King James Version

What Does Romans 13:14 Mean?

Romans 13:14 in the King James Version says “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

Romans 13:14 · KJV

Context

12

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. honestly: or, decently

14

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ—Alla endysasthe ton kyrion Iēsoun Christon (ἀλλὰ ἐνδύσασθε τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν). The aorist imperative endysasthe (put on) calls for decisive action—clothe yourself with Christ. This echoes Galatians 3:27: 'as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.' To 'put on Christ' is to assume His character, embody His virtues, live in union with Him (Colossians 3:10-14). The full title—kyrion Iēsoun Christon (Lord Jesus Christ)—emphasizes His authority (Lord), humanity (Jesus), and messianic office (Christ).

And make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof—Kai tēs sarkos pronoian mē poieisthe eis epithymias (καὶ τῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε εἰς ἐπιθυμίας). Pronoian (πρόνοια, provision/forethought) means planning ahead. The prohibition: don't make advance arrangements to indulge epithymias (lusts/desires) of sarx (flesh—sinful nature). Don't position yourself for temptation, don't create opportunities for sin. This is practical wisdom—avoid situations, relationships, media, environments that fuel fleshly desires.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse converted Augustine. Tormented by sexual sin and philosophical confusion, he heard a child's voice: 'Tolle lege' (take up and read). Opening Scripture, he read Romans 13:13-14. Immediately convicted, he renounced his lifestyle, embraced chastity, and pursued Christ—becoming the greatest theologian since Paul. This text demonstrates Scripture's transformative power when applied by the Spirit. 'Put on Christ' became a baptismal formula in the early church, symbolizing believers' new identity. Putting off the old self (Ephesians 4:22) and putting on Christ is the essence of conversion and sanctification.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to 'put on the Lord Jesus Christ' (<em>endysasthe ton kyrion Iēsoun</em>)—how do you clothe yourself with Him daily?
  2. In what areas are you 'making provision for the flesh' (<em>tēs sarkos pronoian</em>)—planning ahead for sin, creating opportunities for temptation?
  3. How does avoiding provision for the flesh differ from legalistic rule-keeping—what's the heart difference between fear-based avoidance and love-motivated pursuit of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἀλλ'1 of 14

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐνδύσασθε2 of 14

“put ye on”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

τὸν3 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριον4 of 14

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦν5 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστόν6 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς8 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαρκὸς9 of 14

“the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

πρόνοιαν10 of 14

“provision”

G4307

forethought, i.e., provident care or supply

μὴ11 of 14

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ποιεῖσθε12 of 14

“make”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

εἰς13 of 14

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἐπιθυμίας14 of 14

“to fulfil the lusts”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 13:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:24Galatians 5:16-17Galatians 3:27Galatians 5:241 Peter 2:11Colossians 3:10-12

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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