Romans 8:12

Romans 8:12

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

a. NLT: Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.

b. NIV: Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.

c. YLT: So, then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh;

d. Amplified Bible: So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]

e. Worrell Translation: Accordingly, then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh;

1. “Therefore…”

a. therefore [686 * ara] [Strong: probably from 142 (through the idea of drawing a conclusion); a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows):--haply, (what) manner (of man), no doubt, perhaps, so be, then, therefore, truly, wherefore. Often used in connection with other particles, especially 1065 or 3767 (after) or 1487 (before).]

1). The common answer to this word: Whenever you see a therefore find out what it’s there for. It is there because of what he just wrote.

a). Romans 8:11 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.

b). It is because of the truth that the Holy Ghost dwells inside of you, that Paul wrote the rest of the verse.

b. [3767 * oun] [Strong: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.]

2. “…brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.”

a. brethren [80 * adephos] [Strong:  from 1 (as a connective particle) and delphus (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like 1):--brother.]

b. we are [2070 * semen] [Strong: first person plural indicative of 1510; we are:--are, be, have our being, X have hope, + (the gospel) was (preached unto) us.]

c. debtors [3781 * opheiletes] [Strong: from 3784; an ower, i.e. person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor (against God):--debtor, which owed, sinner.]

d. not [3756 * ou also (before a vowel) ouk, and (before an aspirate) ouch] [Strong: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but.]

e. flesh [4561 * sarx] [Strong:  probably from the base of 4563; 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 as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such):--carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).]

f. to live [2198 * zoa] [Strong: a primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively):--life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick.]

g. after [2596 * kata] [Strong: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.]

g. the flesh [4561 * sarx] See “flesh” above.

1). The Amplified Bible nails it: “…we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]

2). Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are obliged not to live after the flesh. It is the same spiritual resoning behind the Amplified’s translation of Romans 12:1 “I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.”