Bible Strands
Romans 8:4
so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to believers in Rome to explain how God’s action through Christ addresses the law’s inability to overcome human weakness. This verse concludes his explanation of Christ’s sacrificial work by describing its intended result in the lives of those who believe.
The words — The Greek phrase τὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ νόμου (to dikaiōma tou nomou) literally means “the righteous requirement of the law,” while πληρωθῆναι (plērōthēnai) translates as “might be fulfilled.” These terms establish that the law’s demand is met not by human effort but through the indwelling Spirit.
The thread — The contrast between walking by the Spirit and gratifying the flesh appears in Galatians 5:16, while the presentation of believers as holy and blameless echoes Colossians 1:22. These passages track the same movement from divine provision to lived obedience.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to examine whether their daily conduct aligns with the Spirit or the flesh. It demands a conscious shift from self-reliant effort to Spirit-dependent obedience.
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
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Cross-references
- Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
- Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- Colossians 1:22 But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence—
- Ephesians 5:26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
- Hebrews 12:23 in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
- Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—
- Revelation 14:5 And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
- Romans 2:26 If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
- 1 John 3:2 Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.