King James Version

What Does Romans 8:7 Mean?

Romans 8:7 in the King James Version says “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. the carna...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 8:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God (to phronēma tēs sarkos echthra eis theon)—Echthra means active hostility, not mere indifference. The flesh-oriented mind is God's enemy, in a state of war against His character and claims. This echoes James 4:4: "friendship with the world is enmity with God." The present tense "is" indicates an abiding state, not occasional opposition.

For it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be (oude gar dunatai)—The double negative intensifies: not subject and cannot be subject. This is total inability apart from regeneration. The carnal mind lacks capacity for submission to divine authority—not won't submit but can't submit. This demonstrates the necessity of new birth (John 3:3); moral reformation is insufficient. Only the Spirit's regenerating work can reverse this fundamental hostility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's doctrine of total inability contradicted both Jewish confidence in law-keeping ability and Greek philosophical optimism about human reason. This verse became foundational in Augustine's debates with Pelagius (early 5th century) over whether humans possess natural capacity to obey God apart from grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the carnal mind as "enmity" rather than mere weakness change your view of sin?
  2. What are the implications of "neither indeed can be" for evangelism and apologetics?
  3. How does this verse relate to Jesus' statement "no man can come to me, except the Father draw him" (John 6:44)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
διότι1 of 18

“Because”

G1360

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

τὸ2 of 18
G3588

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

φρόνημα3 of 18

“mind”

G5427

(mental) inclination or purpose

τῆς4 of 18
G3588

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

σαρκὸς5 of 18

“the carnal”

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

ἔχθρα6 of 18

“is enmity”

G2189

hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition

εἰς7 of 18

“against”

G1519

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

θεοῦ8 of 18

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τῷ9 of 18
G3588

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

γὰρ10 of 18

“for”

G1063

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

νόμῳ11 of 18

“to 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

τοῦ12 of 18
G3588

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

θεοῦ13 of 18

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὐχ14 of 18

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὑποτάσσεται15 of 18

“it is”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

οὐδὲ16 of 18

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

γὰρ17 of 18

“for”

G1063

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

δύναται·18 of 18

“can be”

G1410

to be able or possible

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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2:141 John 2:15-16James 4:4Ephesians 4:18-19Romans 7:22Hebrews 8:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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