King James Version

What Does Romans 8:6 Mean?

Romans 8:6 in the King James Version says “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. to be carnally: Gr. the minding of t...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 8:6 · KJV

PeaceHoly Spirit

Context

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

7

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. the carnal: Gr. the minding of the flesh

8

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Read Romans 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For to be carnally minded is death (to phronēma tēs sarkos thanatos)—Phronēma denotes not just individual thoughts but the mind-set, the comprehensive disposition. The present tense "is" indicates death not just as future consequence but present reality—spiritual deadness, separation from God who is life (Ephesians 2:1). The carnal mind is death because it is fundamentally opposed to the life-giving God.

But to be spiritually minded is life and peace (to phronēma tou pneumatos zōē kai eirēnē)—The Spirit's mind-set brings zōē (eternal life quality beginning now, John 17:3) and eirēnē (peace, the shalom of reconciliation with God, 5:1). This parallels Galatians 6:8: "he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Paul presents two paths with two destinies—no middle ground exists.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Greek philosophical tradition (especially Platonism) emphasized escape from the body as the path to enlightenment. Paul's use of "flesh" is not anti-physical but anti-rebellious—the issue is sin's dominion, not embodiment. The resurrection hope (8:11, 23) demonstrates that redemption includes the body, not escape from it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual "death" manifest in daily life before physical death occurs?
  2. What is the connection between a Spirit-directed mind and the experience of peace?
  3. How can you cultivate the "mind of the Spirit" in a culture saturated with fleshly appeals?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τὸ1 of 14
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

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

φρόνημα3 of 14

“minded”

G5427

(mental) inclination or purpose

τῆς4 of 14
G3588

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

σαρκὸς5 of 14

“carnally”

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

θάνατος6 of 14

“is death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

τὸ7 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ8 of 14

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

φρόνημα9 of 14

“minded”

G5427

(mental) inclination or purpose

τοῦ10 of 14
G3588

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

πνεύματος11 of 14

“spiritually”

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

ζωὴ12 of 14

“is life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

εἰρήνη·14 of 14

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

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 8:6 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 8:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:8Romans 8:7Romans 8:13Romans 13:14Romans 6:23James 1:14-15

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