King James Version

What Does Romans 8:4 Mean?

Romans 8:4 in the King James Version says “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:4 · KJV


Context

2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: for sin: or, by a sacrifice for sin

4

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. to be carnally: Gr. the minding of the flesh to be spiritually: Gr. the minding of the Spirit


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us (hina to dikaiōma tou nomou plērōthē en hēmin)—The hina clause indicates divine purpose: Christ's work aimed at producing practical righteousness in believers. Dikaiōma refers to the law's righteous requirement (singular), likely summarized in love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 13:8-10). The passive voice plērōthē ("be fulfilled") indicates this is God's work in us, not our achievement through willpower.

Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit—This distinguishes two orientations: kata sarka (according to flesh) versus kata pneuma (according to Spirit). "Flesh" (sarx) in Paul often means unregenerate human nature in rebellion against God, not merely physical body. The Spirit's indwelling changes the believer's fundamental orientation from self-centered autonomy to God-centered submission, enabling obedience the law commanded but couldn't produce.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The early church debated whether Gentile converts needed to observe Mosaic law (Acts 15; Galatians 2). Paul's argument is revolutionary: the law's deepest intention (righteousness) is fulfilled not through external compliance but through the Spirit's internal transformation of desires and affections.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Spirit fulfill the law's righteous requirement without imposing external legal codes?
  2. What is the relationship between justification (declared righteous) and sanctification (made righteous in practice)?
  3. How does "walking after the Spirit" differ from legalistic rule-keeping?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἵνα1 of 16

That

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τὸ2 of 16
G3588

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

δικαίωμα3 of 16

the righteousness

G1345

an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision

τοῦ4 of 16
G3588

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

νόμου5 of 16

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

πληρωθῇ6 of 16

might be fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ἐν7 of 16

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἡμῖν8 of 16

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

τοῖς9 of 16
G3588

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

μὴ10 of 16

not

G3361

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

κατὰ11 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)

σάρκα12 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

περιπατοῦσιν13 of 16

who walk

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

ἀλλὰ14 of 16

but

G235

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

κατὰ15 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)

πνεῦμα16 of 16

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


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 8:4 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 8:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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