4James declares, 'You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?' This passage strongly parallels Romans 8:7 by equating a focus on worldly desires (the 'flesh') with active hostility ('enmity') towards God.
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 doesn't just say the "mind of the flesh" acts like an enemy to God; it declares that this mindset is "enmity" itself, an inherent, irreducible hostility. This isn't about occasional bad thoughts, but the very core disposition of an unrenewed heart, making genuine submission to God impossible without a radical internal transformation.
Paul is explaining the stark contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. He's just stated that being "controlled by the flesh leads to death," and now he dives into why that is the case. This verse unpacks the fundamental opposition between the unrenewed human heart and God's very nature, setting up the subsequent verses that highlight the life and peace found in the Spirit.
Paul is explaining the stark contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. He's just stated that being "controlled by the flesh leads to death," and now he dives into why that is the case. This verse unpacks the fundamental opposition between the unrenewed human heart and God's very nature, setting up the subsequent verses that highlight the life and peace found in 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. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." — The verse doesn't just say the "mind of the flesh" acts like an enemy to God; it declares that this mindset is "enmity" itself, an inherent, irreducible hostility. This isn't about occasional bad…
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Last reviewed October 2026