Bible Strands
Romans 8:12
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers as brothers immediately after stating that the Spirit who raised Jesus will give life to their mortal bodies. He uses this moment to transition from theological assurance to a direct moral imperative.
The words — ὀφειλέται (opheiletai) means "debtors," and σαρκὶ (sarki) translates literally to "to the flesh." The text states that believers are identified as debtors whose obligation is explicitly not to live according to the flesh.
The thread — The flesh versus Spirit contrast continues in Romans 8:13, which declares that living according to the flesh results in death while putting to death the body's deeds by the Spirit produces life. The call to abandon former ways appears in Romans 6:2 and 1 Peter 4:2, both noting a decisive break with previous patterns of life.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to recognize that their moral duty is defined by a negative boundary: they are not debtors to the flesh. Readers must actively transfer their obedience from human nature to the Spirit's direction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Cross-references
- Romans 6:2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
- 1 Peter 4:2 Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
- Psalms 116:16 Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds.