King James Version

What Does Romans 8:13 Mean?

Romans 8:13 in the King James Version says “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall li...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

Romans 8:13 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. by: or, because of

12

Therefore , brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Read Romans 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die (ei kata sarka zēte, mellete apothnēskein)—The present tense "live" (zēte) indicates habitual pattern, not occasional failure. The future "shall die" (mellete apothnēskein) points to eternal death, the second death (Revelation 20:14). Paul warns professing believers: flesh-dominated life proves unregenerate state. This isn't losing salvation but revealing its absence.

But if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (ei de pneumati tas praxeis tou sōmatos thanatoute, zēsesthe)—Thanatoō means "put to death, mortify"—ongoing warfare, not one-time victory. Note the agency: pneumati ("by the Spirit")—sanctification is Spirit-empowered, not self-achieved. "Deeds of the body" (praxeis tou sōmatos) are sinful actions flowing from unredeemed nature. Mortification is daily (Luke 9:23), lifelong (Philippians 3:12-14), and Spirit-dependent. Zēsesthe ("you shall live") is future eternal life and present abundant life (John 10:10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse became central in Puritan theology of mortification (John Owen's classic The Mortification of Sin). Owen emphasized that only the Spirit can mortify sin; self-effort produces either despair or self-righteousness. The medieval Catholic practice of physical mortification (flagellation, extreme fasting) misunderstood Paul—the issue is putting sin to death, not punishing the body.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific "deeds of the body" is the Spirit currently calling you to mortify?
  2. How does Spirit-empowered mortification differ from willpower-based behavior modification?
  3. How do you balance the warning of verse 13a with the assurance of verses 1 and 31-39?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
εἰ1 of 16

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 16

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κατὰ3 of 16

“after”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

σάρκα4 of 16

“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

ζήσεσθε5 of 16

“ye live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

μέλλετε6 of 16

“ye shall”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἀποθνῄσκειν·7 of 16

“die”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

εἰ8 of 16

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ9 of 16

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

πνεύματι10 of 16

“through the Spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὰς11 of 16
G3588

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

πράξεις12 of 16

“the deeds”

G4234

practice, i.e., (concretely) an act; by extension, a function

τοῦ13 of 16
G3588

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

σώματος14 of 16

“of the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

θανατοῦτε15 of 16

“do mortify”

G2289

to kill

ζήσεσθε16 of 16

“ye live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:81 Peter 2:11Colossians 3:5-81 Corinthians 9:27Titus 2:12Galatians 5:24

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 8 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes