Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.
a. NLT: So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”
a. [There is therefore] no [Strong: 3762 oudeis oo-dice',; including feminine oudemia, and neuter ouden] [Strong: from 3761 and 1520; not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing:--any (man), aught, man, neither any (thing), never (man), no (man), none (+ of these things), not (any, at all, -thing), nought.]
b. condemnation [Strong: 2631 katakrima kat-ak'-ree-mah; from 2632; an adverse sentence (the verdict):--condemnation.]
c. [to them which are in] Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos' ; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]
d. Jesus [Strong: 2424 Iesous ee-ay-sooce'; of Hebrew origin (3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.]
2. “…who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.”
a. [who] walk [Strong: 4043 4043. peripateo per-ee-pat-eh'-o; from 4012 and 3961; 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):--go, be occupied with, walk (about).]
b. not [Strong: 3361 me may; a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.]
c. after [Strong: 2596 kata kat-ah'; 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.]
d. [the] flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx ; 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).]
e. [but after the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.] [Thayer: the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son, the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated.]
1). This last part of Romans 8:1, “who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.” Is a matter of strong debate. Most scholars teach that the last 10 words do not belong in the text, that they were added by someone. Most of the translations leave them out except the New King James and the Amplified Bible but they give notes doubting their legitimacy. I do not know. I have not paid much attention to this for the last 39 years, The second commentary helps me to continue with the KJV.
a). Adam Clark Commentary: This last clause is wanting in the principal MSS., versions, and fathers. Griesbach has excluded it from the text; and Dr. White says, Certissime delenda; it should most undoubtedly be expunged. Without it, the passage reads thus: There is, therefore, no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus; for the law of the Spirit of life, etc. It is a fairly assumed point, that those who are in Christ Jesus, who believe in his name, have redemption in his blood; are made partakers of his Spirit, and have the mind in them that was in him; will not walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit: therefore the thing itself is included in the being in Christ, whether it be expressed or not: and it was probably to make the thing more obvious, that this explanatory clause was added by some copyist, for it does not appear to have made an original part of the text; and it is most likely that it was inserted here from the fourth verse.]
b). Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown Commentary: “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit--The evidence of manuscripts seems to show that this clause formed no part of the original text of this verse, but that the first part of it was early introduced, and the second later, from Romans 8:4, probably as an explanatory comment, and to make the transition to Romans 8:2 easier.”
Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
a. NLT: And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus…”
a. [For the] law [Strong: 3551 nomos, nom’-os; from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.]
b. [of the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma, pnyoo’-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.] [Thayer: the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son, the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated.]
c. [of] life [Strong: 2222 zoe, dzo-ay’; from 2198; life (literally or figuratively):--life(-time).]
d. [in] Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos, khris-tos; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]
e. Jesus [Strong: 2424 Iesous, ee-aa-sooce’; of Hebrew origin (3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.]
1). The law of the Spirit of life is found only in Christ Jesus. This means the only way we can benefit from it, operate in it is to be “in Christ”. The only way to get in Christ is to be born again.
a). John 3:3-7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
b). 2 Corinthians 5:17, 18 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2. “…hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
a. [hath made] me [Strong: 3165 me, meh; a shorter (and probably originally) from of 1691; me:--I, me, my.]
b. free [Strong: 1659 eleutheroo el-yoo-ther-o'-o; to liberate, i.e. (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability):--deliver, make free.][Thayer: to make free, set at liberty: from the dominion of sin.]
c. [from the] law [Strong: 3551 nomos, nom’-os; from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.]
d. [of] sin [Strong: 266 hamartia, ham-ar-tee'-ah; from 264; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful).]
e. [and] death [Strong: 2288 thanatos, than’-at-os; from 2348; (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively):--X deadly, (be...) death.]
1). Kenneth Copeland: “We must understand that there are laws governing every single thing in existence. Nothing is by accident. There are laws of the world of the spirit, and there are laws of the world of the natural. The laws of the world of the natural govern our activities in this natural, physical world. We don’t float; we walk. If the law of gravity were not in action, we would float. These physical laws can be manipulated. For instance, the law of gravity is used when flying an airplane, but it is superseded by another physical law, the law of lift. When you put the law of lift into operation, you can fly, but you must know something about the law of gravity in order to use the law of lift. You don’t do away with the law of gravity; you just supersede it with a higher law. These are natural, physical laws, and they govern this natural, physical world. We need to realize that the spiritual world and its laws are more powerful than the physical world and its laws.”
2). DC: There are two “laws” mentioned in this verse, they are, “the law of the Spirit of life” and “the law of sin and death”. Paul writes that “the law of the Spirit of life” that is found in Christ Jesus overcomes “the law of sin and death”. One law overcomes the other. The “law of sin and death’ is described by Paul in the preceding chapter. It is also called by Paul in the last verse of this passage as “the body of this death”.
a). Romans 7:14-24 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
3). The passage is self explanatory and all of us can relate to it, but there are a few verses that are necessary to look in another translation.
a). Amplified Bible: Romans 7:23 But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].
b). Worrell Translation: Romans 7:23 But I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
4). The Apostle Paul writing under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost is saying the law of sin and death, that driving irresistible desire to sin, that Paul perfectly described in Romans 7:14-23, is a disease that has plagued mankind since the fall, can be overcome. It can be overcome by another law, but only one, and Paul identifies it, “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.” It is only found in one place, one location, in Christ Jesus, therefore the only way to have access to this supernatural power or even understand it, is to get born again. We have to be born again where we become a new creation, our spirit man is recreated in Christ and the old things are passed away and all things are of God. When we get born again we are given the same amount of supernatural power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead.
a). Ephesians 1:19-21 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
5). Because we have been born again.
a). John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
6). When we got born again we were translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God.
a). Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Romans 8:3
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:
a. NLT: The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice], [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh…”
a. For [Strong: 1063 gar, gar; a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.]
b. [what] the law [Strong: 3551 nomos, nom’-os; from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.]
c. could not do [Strong: 102 adunatos, ad-oo'-nat-os; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 1415; unable, i.e. weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible:--could not do, impossible, impotent, not possible, weak.]
d. [in that it was] weak [Strong: 770 astheneo as-then-eh'-o; from 772; to be feeble (in any sense):--be diseased, impotent folk (man), (be) sick, (be, be made) weak.]
e. [through the] flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx; 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).]
1). The weakness of “the flesh” is described in Romans 7. It is also called “the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2); “the body of this death” (Romans 7:24); and “the body of the sins of the flesh” (Colossians 2:11).
a). Romans 7:14-24 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
2). We inherited the law of sin and death from our first parents because of the fall of man in the garden
a). 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
3). Though the law was good, it could not overcome the weakness in us that we inherited from Adam and Eve. Paul preached this.
a). Acts 13:38, 39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
b) Hebrews 7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
c). Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
2. “…God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh…”
a. God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
b. sending [Strong: 3992 pempo pem'-po; apparently a primary verb; to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas hiemi (as a stronger form of eimi) refers rather to the objective point or terminus ad quem, and 4724 denotes properly, the orderly motion involved), especially on a temporary errand; also to transmit, bestow, or wield:--send, thrust in.]
c. [his own] Son [Strong: 5207 huios hwee-os'; apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:--child, foal, son.]
d. in the likeness [Strong: 3667 homoioma hom-oy'-o-mah; from 3666; a form; abstractly, resemblance:--made like to, likeness, shape, similitude.]
e. of sinful [Strong: 266 hamartia ham-ar-tee'-ah; from 264; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful).]
f. flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx, sarx; 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).]
1). Jesus came in the flesh.
a). John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
b). 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
c). Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
3. “…and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:”
a. [and for] sin [Strong: 266 hamartia ham-ar-tee'-ah; from 264; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful).]
b. condemned [Strong: 2632 katakrino kat-ak-ree'-no; from 2596 and 2919; to judge against, i.e. sentence:--condemn, damn.] [Thayer: to give judgment against, to judge worthy of punishment, to condemn, by one's good example to render another's wickedness the more evident and censurable]
1). Vincent Word Studies: "condemned it to lose its power over men" [BEZA, BENGEL, FRASER, MEYER, THOLUCK, PHILIPPI, ALFORD].
2). Acts 13:38, 39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
a). are justified [Strong: 1344 dikaioo dik-ah-yo'-o; from 1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:--free, justify(-ier), be righteous.] [Zodhiates: it is used with the preposition ‘apo’-from, referring to all those things from which the Mosaic Law could not liberate us. In this instance as well as in Romans 6:7 where ‘apo’ is used with the word sin, it refers to our liberation from something, i.e., sin which holds a man a prisoner, a slave…thus dikaioo does not mean the mere declaration of innocence, but the liberation from sin which holds a man a prisoner.]
3). 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
4). It is here I believe a portion of Isaiah 53 should be considered in light of Romans 8:3.
a). Isaiah 53:10-12 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
c. sin [Strong: 266 hamartia ham-ar-tee'-ah; from 264; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful).]
d. [in the] flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx, sarx; 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).]
Romans 8:4
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
a. NLT: He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit]. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us…”
a. [That the] righteousness [Strong: 1345 dikaioma dik-ah'-yo-mah; from 1344; an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision:--judgment, justification, ordinance, righteousness.]
b. [of the] law [Strong: 3551 nomos nom'-os; from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.]
c. [might be] fulfilled [Strong: 4137 pleroo play-ro'-o; from 4134; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:--accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.]
d. [in] us [Strong: 2254 hemin hay-meen' dative case plural of 1473; to (or for, with, by) us:--our, (for) us, we.]
2. “…who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
a. [who] walk [Strong: 4043 peripateo per-ee-pat-eh'-o; from 4012 and 3961; 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):--go, be occupied with, walk (about).]
b. not [Strong: 3361 me, may; a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.]
c. after [Strong: 2596 kata kat-ah'; 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.]
d. the flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx, sarx; 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).] [Thayer: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts, the sensuous nature of man, "the animal nature", the animal nature with cravings which incite to sin, the flesh, denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.]
e. but after [Strong: 2596 kata, kat-ah’; 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.]
f. [the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.] [Thayer: the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son, the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated.]
1). Walking in the Spirit is being led of the Spirit. Manifesting the fruit of the Spirt of God in our lived lives.
a). Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
b). Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
2). These same 10 words, “…who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”, are the same ten words disputed in the first verse of this chapter. In the least they are in the context and meaning of the passage. I personally do not have any issue of them being in the first verse.
Romans 8:5
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.
a. NLT: Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For they that are after the flesh…”
a. [For they that are] after [Strong: 2596 kata kat-ah' 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.] [Zodhiates: “…after the flesh…after the Spirit…” meaning conformable to the will of the flesh or Spirit.]
b. [the] flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx 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).] [Thayer: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts, the sensuous nature of man, "the animal nature", the animal nature with cravings which incite to sin, the flesh, denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.]
1). Albert Barnes New Testament Commentary: They that are under the influence of the corrupt and sinful desires of the flesh.
2. “…do mind the things of the flesh…”
a. [do] mind [Strong: 5426 phroneo fron-eh'-o; from 5424; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience):--set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.] [Thayer: to feel, to think, to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for, to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious.] [Strong: from 5424; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience):--set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.]
1). Those who walk after the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh. They are carnally minded. They are meat heads! There are many things in our popular culture we should not set our minds on, we should not be in agreement with them, cherish them, seek or strive for them. These things should be clear to a Bible believing Christian.
a). 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
b. [the] things [Strong: 3588 ho, ho; including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]
c. [of the] flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx, sarx; 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).]
3. “…but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”
a. [but they that are] after [Strong: 2596 kata, kat-ah’; 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.] [Zodhiates: “…after the flesh…after the Spirit…” meaning conformable to the will of the flesh or Spirit.]
b. the Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.] [Thayer: the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son, the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated.]
c. the things [Strong: 3588 * ho, ho; including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]
d. of the Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.] [Thayer: the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son, the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated.]
1). We as believers are to set our minds on the things of the Spirit.
a). Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
(1) affection [Strong: 5426 phroneo fron-eh'-o from 5424; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience):--set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.] [Thayer: to feel, to think, to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for, to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious.]
b). We are to set our minds on the things of God, in particular everything in our inheritance.
1). In some cases in Romans 8 when the Scripture is referring to the capital “S” Spirit, it is not referring to the Holy Ghost but rather the human spirit. The translators capitalized the first letter because they believed it was referring to the Holy Ghost, but when I look at this verse and other verses in this chapter, I can’t help but see he is referring to the contrasts in man. Man is three parts, spirit, soul and body. He is a spirit, he has a soul and he lives in a body, (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Romans 8:10 is another one of those cases, where he is contrasting between those parts.
a). Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
b). If Christ is in me, my body is dead because of sin but my spirit is alive because of His righteousness in me.
2). There are other instances where the Scripture is no doubt referring to the Holy Ghost.
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). Romans 8:13, 14 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.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
3). There is also an example where the Spirit of God is mentioned contrasted with our spirit.
a). Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
4). Some may look at this as my own “private interpretation”, but I don’t think so. Either way it works. Don’t be a meathead!
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
a. NLT: So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For to be carnally minded is death…”
a. [For to be] carnally [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx 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).] [ Thayer: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts, the sensuous nature of man, "the animal nature", the animal nature with cravings which incite to sin, the flesh, denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.] [D.C. note: Same Greek word as “flesh” in verse 5]
b. minded [Strong: 5427 phronema fron'-ay-mah from 5426; (mental) inclination or purpose:--(be, + be carnally, + be spiritually) mind(-ed).] [Thayer: what one has in the mind, the thoughts and purposes.]
c. [is] death [Strong: 2288 thanatos than'-at-os from 2348; (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively):--X deadly, (be...) death.] [Thayer: in the widest sense, death comprising all the miseries arising from sin, as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth, to be followed by wretchedness in hell.]
1). Death is separation. There are three deaths mentioned in Scripture.
a). Physical death, the spirit of man leaves the body:
(1) James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
b). Spiritual death, separation of the spirit of man from God:
(1) Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
c). The Second Death is eternal separation from God:
(1) Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
2). Spiritual death manifests itself in wicked works through a wicked thought life.
a). Ephesians 2:2, 3 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
b). Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
3). In some Bibles, the margin in Romans 8:6 reads: “the minding of the flesh”. The minding of the flesh will lead to death even for the Christian.
a). 2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
4). It is understandable for non-believers to be carnally minded, but we as believers should not be so. I get carnal minded sometimes, it is a constant battle, but it is a winnable battle through the Word and the power of God, it is part of our inheritance in Christ.
2. “…but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
a. [but to be] spiritually [Strong: 4151 from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.] [Thayer: the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated.]
b. minded [Strong: 5427 phronema fron'-ay-mah from 5426; (mental) inclination or purpose:--(be, + be carnally, + be spiritually) mind(-ed). ] [Thayer: what one has in the mind, the thoughts and purposes.]
c. [is] life [Strong: 2222 zoe dzo-ay'; from 2198; life (literally or figuratively):--life(-time).]
d. [and] peace [Strong: 1515 eirene i-ray'-nay; probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.]
1). The life and peace that is part of our inheritance that is God’s will for us to have a relationship with Jesus where we are spiritually minded.
a). Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
b). Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
Romans 8:7
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
a. NLT: For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God…”
a. [Because the] carnal [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx 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).] [ Thayer: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts, the sensuous nature of man, "the animal nature", the animal nature with cravings which incite to sin, the flesh, denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.]
b. mind [Strong; 5427 phronema fron'-ay-mah; from 5426; (mental) inclination or purpose:--(be, + be carnally, + be spiritually) mind(-ed).] [Thayer: what one has in the mind, the thoughts and purposes.]
c. [is] enmity [Strong: 2189 echthra ekh'-thrah; feminine of 2190; hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition:--enmity, hatred.] [Zodhiates: hatred, hostility.]
d. against [Strong: 1519 eis, ice; a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]
e. God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
1). The carnal mind is hostile toward God because it motivates behavior that opposes the kingdom of God. The carnal mind is an enemy of God.
a). Colossians 1:21 Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
b). Ephesians 2:2, 3 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
c). The carnal mind is a tool of the devil
2. “…for it is not subject to the law of God…”
a. [for it is] not [Strong: 3756 ou oo, also (before a vowel) ouk ook, and (before an aspirate) ouch ookh 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.]
b. subject [Strong: 5293 hupotasso hoop-ot-as'-so; from 5259 and 5021; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.] [Zodhiates: to subjugate, place in submission.]
c. [to the] law [Strong: 3551 nomos, nom'-os; from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.]
d. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
3. “…neither indeed can be.”
a. neither [Strong: 3761 oude oo-deh'; from 3756 and 1161; not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even:--neither (indeed), never, no (more, nor, not), nor (yet), (also, even, then) not (even, so much as), + nothing, so much as.]
b. indeed [Strong: 1063 gar, gar; a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.]
c. can be [Strong: 1410 dunamai doo'-nam-ahee; of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:--be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.]
1). The carnal mind is not subject to the law of God, it refuses to be submissive, it is an enemy of the Law, it is an enemy of the word of God because it is not subject to the word of God. The point is this: the mind has such an influence over the flesh that if the mind is not under subjection to God’s word, the body won’t be either. If the mind is not under subjection, then neither the mind nor the body will be, it is automatic. If we are thinking in the flesh, we are going to walk in the flesh.
Romans 8:8
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
a. NLT: That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: And those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
a. [So then they that are in] the flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx 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).] [D.C. note: Same Greek word as “flesh” in verse 5] [ Thayer: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts, the sensuous nature of man, "the animal nature", the animal nature with cravings which incite to sin, the flesh, denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.]
b. cannot [Strong: 3756 ou oo, also (before a vowel) ouk ook, and (before an aspirate) ouch ookh; 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.]
c. cannot [ Strong: 1410 dunamai doo'-nam-ahee ; of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:--be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.]
d. please [Strong: 700 aresko ar-es'-ko; probably from 142 (through the idea of exciting emotion); to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so):--please.]
e. God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
1). Those who are walking in the flesh cannot please God because they are not walking in faith.
a). Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
2). Those who present their bodies in obedience to God are those who are pleasing God, not those who are walking in the flesh.
a). Romans 12:1[NIV] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 8:9
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.
a. NLT: But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God]. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit…”
a. [But ye are] not [Strong: 3756 ou oo, also (before a vowel) ouk ook, and (before an aspirate) ouch ookh; 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.]
b. [in the] flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx; 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).] [D.C. note: Same Greek word as “flesh” in verse 5] [ Thayer: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts, the sensuous nature of man, "the animal nature", the animal nature with cravings which incite to sin, the flesh, denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.]
c. [but in the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 * pneuma] [Strong: from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
2. “…if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you…”
a. if so be [Strong: 1512 ei per i per; from 1487 and 4007; if perhaps:--if so be (that), seeing, though.]
b. [that the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
c. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os ; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
d. dwell [Strong: 3611 oikeo oy-keh'-o ; from 3624; to occupy a house, i.e. reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit:--dwell.]
e. [in] you [Strong: 5613 hos hoce; irregular dative case of 5210; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).]
1). Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to believers. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God physically, but Jesus dwells in us through the person of the Holy Spirit.
a). John 14:23-26 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
3. “…Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
a. [Now if any man] have [Strong: 2192 echo ekh'-o,; including an alternate form scheo (used in certain tenses only)] a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.]
b. not [Strong: 3756 ou oo; 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.]
c. [the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
d. of Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos'; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]
e. [he is none of] his [Strong: 846 autos ow-tos'; from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.
1). I can’t help but see a difference here in Romans 8:9-11 between the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of God [the Holy Spirit]. I can’t help but see an implication that a person can have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them and not have the Spirit of God dwelling in them. I do believe that a person can be saved and not have the baptism of the Holy Ghost and a Scriptural example is found in Acts 8.
a). Acts 8:14-17 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Romans 8:10
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
a. NLT: And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: If Christ lives in you, though your [natural] body is dead because of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness [which He provides]. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “And if Christ be in you…”
a. [And if] Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos'; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]
b. [be in] you [Strong: 5213 humin hoo-min' ; irregular dative case of 5210; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).]
1). Romans 6:1-6 dead & dead in sins Ephesians 2:1-3.
2. “…the body is dead because of sin…”
a. [the] body [Strong: 4983 soma so'-mah ; from 4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.]
1). Man is a three part being: spirit, soul and body.
a). 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2). In this verse the body and spirit of man are being contrasted.
b. [is] dead [Strong: 3498 nekros nek-ros' ; from an apparently primary nekus (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun):--dead.]
c. because [Strong: 1223 dia dee-ah' ; a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional):--after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) ... fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.]
d. [of] sin [Strong: 266 hamartia ham-ar-tee'-ah; from 264; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful).]
1). We must remember he is writing to believers in light of the new birth and the Covenant. The believers physical body is not physically dead. Paul here, is referring to our spiritual identification with Christ.
a). Romans 6:1-14 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
b). Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
3. “…but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”
a. [but the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah ; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
1). In some cases in Romans 8 including here, when the Scripture is referring to the capital “S” Spirit, it is not referring to the Holy Ghost but rather the human spirit. The translators capitalized the first letter because they believed it was referring to the Holy Ghost, but when I look at this verse and other verses in this chapter, I can’t help but see he is referring to the spirit of man. Man is three parts, spirit, soul and body. He is a spirit, he has a soul and he lives in a body, (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Romans 8:10 is another one of those cases, where he is contrasting between those parts.
a). 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2). In this verse the body and spirit of man are being contrasted. The “spirit”, is the spirit of man not the Holy Spirit.
a). Albert Barnes Commentary: The word "spirit" here does not refer to the Holy Spirit, but to the spirit of man, the immortal part, recovered, renewed, and imbued with life under the gospel.
b). Vincent’s Word Studies: The spirit. The believer's human spirit.
c). If you are in Christ, your body is dead because of sin, but your spirit is alive because of righteousness.
b. is life [Strong: 2222 zoe dzo-ay'; from 2198; life (literally or figuratively):--life(-time).]
c. because [Strong: 1223 dia dee-ah' ; a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional):--after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) ... fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.]
d. [of] righteousness [Strong: 1343 dikaiosune dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness.]
1). The spirit of man is life or alive because it has been justified, made righteous.
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.
a. NLT: The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you…”
a. [But if the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
b. [of him that] raised up [Strong: 1453 egeiro eg-i'-ro; probably akin to the base of 58 (through the idea of collecting one's faculties); to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence):--awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up.] [Dr. Terry Wise: “is a verb pointing to a particular time in the past when this action took place and was completed. Notice, it was the Spirit that provided the action of raising Jesus from the dead.”] [Thayer: to arouse, cause to rise, to arouse from sleep, to awake, to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life.]
c. Jesus [Strong: 2424 Iesous ee-ay-sooce'; of Hebrew origin (3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.]
d. [from the] dead [Strong: 3498 nekros nek-ros'; from an apparently primary nekus (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun):--dead.]
e. dwell [Strong: 3611 oikeo oy-keh'-o; from 3624; to occupy a house, i.e. reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit:--dwell.] [Dr. Terry Wise: “is a present tense verb which means continuous action. In other words, the Spirit must dwell in us continuous in order for the total contract of the resurrection to be valid in our lives. “Dwells” is a word which means to live with or be one’s habitation.”] [Thayer: to dwell in.]
f. [in] you [Strong: 5213 humin hoo-min'; irregular dative case of 5210; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).]
2. “…he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
a. [he that] raised up [Strong: 1453 egeiro eg-i'-ro; probably akin to the base of 58 (through the idea of collecting one's faculties); to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence):--awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up.] [Dr. Terry Wise: “is a verb pointing to a particular time in the past when this action took place and was completed. Notice, it was the Spirit that provided the action of raising Jesus from the dead.”] [Thayer: to arouse, cause to rise, to arouse from sleep, to awake, to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life.]
b. Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos'; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]
c. [from the] dead [Strong: 3498 nekros nek-ros'; from an apparently primary nekus (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun):--dead.]
d. [shall also] quicken [Strong: 2227 zoopoieo dzo-op-oy-eh'-o; from the same as 2226 and 4160; to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively):--make alive, give life, quicken.] [Dr. Terry Wise: “is a verb in the future tense with continuous effects. By virtue that the Spirit is already dwelling in us as Christians, this quickening cannot refer only to a spiritual quickening now, but also is referring to the quickening which we, as His Church, will receive at His rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18).”] [Thayer: to produce alive, begat or bear living young, to cause to live, make alive, give life, by spiritual power to arouse and invigorate, to restore to life, of the spirit, quickening as respects the spirit, endued with new and greater powers of life]
e. [your] mortal [Strong: 2349 thnetos thnay-tos'; from 2348; liable to die:--mortal(-ity).]
f. bodies [Strong: 4983 soma so'-mah; from 4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.]
g. [by his] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
h. [that] dwelleth [Strong: 1774 enoikeo en-oy-keh'-o; from 1722 and 3611; to inhabit (figuratively):--dwell in.]
i. [in] you [Strong: 5213 humin hoo-min'; irregular dative case of 5210; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).]
1). Dr. Terry Wise: (The Evangelist) How sure are we that we will receive a glorified body and be resurrected to a new life in Christ? In Romans 8:11, we find the contractual agreement given us by God that we will be a part of the rapture of the Church.
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. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. 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] [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “Therefore…”
a. Therefore [Strong: 686 ara ar'-ah; 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.
2. “…brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.”
a. brethren [Strong: 80 adephos ad-el-fos'; 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] debtors [Strong: 3781 opheiletes of-i-let'-ace; from 3784; an ower, i.e. person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor (against God):--debtor, which owed, sinner.]
c. not [Strong: 3756 ou oo; 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.]
d. [to the] flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx; 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).]
e. [to] live [Strong: 2198 zao dzah'-o; a primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively):--life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick.]
f. after [Strong: 2596 kata kat-ah'; 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 [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx; 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).]
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 reasoning 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.”
Romans 8:13
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.
a. NLT: For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: for if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die…”
a. [For if ye] live [Strong: 2198 zao dzah'-o; a primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively):--life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick.]
b. [after the] flesh [Strong: 4561 sarx sarx; 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. ye shall [3195 * mello] [Strong: a strengthened form of 3199 (through the idea of expectation); 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, probability, possibility, or hesitation):--about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.]
c. [ye shall] die [Strong: 599 apothnesko ap-oth-nace'-ko; from 575 and 2348; to die off (literally or figuratively):--be dead, death, die, lie a-dying, be slain (X with).]
2. “…but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
a. [but if ye through the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
b. [do] mortify [Strong: 2289 thanatoo than-at-o'-o; from 2288 to kill (literally or figuratively):--become dead, (cause to be) put to death, kill, mortify.]
c. [the] deeds [Strong: 4234 praxis prax'-is; from 4238; practice, i.e. (concretely) an act; by extension, a function:--deed, office, work.]
d. [of the] body [Strong: 4983 soma so'-mah; from 4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.]
e. [ye shall] live [Strong: 2198 zao dzah'-o; a primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively):--life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick.]
Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
a. NLT: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God…”
a. [For as many as are] led [Strong: 71 ago ag'-o; a primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce:--be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.]
b. [by the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
c. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
1). In the previous verse Paul wrote about the responsibilities of believers because they are filled with the Spirit of God, putting to death the ungodly deeds of the flesh.
a). Romans 8:11-13 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.
8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
8:13 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.
2. “…they are the sons of God.”
a. [they are the] sons [Strong: 5207 huios hwee-os'; apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:--child, foal, son.]
b. of God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
1). We must remember that in the heat of resisting the desires of the flesh, no matter how uncomfortable it gets that we are being led by the Spirit of God and we are demonstrating to the world, the devil, ourselves and God that we are the sons of God.
Romans 8:15
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.
a. NLT: So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear…”
a. [For ye have] not [Strong: 3756 ou oo; 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.]
b. received [Strong: 2983 lambano lam-ban'-o; a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas 1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while 138 is more violent, to seize or remove)):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).]
c. [the] spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
d. [of] bondage [Strong: 1397 douleia doo-li'-ah; from 1398; slavery (ceremonially or figuratively):--bondage.]
e. [again to] fear [Strong: 5401 phobos fob'-os; from a primary phebomai (to be put in fear); alarm or fright:--be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.]
2. “…but ye have received the Spirit of adoption…”
a. [but ye have] received [Strong: 2983 lambano lam-ban'-o; a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas 1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while 138 is more violent, to seize or remove)):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).]
b. [the] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
c. [of] adoption [Strong: 5206 huiothesia hwee-oth-es-ee'-ah; from a presumed compound of 5207 and a derivative of 5087; the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (figuratively, Christian sonship in respect to God):--adoption (of children, of sons).]
3. “…whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
a. [whereby we] cry [Strong: 2896 krazo krad'-zo; a primary verb; properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat):--cry (out).]
b. Abba [Strong: 5 Abba ab-bah'; of Chaldee origin (2); father as a vocative:--Abba.]
c. Father [Strong: 3962 pater pat-ayr'; apparently a primary word; a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote):--father, parent.]
Romans 8:16
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
a. NLT: For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit…”
a. [The] Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
b. [itself] beareth witness [Strong: 4828 summartureo soom-mar-too-reh'-o; from 4862 and 3140; to testify jointly, i.e. corroborate by (concurrent) evidence:--testify unto, (also) bear witness (with).]
c. [with] our [Strong: 2257 hemon hay-mone' genitive case plural of 1473; of (or from) us:--our (company), us, we.]
d. spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
1). The Holy Spirit bears witness in our spirits.
a). 1 John 5:9, 10 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
2. “…that we are the children of God:”
a. [that] we are [Strong: 2070 esmen es-men'; first person plural indicative of 1510; we are:--are, be, have our being, X have hope, + (the gospel) was (preached unto) us.]
b. [the] children [Strong: 5043 teknon tek'-non; from the base of 5098; a child (as produced):--child, daughter, son.]
c. of God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
Romans 8:17
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
a. NLT: And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God…”
a. [And] if [Strong: 1487 ei i; a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in 1489, 1490, 1499, 1508, 1509, 1512, 1513, 1536, 1537.]
b. children [Strong: 5043 teknon tek'-non; from the base of 5098; a child (as produced):--child, daughter, son.]
c. [then] heirs [Strong: 2818 kleronomos klay-ron-om'-os; from 2819 and the base of 3551 (in its original sense of partitioning, i.e. (reflexively) getting by apportionment); a sharer by lot, i.e. inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor:--heir.]
d. heirs [Strong: 2818 kleronomos klay-ron-om'-os; from 2819 and the base of 3551 (in its original sense of partitioning, i.e. (reflexively) getting by apportionment); a sharer by lot, i.e. inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor:--heir.]
e. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
2. “…and joint heirs with Christ…”
a. [and] joint-heirs [Strong: 4789 sugkleronomos soong-klay-ron-om'-os; from 4862 and 2818; a co-heir, i.e. (by analogy) participant in common:--fellow (joint)-heir, heir together, heir with.]
b. [with] Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos'; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]
3. “…if so be that we suffer with him…”
a. if so be [Strong: 1512 ei i; from 1487 and 4007; if perhaps:--if so be (that), seeing, though.] [Zodhiates: If indeed, if so be, assuming the supposition as true whether justly or not (1 Corinthians 15:15; 1 Peter 2:3). By implication it means since, equivelant to eige (1489), if indeed, seeing that, unless (Romans 8:9, 17; 1 Corinthians 8:5; 15:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Peter 2:3).]
1). The same word is used in 1 Peter.
a). 1 Peter 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
2). Institute Creation Research Daily Devotional 1/13/13 The little phrase "if so be" (Greek ei per) is used four times in the New Testament, each time setting forth a vital spiritual result established on the basis of a vital spiritual premise. The premise in today's verse is that a new Christian has truly experienced the saving grace of Christ. The result will be that these "newborn babes" will truly "desire the sincere milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2). The "word" (Greek logikos) is always both pure and reasonable. Then, "ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you" (Romans 8:9). When a person truly receives Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells his body, and the result is that he will henceforth live in the guidance of the Spirit instead of the flesh.
But this life in the Spirit will necessarily entail suffering for the sake of Christ, and this is the premise that assures our future inheritance and glorification. The indwelling Spirit bears witness that we are "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17). Finally, our future resurrection is assured by the certainty of the bodily resurrection of Christ. "We have testified of God," Paul says, "that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not" (1 Corinthians 15:15). Christ's resurrection is proved as well as any historical fact has ever been proved, so the dead surely rise also. These "if-so-be's" of Scripture, although seemingly expressed in the form of conditions, actually speak great assurances. The true Christian life is one of thirst for the logical words of God, guidance by the indwelling Spirit of God, certainty of future resurrection, and anticipation of a glorious inheritance in Christ. HMM
b. [that we] suffer with [Strong: 4841 sumpascho soom-pas'-kho; from 4862 and 3958 (including its alternate); to experience pain jointly or of the same kind (specially, persecution; to "sympathize"):--suffer with.]
1). The sufferings he is referring is our cooperating with the Spirit of God in bringing our bodies in subjection to God and resisting the flesh.
a). Romans 8:13 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.
b). 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
c). Colossians 3:5-7 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
d). 1 Peter 5:8-10 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
4. “…that we may be also glorified together.”
a. [that we may be also] glorified together [Strong: 4888 sundoxazo soon-dox-ad'-zo; from 4862 and 1392; to exalt to dignity in company (i.e. similarly) with:--glorify together.]
1). Those who have their faith and heart on participating in the rapture will also purify themselves.
a). 1 John 3:2, 3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
a. NLT: Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: [But what of that?] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us! [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time…”
a. [For I] reckon [Strong: logizomai log-id'-zom-ahee; middle voice from 3056; to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively):--conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).]
b. [that the] sufferings [Strong: 3804 pathema path'-ay-mah; from a presumed derivative of 3806; something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence:-- affection, affliction, motion, suffering.]
1). Mark Bowling: “Later in Romans 8, the Scriptures talk of our sufferings. Sufferings and glory are emphasized in the entire book of 1 Peter. But the suffering needs to be defined. We will suffer the temptations of the flesh, obeying God when we don't feel like it. And we will suffer persecution because of our faith in Christ (ranging from being made fun of, lied about, fired, to martyred). But we are not to suffer from things we are redeemed from - spiritual death, sickness and disease, poverty and lack, and deadly accidents. All Bible interpretation that does not spring out of a knowledge of redemption will be inaccurate.”
c. [of this] present [Strong: 3568 nun noon; a primary particle of present time; "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate:--henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time).]
d. time [Strong: 2540 kairos kahee-ros'; of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. set or proper time:--X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while.]
1). The sufferings he is referring is our cooperating with the Spirit of God in bringing our bodies in subjection to God and resisting the flesh.
a). Romans 8:13 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.
b). 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
c). Colossians 3:5-7 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
d). 1 Peter 5:8-10 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
2. “…are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
a. [are] not [Strong: 3756 ou oo; 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.]
b. worthy [Strong: 514 axios ax'-ee-os; probably from 71; deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise):--due reward, meet, (un-)worthy.]
c. [to be] compared with [Strong: 4314 pros pros; a strengthened form of 4253; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated):--about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at.]
d. [the] glory [Strong: 1391 doxa dox'-ah ; from the base of 1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.]
e. [which shall be] revealed [in us] [Strong: 601. apokalupto ap-ok-al-oop'-to from 575 and 2572; to take off the cover, i.e. disclose:--reveal.]
1). Part of the glory he is referring to is a glorified body.
a). Philippians 3:20, 21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
b). 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
c). 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
2). The receiving of a glorified body is only the beginning, it will take ages to for the LORD to show us the riches of his grace in redemption.
a). Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
a. NLT: For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: For [even the whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship]. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1.”For the earnest expectation of the creature…”
a. [For the] earnest expectation [Strong: 603 apokaradokia ap-ok-ar-ad-ok-ee'-ah] from a comparative of 575 and a compound of kara (the head) and 1380 (in the sense of watching); intense anticipation:--earnest expectation.] [apokaradokia; apo-from; kara-the head; dokeo-to look, to watch] [Zodhiates: Attentive or earnest expectation or looking for, as with the neck stretched out and the head thrust forward.]
b. [of the] creature [Strong: 2937 ktisis ktis'-is; from 2936; original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively):--building, creation, creature, ordinance.] [Zodhiates: creation.] [Thayer: the act of founding, establishing, building etc, the act of creating, creation, creation i.e. thing created, of individual things, beings, a creature, a creation, anything created, after a rabbinical usage (by which a man converted from idolatry to Judaism was called), the sum or aggregate of things created, institution, ordinance.]
1). Marvin R. Vincent Commentary: The interpretations vary: 1. The whole unredeemed creation, rational and irrational. 2. All creation, except humanity. The point of difference is the inclusion or exclusion of humanity. The second explanation is preferable, the non-rational creation viewed collectively, animate and inanimate. Equivalent to all nature.
2). The only other time in the N.T. where apokaradokia i.e., “earnest expectation” is used is in Philippians.
a). Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so not also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be life, or by death.”
b). Paul used the same term to describe his earnest expectation of glorifying Christ in his body and creations anticipation of waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.
2. “…waiteth for the manifestation of…”
a. waiteth for [Strong: 553 apekdechomai ap-ek-dekh'-om-ahee; from 575 and 1551; to expect fully:--look (wait) foreign.] [Zodhaites: To expect, to look for, used as a suitable expression for the Christians hope…realized in the redemption of the body.]
1). [Don Costello: “The above is true, but in the context Paul is not talking about the Christians hope of the redemption of the body. Paul is referring to creations expecting, looking for the manifestation of the sons of God, i.e., the transformation of the believers physical body into a glorified one, the return of Christ and all the promises of redemption that accompany it.”]
b. [the] manifestation [of] [Strong: 602 apokalupsis ap-ok-al'-oop-sis; from 601; disclosure:--appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.] [Zodhiates: Revelation, uncovering, unveiling, disclosure. One of three words referring to the Second coming of Christ. [Don Costello: The second coming of Christ is actually a series of events, the first of which is the coming of Christ in the clouds to get his church, the “rapture”.
3. “…the sons of God.”
a. [the] sons [Strong: 5207 huios hwee-os' apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:--child, foal, son.] [Zodhiates: Generally, male offspring. Christians.]
b. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
1). One becomes a son of God accepting and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord.
a). John 1:12, 13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
2). A son of God is a debtor to live after the Spirit.
a). Romans 8:9-14 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.
8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness.
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.
8:12 Therefore, brethren we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
8:13 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.
8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
3). Right now, we are the sons of God, but we are not in the state that we shall be. We do not have the glorified body we are going to get at the rapture. When the rapture occurs, the “sons of God” will be manifested.
a). 1 John 3:1-3 Beloved, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4). All of creation is awaiting expectantly the rapture of the Church, the manifestation of the sons of God.
Romans 8:20
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who subjected the same in hope.
a. NLT: Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: For the creation (nature) was subjected to frailty (to futility, condemned to frustration), not because of some intentional fault on its part, but by the will of Him Who so subjected it—[yet] with the hope [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1.”For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly…”
a. [For the] creature [Strong: 2937 * ktisis] [Zodhiates: creation.] [Strong: from 2936; original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively):--building, creation, creature, ordinance.] [Thayer: the act of founding, establishing, building etc, the act of creating, creation, creation i.e. thing created, of individual things, beings, a creature, a creation, anything created, after a rabbinical usage (by which a man converted from idolatry to Judaism was called), the sum or aggregate of things created, institution, ordinance.]
1). Marvin R. Vincent Commentary: The interpretations vary: 1. The whole unredeemed creation, rational and irrational. 2. All creation, except humanity. The point of difference is the inclusion or exclusion of humanity. The second explanation is preferable, the non-rational creation viewed collectively, animate and inanimate. Equivalent to all nature
b. [was] made subject [Strong: 5293 hupotasso hoop-ot-as'-so; hupo-under; tasso-to arrange] from 5259 and 5021; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.] [Thayer: to arrange under, to subordinate, to subject, put in subjection, to subject one's self, obey, to submit to one's control, to yield to one's admonition or advice, to obey, be subject.] [Strong: [W.E. Vine: a military term, to rank under.]
c. [to] vanity [Strong: 3153 mataiotes mat-ah-yot'-ace; from 3152; inutility; figuratively, transientness; morally, depravity:--vanity.] [W.E. Vine: emptiness as to results, of the creation as failing of the results designed, owing to sin.]
d. not [Strong: 3756 ou oo; 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. willingly[Strong: 1635 hekon hek-own'; of uncertain affinity; voluntary:--willingly.] [Vine: Out of free will, voluntary.] [Thayer: unforced, voluntary, willing, of one's own will
of one's own accord.]
1). When God created the universe He did so with the foreknowledge it would fail. The plan of redemption is older than the physical universe.
a). 1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
b). The partial development of that thought is found in the next verse. As we shall see in the next section of this verse it was in the plan of God to do so.
2. “…but by reason of him who subjected the same in hope.”
a. [but by] reason [Strong: 1223 dia dee-ah'; a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional):--after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) ... fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.]
b. of him who] subjected [Strong: 5293 hupotasso hoop-ot-as'-so from 5259 and 5021; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.]
c. [the same in] hope [Strong: 1680 elpis el-pece'; from a primary elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:--faith, hope.]
1). God is in control. It is God that subjected his creation to vanity, It is God that says here and in other passages that he will redeem his creation. Before the creation was ever spoken into existence God had a plan of redemption.
a). 1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
2). Immediately after the fall, God Almighty, El Shaddai revealed the hope, “the seed of the woman”. The hope of course is Jesus Christ our redeemer.
a). Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
3). I believe Scripture reveals that before creation the three persons of the Godhead planned the redemption of mankind down to the most intricate detail.
a). Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
4). The end result or “the hope” of God creating all of creation subject to failure is that in the end because of the shed blood of Christ on the cross to redeem mankind all of creation would be redeemed also.
Romans 8:21
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
a. NLT: the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: That nature (creation) itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and corruption [and gain an entrance] into the glorious freedom of God’s children. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1.”Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption…”
a. [Because the] creature [Strong: 2937 ktisis ktis'-is; from 2936; original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively):--building, creation, creature, ordinance.] [Zodhiates: creation.] [Thayer: the act of founding, establishing, building etc, the act of creating, creation, creation i.e. thing created, of individual things, beings, a creature, a creation, anything created, after a rabbinical usage (by which a man converted from idolatry to Judaism was called), the sum or aggregate of things created, institution, ordinance.]
b. [itself shall be] delivered [Strong: 1659 gashash gaw-shash'; from 1658; to liberate, i.e. (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability):--deliver, make free.] [Zodhiates: to make free, to liberate from the power of sin.]
c. [from the] bondage [Strong: 1397 douleia doo-li'-ah; from 1398; slavery (ceremonially or figuratively):--bondage.] [Zodhiates: Servitude, dependence, the state of a slave. That state of man in which he is prevented from freely possessing and enjoying his life. A state opposed to liberty.]
d. [of] corruption [Strong: 5356 phthora fthor-ah'; from 5351; decay, i.e. ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively):--corruption, destroy, perish.] [Vine: signifies a bringing or being brought into an inferior or worse condition, a destruction or corruption.]
1). All of creation was created “subject to vanity”. When Adam and Eve sinned, the creation was brought into the “bondage of corruption”. All of creation was forced into an inferior state, where carnivorous natures, sickness and disease, death and destruction and sin ruled. Romans 8:21 has to be understood in light of verse 20, i.e., creation was made subject to the curse along with man, and because of man. Yet in the hope and faith of God, they would be redeemed, both man and creation. Hence, the wording, “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered…” Because man was given dominion over all of creation; when man sinned and went into bondage, everything under him went also.
b). Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness?
2). The wording of “shall be delivered” in Romans 8:21is future tense, however, the liberty of the children is present. Man has already been delivered, while the rest of creation will catch up. Something else has to happen before that to be accomplished; that “something else” is the manifestation of the sons of God.
2. “…into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
a. [into the] glorious [Strong: 1391 doxa dox'-ah; from the base of 1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.]
b. [of the] children [Strong: 5043 teknon tek'-non; from the base of 5098; a child (as produced):--child, daughter, son.]
c. of God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
1). Soon all of creation will experience the liberty that the body of Christ is experiencing now. It plainly says that all of creation will be delivered out of the bondage of corruption and into the same liberty of the children of God.
a). Isaiah 11:1-9 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
11:2 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
11:3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
11:5 And righteous shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
11:7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
11:8 And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.
11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
The Creation, “subject to vanity” and in “the bondage of corruption”
1. Every part of God’s creation, no matter if it be a bird, an insect, a fish or land animal; whatever characteristic or ability that creature puts to use in hunting, caring for their young, housekeeping, eating or survival against predators, that ability was given to them by God. It appears the bondage of corruption is of the devil but the ability of the creation to survive is of God.
a. Job 12:7-10 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:
12:8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
12:9 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?
12:10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
b. Job 39:13-17 Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? Or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?
39:14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,
39:15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
39:16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;
39:17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
1). In Job 12:7-10 & Job 39:13-17 we see very clearly that God has given or deprived wisdom to all species in his creation.
2). Big cats in evolutionary arms race with prey: study: Agence France Presse, 1/24/18
Lions and cheetah are faster, stronger and no less agile than their prey, but zebras and impalas compensate with a surprising tactic, researchers said Wednesday: slow down, and keep the big cats guessing. Indeed, fleeing at top speed is a fatal mistake, making it easier for the fearsome felines to close in for the kill, they reported in the journal Nature. "If the prey is running flat out, it cannot speed up and its movements become predictable," lead author Alan Wilson, a professor at the University of London's Royal Veterinary College, told AFP. "Lower-speed hunts favour prey survival, because it gives the animals the opportunity to manoeuvre." The proof is in the kill rate: lions (which hunt zebra) and cheetah (which target impalas) fail two out of three times when they give chase. Data for the study, collected in the savannah of northern Botswana, came from high-tech collars fitted onto nine lions, five cheetah, seven zebra and seven impalas, a kind of antelope.
All the animals were wild and free-ranging. Over the course of more than 5,500 high-speed runs, the collars recorded location, speed, acceleration, number of steps, and ability to turn several times a second, yielding an unprecedented trove of information. In addition, the researchers did biopsies to measure muscle power, as one might for world-class athletes. Lions and cheetah, they found, were significantly more athletic than their prey: 38 percent faster, 37 percent better at accelerating, and 72 percent better at slowing down quickly. Their muscles were also 20 percent more powerful. Despite these apparent advantages, zebras and impala kept the upper hand when chased by moving unpredictably to evade outstretched claws while just a step or two ahead. "The prey define the hunt and know not to just run away but to turn at the last moment," explained Wilson. - Evolutionary pas-de-deux - Predator and prey on the African savannah have been locked in an evolutionary arms race for hundreds of thousands of years, perhaps millions. Over time, the big cats have become better killing machines, while their would-be meals have become more adept at evading capture. Lions fail two out of three times when they hunt zebras. But at the species level, the predator-prey relationship is monogamous: lions don't go after impalas, and cheetah generally leave zebras alone.
"Lions are large and can take down a larger prey, but their very size limits speed," said co-author Emily Bennitt, a researcher at the University of Botswana's Okavango Research Institute. "Likewise, cheetah are agile and fast, but this requires them to be light, and thus unable to subdue larger prey." A zebra, in other words, can defend itself against a cheetah while an impala, unless sick, will always be able to out-run a lion. For prey species, avoiding the claws and maw of big cats is not the only survival skill required. "Prey need to be good enough at evading capture to escape from most hunting attempts, but they also need to be adapted to foraging," Bennitt said by email. From an evolutionary perspective, sometimes these needs come into conflict, she added. "Characteristics that enhance speed could reduce foraging and movement efficiency." As luck would have it, a collared predator never gave chase to a collared prey during the field research, but scientists were able to use computer models to simulate hunt scenarios with the wealth of data collected. https://www.afp.com/en/news/2265/big-cats-evolutionary-arms-race-prey-study-doc-xp57j1
2. God gave Solomon wisdom about His creation, about trees, animals, insects, and birds.
a. 1 Kings 4:29-34 And God gave Soloman wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
4:30 And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
4:32 And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.
4:33 And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.
4:34 And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.
b. Proverbs 30:24, 25 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
1). Ants can be found almost anywhere on the planet. It is estimated that there are about 20,000 different species of ants. For this reason ants have been called Earth's most successful species. Ants build many different types of homes. Many ants build simple little mounds out of dirt or sand. Other ants use small sticks mixed with dirt and sand to make a stronger mound that offers protection from rain. Western Harvester ants make a small mound on top, but then tunnel up to 15 feet straight down to hibernate during winter. Ant mounds consist of many chambers connected by tunnels. Different chambers are used for nurseries, food storage, and resting places for the worker ants. Some ants live in wood like termites. Army ants don't make a home at all but travel in large groups searching for food. Sociology: Ants are social insects, which means they live in large colonies or groups. Some colonies consist of millions of ants. There are three types of ants in each species, the queen, the sterile female workers, and males. The male ants only serve one purpose, to mate with future queen ants and do not live very long. The queen grows to adulthood, mates, and then spends the rest of her life laying eggs. A colony may have only one queen, or there may be many queens depending on the species. Ants go through four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult Communication: If you watch ants for any length of time you will see that they really do communicate with each other and very effectively too. Ants communicate by touching each other with their antennae. Ants also use chemicals called pheromones to leave scent trails for other ants to follow. www.infowest,com
a). Proverbs 30:28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings palaces.
1). Spiders have what is called Tarsal claws: A pair of small claws at the end of each leg, used by the spider to hold onto objects, including its own web. Many species have a smaller median claw behind the main pair.
2). How does an orb web spider make its web? The most difficult part seems to be the first thread. Does the spider fly? Does she throw a line to the other side? Does she walk down and up at the other side carrying a thread that she attaches between the two sides? No, none of these ideas are true. The solution is simple. The spider releases a sticky thread that is blown away with the wind. If the breeze carried the silken line to a spot where it sticks the first bridge is formed. The spider cautiously crosses along the thin line reinforcing it with a second line. She enforces the line until it is strong enough. After this the spider constructs a loose thread and constructs a Y shaped thread. These are the first three radii of the web. Then a frame is constructed to attach the other radii to. After all the radii are completed the spider start to make the circular threads. At first non-sticky construction threads a made. The distance between the threads is so wide that the spider can span the width with her legs. Finally the sticky thread is woven between the circulars thread. While attaching the sticky thread to the radii the construction thread is removed by the spider. Then web is completed with non sticky radii and sticky circular threads and the spider can rest and sit in the center of the web with her head down. After a night of hunting the web becomes worn out. The spider removes the silk in the morning by eating it, only leaving the first bridge line. After a daytime rest the spider constructs a new web in the evening. If the catch was low and the web is not heavily damaged the web may stay during the day and be reused after minor repairing. There are a lot of variations on this type of orb web. The web shown is made by the orb web spiders Araneus diadematus. Spiders of other families construct other types of web.
3). With reference to the Orb Web structure drawing about, the spiders use at least four different silks to construct its orb web;
a). Bridge thread and frame thread - very strong silk to support the whole web,
b) Radius - thin and almost invisible, not sticky, as framework to hold the capture spiral,
c). Auxiliary spiral - not sticky, as a guideline for web construction,
d). Capture spiral - very sticky, to snare insects, stretch 3x its length before breaking.
4). Science Digest, 1989. “The silk in a spider’s web is five times stronger than an equivalent filament of steel. In terms of speed per unit of weight, a spider’s web absorbs the impact of a jet fighter every time it traps a fly.”
3. Examples abound in Scripture where God’s wisdom in Creation is on display.
a. Job 39:26-30 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?
39:27 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?
39:28 She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.
39:29 From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off.
39:30 Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.
1). Bald eagles: All eagles are renowned for their excellent eyesight, and the bald eagle is no exception. They have two foveae or centers of focus, that allow the birds to see both forward and to the side at the same time. Bald eagles are capable of seeing fish in the water from several hundred feet above, while soaring, gliding or in flapping flight. This is quite an extraordinary feat, since most fish are counter-shaded, meaning they are darker on top and thus harder to see from above. Eagles have eyelids that close during sleep. For blinking, they also have an inner eyelid called a nictitating membrane. Every three or four seconds, the nictitating membrane slides across the eye from front to back, wiping dirt and dust from the cornea. Because the membrane is translucent, the eagle can see even while it is over the eye. Eagles, like all birds, have color vision. An eagle's eye is almost as large as a human's, but its sharpness is at least four times that of a person with perfect vision. The eagle can probably identify a rabbit moving almost a mile away. That means that an eagle flying at an altitude of 1000 feet over open country could spot prey over an area of almost 3 square miles from a fixed position. www.baldeagleinfo.com
2). Peregrine falcons: These falcons are formidable hunters that prey on other birds (and bats) in mid-flight. Peregrines hunt from above and, after sighting their prey, drop into a steep, swift dive that can top 200 miles an hour (320 kilometers an hour).
Peregrine falcons are among the world's most common birds of prey and live on all continents except Antarctica. They prefer wide-open spaces, and thrive near coasts where shorebirds are common, but they can be found everywhere from tundra to deserts. Peregrines are even known to live on bridges and skyscrapers in major cities.
These birds may travel widely outside the nesting season—their name means "wanderer." Though some individuals are permanent residents, many migrate. Those that nest on Arctic tundra and winter in South America fly as many as 15,500 miles (25,000 kilometers) in a year. Yet they have an incredible homing instinct that leads them back to favored aeries. Some nesting sites have been in continuous use for hundreds of years, occupied by successive generations of falcons. www.animals.nationalgeographic.com
b. Job 38:36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the heart?
1). The Incredible Machine, Copyright 1986, National Geographic Society p.15. “Heredity is written on a chemical ribbon that twists like a spiral staircase, the steps built of 4 chemical bases attached to chains of sugars and phosphates—DNA…thousands of these steps make up a single gene. Tens of thousands of genes, arranged along structures called chromosomes, transmit the instruction for existence, dictating eye color, hair texture…[Some 6 billion steps of DNA in a single cell record one’s life blueprint. This DNA plan for a single human life can be stretched six feet, yet coiled in a repository just 1/2500 of an inch in diameter—the cells nucleus.”]
2). The Incredible Machine, “Before long, the groups of cells are gathering into layers, then into sheets and tubes, sliding into proper places at the proper times, forming an eye exactly where an eye should be, the pancreas where the pancreas should belongs. The order of appearance is precise, with structures like veins and nerves appearing just in time to support the organs that will soon require them.”
3). All this is dictated by the wisdom given to the inward parts.
Romans 8:22
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
a. NLT: For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: We know that the whole creation [of irrational creatures] has been moaning together in the pains of labor until now. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
a. [For we] know [Strong: 1492 eido i'-do; a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent 3700 and 3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot.]
b. [that the whole] creation [Strong: 2937 ktisis ktis'-is* ktisis; from 2936; original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively):--building, creation, creature, ordinance.] [Zodhiates: creation.] [Thayer: the act of founding, establishing, building etc, the act of creating, creation, creation i.e. thing created, of individual things, beings, a creature, a creation, anything created, after a rabbinical usage (by which a man converted from idolatry to Judaism was called), the sum or aggregate of things created, institution, ordinance.]
c. groaneth [Strong: 4959. sustenazo soos-ten-ad'-zo from 4862 and 4727; to moan jointly, i.e. (figuratively) experience a common calamity:--groan together.] [Zodhiates: to groan or sigh together, spoken of he creation.] [sunstenazo; sun-together with; stenazo-groan
d. [and] travaileth in pain together [Strong: 4944 sunodino soon-o-dee'-no; from 4862 and 5605; to have (parturition) pangs in company (concert, simultaneously) with, i.e. (figuratively) to sympathize (in expectation of relief from suffering):--travail in pain together.] [sundino; sun-together with; odino-birth pangs, travail.]
e. [until] now [Strong: 3568 nun noon; a primary particle of present time; "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate:--henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time).]
1). The previous verses (Romans 8:19-21 described the present condition of the creation as, being “subject to vanity”, and under the “bondage of corruption”. In this verse it adds that the creation is groaning and travailing in pain. As wonderful as studying the wonders of creation is, the underlying truth is the earth is under a curse. The creation is mourning, it is sick, because of the sin of man.
a). Isaiah 24:4-6 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and faded away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.
24:5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.
24:6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.
b). Hosea 4:1-3 Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
4:2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
4:3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
2). Isaiah 24:4 says the earth is languishing, and it says the same in Hosea 4:3
a). languisheth [Strong: 535 'amal aw-mal'; to droop, by implication, to be sick, to mourn…be weak, wax feeble.]
b). When we get sick we vomit. When the land is sick it also vomits.
(1) Leviticus 18:25 And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.
(2) Jeremiah 12:4, 11 How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of the field whither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? The beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.
12:11 They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.”
3). How long shall the land mourn? The answer of course is given by the passage of Romans 8:19-22.
a). It will mourn until the return of Christ, at which time the sons of God will be manifested.
Romans 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
a. NLT: And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: And not only the creation, but we ourselves too, who have and enjoy the firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit [a foretaste of the blissful things to come] groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies [from sensuality and the grave, which will reveal] our adoption (our manifestation as God’s sons). [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “And not only they, but ourselves also…”
a. [And] not [Strong: 3756 ou oo,; 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.]
b. only [they] [Strong: 3440 monon mon'-on; neuter of 3441 as adverb; merely:--alone, but, only.]
c. [but ourselves] also [Strong: 2532 kai kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]
2. “…which have the firstfruits of the Spirit…”
a. [which] have [Strong: 2192 echo ekh'-o; including an alternate form scheo, (used in certain tenses only] [Strong: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.]
b. [the] firstfruits [Strong: 536 aparche ap-ar-khay'; from a compound of 575 and 756; a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. the (Jewish) first-fruit (figuratively):--first-fruits.]
c. the Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
1). The giving of the Spirit was and is the down payment, the “earnest” of the inheritance that God gives us in Christ Jesus, to prove He is serious in our redemption.
a). Ephesians 1:13, 14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
b). 2 Corinthians 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
3. “…even we ourselves groan within ourselves…”
a. [even we ourselves] groan [Strong: 4727 stenazo sten-ad'-zo; from 4728; to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e. (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly:--with grief, groan, grudge, sigh.]
b. within ourselves [Strong: 1438 heautou heh-ow-too'; from a reflexive pronoun otherwise obsolete and the genitive case (dative case or accusative case) of 846; him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.:--alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves).]
4. “…waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
a. [waiting for the] adoption [Strong: 5206 huiothesia hwee-oth-es-ee'-ah; from a presumed compound of 5207 and a derivative of 5087; the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (figuratively, Christian sonship in respect to God):--adoption (of children, of sons).]
b. [the] redemption [Strong: 629 apolutrosis ap-ol-oo'-tro-sis; from a compound of 575 and 3083; (the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation:--deliverance, redemption.]
c. [of our] body [Strong: 4983 soma so'-mah; from 4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.]
1). The full experience of the blessings of our adoption into the family of God will not occur until the the physical body is changed at the rapture of the church.
a). 1 Corinthians 15:49-57 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2). All of creation is waiting earnestly for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Romans 8:24
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
a. NLT: We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: For in [this] hope we were saved. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For how can one hope for what he already sees? [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For we are saved by hope…”
a. [For we are] saved [Strong: 4982 sozo sode'-zo; from a primary sos (contraction for obsolete saos, "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.] [Zodhiates: to save, deliver, make whole, preserve safe from danger, loss, destruction…Sozo occurs fifty-four times in the Gospels [fifty-six in the KJV]. Of the instances where sozo is used, fourteen relate to deliverance from disease or demon possession; in twenty instances, the inference is to the rescue of physical life from some impending peril or instant death; the remaining twenty times, the reference is to spiritual salvation.]
b. [by] hope [Strong: 1680 elpis el-pece'; from a primary elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:--faith, hope.]
1). The “hope” here is the hope God subjected the creation under looking forward to the complete and fulfilled redemption.
a). Romans 8:20, 21 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
2. “…but hope that is seen is not hope…”
a. [but] hope [Strong: 1680 elpis el-pece'; from a primary elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:--faith, hope.]
b. [that is] seen [Strong: 991 blepo blep'-o; a primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed.]
c. [is] not [hope] [Strong: 3756 ou oo; 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.]
3. “…for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?”
a. [for what a man] seeth [991 * blepo] [Strong: a primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed.]
b. why doth he yet] hope [for] [Strong: 1679 elpizo el-pid'-zo; from 1680; to expect or confide:--(have, thing) hope(-d) (for), trust.]
Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
a. NLT: But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. But if we hope for that we see not
a. [But if we] hope [Strong: 1679 elpizo el-pid'-zo; from 1680; to expect or confide:--(have, thing) hope(-d) (for), trust.]
b. [for that we] see [991 blepo blep'-o; a primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed.]
c. not [3756 ou oo; 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.]
2. “…then do we with patience wait for it.”
a. [then do we with] patience [Strong: 5281 hupomone hoop-om-on-ay' ; from 5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:--enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).]
b. wait [for it] [Strong: 553 apekdechomai ap-ek-dekh'-om-ahee; from 575 and 1551; to expect fully:--look (wait) foreign.]
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
a. NLT: And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1.”Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities…”
a. Likewise [Strong: 5615 hosautos ho-sow'-toce; from 5613 and an adverb from 846; as thus, i.e. in the same way:--even so, likewise, after the same (in like) manner.]
b. [the] Spirit [also] [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah ; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
c. helpeth [Strong: 4878 * sunantilambanomai; sun-together with; anti-against; lambano-take hold of; from 4862 and 482; to take hold of opposite together, i.e. co-operate (assist):--help.] [Thayer: to lay hold along with, to strive to obtain with others, help in obtaining, to take hold with another.] [Vine: to take hold with at the side for assistance" (sun, "with," and No. 1); hence, "to take a share in, help in bearing, to help in general."] [D.C.: To take hold together with the Holy Ghost against my infirmities, my weaknesses.]
1). Rick Renner 8/10/15 The word "helpeth" comes from the Greek word sunantilambetai, which is a very complex triple compound word. But the first part of the word is the Greek prefix sun, and this is what I want to draw your attention to right now because it's so important for you to understand. The little Greek word sun is a very important word. It connects you to someone else. It carries the idea of partnership and cooperation. For instance, in Second Corinthians 6:1, when Paul writes, "We then, as workers together with him...," he uses the word sunergos to depict our partnership with God. If Paul had wanted to depict a person who was working alone, he could have used only the word ergos, for by itself, this word would picture a single, solitary worker. But when the word sun is attached to the front of ergos, it is transformed into the word sunergos and pictures two or more people who are working together like partners on the same job. This is no longer the picture of a lonely, solitary worker; now there is an entire team working together to get a job accomplished.
d. [our] infirmities [Strong: 769 astheneia as-then'-i-ah from 772; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:--disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.] [Zodhiates: Weakness, sickness. In the N.T. this word,[is one of]the most common expressions for illness and [is] used in the comprehensive sense of the whole man. [D.C.: This could refer to physical weariness or spiritual weariness.] [Zodhiates: However, it can refer to a special form of bodily weakness, figuratively, impotence or weakness, Romans 8:11.]
2. “…for we know not what we should pray for as we ought…”
a. [for we] know [Strong: 1492 eido i'-do; a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent 3700 and 3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot.]
b. not [Strong: 3756 ou oo; 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.]
c. [what we should] pray for [Strong: 4336 proseuchomai pros-yoo'-khom-ahee; from 4314 and 2172; to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship:--pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer.]
d. [as we] ought [Strong: 1163 dei die; 3d person singular active present of 1210; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding):--behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need(-ful), ought, should.]
1). Not always knowing how to pray in the perfect will of God is an infirmity that we have. The Holy Ghost will take hold with us against our weaknesses, whatever they are, here, in particular, not knowing the will of God in prayer.
3. “…but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.”
a. but the Spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; 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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]
b. [itself] maketh intercession [Strong: 5241 huperentugchano hoop-er-en-toong-khan'-o; from 5228 and 1793; to intercede in behalf of:--make intercession for]
1). Rick Renner 3/29/16 I would like to draw your attention to the word “intercession” in the middle of this verse. It is the Greek word huperentugchano, an old word that does not appear to exist outside early Christian literature. It is the picture of one who comes upon someone who has fallen into some kind of quandary. Upon discovering the trapped person’s dilemma, he swiftly swings into action to rescue and deliver the one who is in trouble. Therefore, the word huperentugchanoconveys the idea of a rescue operation.
c. [for us with] groanings [Strong: 4726 stenagmos sten-ag-mos'; from 4727; a sigh:--groaning.]
d. [which cannot be] uttered [Strong: 215 alaletos al-al'-ay-tos; from 1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of 2980; unspeakable:--unutterable, which cannot be uttered.]
1). As we pray in tongues it is the Holy Ghost making intercession for us and through us with groaning which cannot be uttered by us. When we are praying in the Spirit, it is the Holy Ghost giving the utterance. We can not utter them because we don’t know. It is the Holy Spirit that utters them.
a). Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:27
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
a. NLT: And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit…”
a. [And. he that searcheth [Strong: 2045 ereunao er-yoo-nah'-o; apparently from 2046 (through the idea of inquiry); to seek, i.e. (figuratively) to investigate:--search.]
b. [the] hearts [Strong: 2588 kardia kar-dee'-ah; prolonged from a primary kar (Latin cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle:--(+ broken-)heart(-ed).]
1). It is God who searches the hearts. This identifies Jesus as the LORD of the Old Testament.
a). Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
b). Hebrews 4:12, 13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
2. “…because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
a. [because he] maketh intercession [Strong: 1793 entugchano en-toong-khan'-o; from 1722 and 5177; to chance upon, i.e. (by implication) confer with; by extension to entreat (in favor or against):--deal with, make intercession.]
b. [for the] saints [Strong: 40 hagios hag'-ee-os; from hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint.]
c. [according to the will of] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
1). One of His ministries as our High Priest is to intercede for us.
a). Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
b). Hebrews 7:24, 25 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Roman 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
a. NLT: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…”
a. [And we] know [Strong: 1492 eido i'-do; a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent 3700 and 3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot.]
b. that all things [Strong: 3956 pas pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]
c. work together [Strong: 4903 sunergeo soon-erg-eh'-o; from 4904; to be a fellow-worker, i.e. co-operate:--help (work) with, work(-er) together.]
d. [for] good [Strong: 18 agathos ag-ath-os'; a primary word; "good" (in any sense, often as noun):--benefit, good(-s, things), well.]
e. [to them that] love [Strong: 25 agapao ag-ap-ah'-o; perhaps from agan (much) (or compare 5689); to love (in a social or moral sense):--(be-)love(-ed).]
f. God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
1). Do we want all things to work together for our good? Of course we do, but there is a qualifier inserted in this section of the verse. It will work together for our good if we love God. If we love him we will obey his word.
a). Exodus 20:4-6 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourthgeneration of them that hate me;
20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
b). Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
c). John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
d). John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
2. “…to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
a. [to them who are the] called [Strong: 2822 kletos klay-tos'; from the same as 2821; invited, i.e. appointed, or (specially), a saint:--called.]
b. [according to] his purpose [Strong: 4286 prothesis proth'-es-is; from 4388; a setting forth, i.e. (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the Temple) as exposed before God:--purpose, shew(-bread).]
1). God’s purpose for all of us is to be conformed the the image of His Son Christ Jesus.
a). Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
2). The purpose of God is accomplished in our lives when we obey His word and in doing so we will conform our lives to His.
a). Romans 12:1, 2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind; that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
b). 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
3). Our ministry our purpose for being on this earth is to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
Roman 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
a. NLT: For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
b. Amplified Bible Classic: For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.
1. “For whom he did foreknow…”
a. [For whom he did] foreknow [Strong: 4267 proginosko prog-in-oce'-ko; proginosko; pro-before; ginosko-to know; from 4253 and 1097; to know beforehand, i.e. foresee:--foreknow (ordain), know (before).] [Zodhiates: To perceive or recognize beforehand, know previously, take into account or specially consider beforehand.]
1). God is omniscient, He knows all things.
a). Isaiah 46:9, 10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
b). 1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
c). Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
2). Therefore there is not a person born into this earth that he did not fore know, this covers every person.
2. “…he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
a. [he also did] predestinate [Strong: 4309 proorizo pro-or-id'-zo; pro-before; horizo-to determine; from 4253 and 3724; to limit in advance, i.e. (figuratively) predetermine:--determine before, ordain, predestinate.]
b. [to be] conformed [Strong; 4832; summorphos soom-mor-fos' from 4862 and 3444; jointly formed, i.e. (figuratively) similar:--conformed to, fashioned like unto.]
[summorphos; sun-together with; morphe-form ]
c. [to the] image [Strong: 1504 eikon i-kone' ; from 1503; a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance:--image.]
d. [of his] Son [Strong: 5207 huios hwee-os'; apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:--child, foal, son.]
3. “…that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
a. [that he might be the] firstborn [Strong: 4416 prototokos pro-tot-ok'-os; from 4413 and the alternate of 5088; first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively):--firstbegotten(-born).] prototokos; protos-first; tikto-bear, bring forth] [Zodhiates: firstborn, preeminent.]
1). The word prototokos is a theologically loaded word and is found 9 times in the NT, three times it is referring to the firstborn son, (Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:7; Hebrews 11:28). In its other uses it gives preeminence to Christ or substance to our redemption.
a). Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
(1) Vincent: It implies a prototype, and embodies the essential verity of its prototype.
(2) I personally believe that the above definition could be applied also to Hebrews 1:6
b). Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
(1) This is the assembly in heaven of those born again. A church of thos made up of born again men and women, boys and girls in heaven.
c). Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
d). Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
(1) Both Colossians 1:18 and Revelation 1:5 refer to Jesus Christ as being the first human who was born again. Jesus was born again in hell and then raised from the dead.
e). Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
(1) Jesus was the first person born again and he was to be the first of many born again.
b. [among] many [Strong: 4183 polus pol-oos'; including the forms from the alternate pollos; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely:--abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly.]
c. brethren [Strong: 80 adephos ad-el-fos'; from 1 (as a connective particle) and delphus (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like 1):--brother.]
Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
a. NLT: And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
b. Amplified Bible Classic: And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being].
1. “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called…”
a. [Moreover whom he did predestinate [Strong: 4309 proorizo pro-or-id'-zo; from 4253 and 3724; to limit in advance, i.e. (figuratively) predetermine:--determine before, ordain, predestinate.]
b. [them he also] called [Strong: 2564 kaleo kal-eh'-o; akin to the base of 2753; to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise):--bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)).]
2. “…and whom he called, them he also justified…”
a. and he called [Strong: 2564 kaleo kal-eh'-o; akin to the base of 2753; to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise):--bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)).]
b. [them he also] justified [Strong: 1344 dikaioo dik-ah-yo'-o; from 1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:--free, justify(-ier), be righteous.]
3. “…and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
a. [and whom he] justified [Strong: 1344 dikaioo dik-ah-yo'-o; from 1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:--free, justify(-ier), be righteous.]
b. [them he also] glorified [Strong: 1392 doxazo dox-ad'-zo; from 1391; to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application):--(make) glorify(-ious), full of (have) glory, honour, magnify.]
Romans 8:31
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
a. NLT: What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “What shall we then say to these things?...”
a. [What shall we then] say [Strong: 2046 ereo er-eh'-o; probably a fuller form of 4483; an alternate for 2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say:--call, say, speak (of), tell.]
b. [to] these things [Strong: 5023 tauta tow'-tah; nominative or accusative case neuter plural of 3778; these things:--+ afterward, follow, + hereafter, X him, the same, so, such, that, then, these, they, this, those, thus.]
2. “…If God be for us, who can be against us?”
a. [If] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
b. [be for] us [Strong: 2257 hemon hay-mone'; genitive case plural of 1473; of (or from) us:--our (company), us, we.]
c. [who can be] against [us] [Strong: 2596 kata kat-ah'; 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.]
Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
a. NLT: Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “He that spared not his own Son…”
a. He that spared [Strong: 5339 pheidomai fi'-dom-ahee; of uncertain affinity; to be chary of, i.e. (subjectively) to abstain or (objectively) to treat leniently:--forbear, spare.]
b. not [Strong: 3756 ou oo; also (before a vowel) ouk ook, 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.]
c. [his own] Son [Strong: 5207 huios hwee-os'; apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:--child, foal, son.]
2. “…but delivered him up for us all…”
a. [but] delivered him up [Strong: 3860 paradidomi par-ad-id'-o-mee; from 3844 and 1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit:--betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.]
b. for us all [Strong: 3956 pas pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]
1). God loves us the same that He loves Jesus, not any less and not any more.
a). John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
3. “…how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
a. [how shall he] not [Strong: 3780 ouchi oo-khee'; intensive of 3756; not indeed:--nay, not.]
b. [with him] freely give [Strong: 5483 charizomai khar-id'-zom-ahee; middle voice from 5485; to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue:--deliver, (frankly) forgive, (freely) give, grant.]
c. us [Strong: 2254 hemin hay-meen'; dative case plural of 1473; to (or for, with, by) us:--our, (for) us, we.]
d. all [things] [Strong: 3956 pas pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]
1). The all things consist of our inheritance in Christ. Because we are joint heirs with Christ, every thing that is his is ours.
a). Romans 8:16, 17 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Romans 8:33
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
a. NLT: Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?...”
a. [Who] shall lay anything [Strong: 1458 egkaleo eng-kal-eh'-o; from 1722 and 2564; to call in (as a debt or demand), i.e. bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.):--accuse, call in question, implead, lay to the charge.]
b.[ to the] charge [Strong: 2596 kata kat-ah'; 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.]
c. [of] God’s [elect] [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
2. “…It is God that justifieth.”
a. [it is] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
b. [that] justifieth [Strong: 1344 dikaioo dik-ah-yo'-o; from 1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:--free, justify(-ier), be righteous.]
1). Where or who is the source of charges against us? It is certainly not God because He is the one who justified us.
a). 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2). Why would God who went to such great lengths to rescue us, to redeem us, to restore us, now condemn us? We must recognize the source of condemnation. The enemy of our soul or our own unrenewed mind is the source of our condemnation.
a). Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
3). An unrenewed mind could also be the source of condemnation. We must as a principle of spiritual growth renew our minds wash them and remove any thought processes that contradict the truth of the Scripture regarding what God says about us.
a). Romans 12:1, 2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
b). 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Romans 8:34
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
a. NLT: Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us? [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “Who is he that condemneth?...”
a. [Who is he that] condemneth [Strong: 2632 katakrino kat-ak-ree'-no; from 2596 and 2919; to judge against, i.e. sentence:--condemn, damn.]
1). It is either the devil who is the source of condemnation or our unrenewed mind.
a). Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
2). An unrenewed mind not in subjection to the word of God will constantly think things that are contrary to the truth of Scripture.
a). Romans 12:1, 2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
b). 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
2. “…It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again…”
a. [It is] Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos'; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]
b. that died [Strong: 599 apothnesko ap-oth-nace'-ko; from 575 and 2348; to die off (literally or figuratively):--be dead, death, die, lie a-dying, be slain (X with).]
c. [yea rather that is] risen again [Strong: 1453 egeiro eg-i'-ro; probably akin to the base of 58 (through the idea of collecting one's faculties); to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence):--awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up.]
1). Our condemnation is not coming from Christ.
a). John 3:17, 18 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
b). Christ Jesus voluntarily took our sin and its punishment and suffered to ensure our redemption. He is not going to go through all that for us and then turn around to condemn us.
2). Jesus arose from the dead only after he had secured our justification. Jesus was raised because of our justification.
a). Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
b). Romans 4:25 [Amplified Bible Classic] Who was betrayed and put to death because of our misdeeds and was raised to secure our justification (our acquittal), [making our account balance and absolving us from all guilt before God].
c). Romans 4:25 [NASB] He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.
d). Romans 4:25 [NKJV] who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
3. “…who is even at the right hand of God…”
a. [who is even at the] right hand [Strong: 1188 dexios dex-ee-os'; from 1209; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):--right (hand, side).]
b. God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
4. “…who also maketh intercession for us.”
a. [who also] maketh intercession [Strong: 1793 entugchano en-toong-khan'-o; from 1722 and 5177; to chance upon, i.e. (by implication) confer with; by extension to entreat (in favor or against):--deal with, make intercession.]
b. [for] us [Strong: 2257 hemon hay-mone'; genitive case plural of 1473; of (or from) us:--our (company), us, we.]
1). This phrase is a reference to Psalm 110:1.
a). The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2). This scripture is quoted or alluded to 16 times in the New Testament, which makes Psalm 110:1 the most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament.
a). Matthew 22:44; 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 20:42, 43; Acts 2:33-36; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 1:20; 2:6; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; 1:13; 8:1; 10:12, 13; 12:2.
3). Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us, it is part of his ministry.
a). Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
a. NLT: Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible: Who shall ever separate us from Christ’s love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?...”
a. [Who shall separate [us] [Strong: 5563 chorizo kho-rid'-zo; from 5561; to place room between, i.e. part; reflexively, to go away:--depart, put asunder, separate.]
b. [from the] love [Strong: 26 agape ag-ah'-pay; from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.]
c. [of] Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos'; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]
2. “…Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
a. [Shall] tribulation [Strong: 2347 * thlipsis] [Strong: from 2346; pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.]
b. [or] distress [Strong: 4730 stenochoria sten-okh-o-ree'-ah; from a compound of 4728 and 5561; narrowness of room, i.e. (figuratively) calamity:--anguish, distress.]
c. [or] famine [Strong: 3042 limos lee-mos'; probably from 3007 (through the idea of destitution); a scarcity of food:--dearth, famine, hunger.]
d. [or] nakedness [Strong: 1132 gumnotes goom-not'-ace; from 1131; nudity (absolute or comparative):--nakedness.]
e. [or] peril [Strong: 2794 Strong: kindunos kin'-doo-nos; of uncertain derivation; danger:--peril.]
f. [or] sword [Strong: 3162 machaira makh'-ahee-rah; probably feminine of a presumed derivative of 3163; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment:--sword.]
Romans 8:36
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
a. NLT: (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “As it is written…”
a. [As it is] written [Strong: 1125 grapho graf'-o; a primary verb; to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe:--describe, write(-ing, -ten).]
2. “…For thy sake we are killed all the day long…”
a. [For thy] sake [Strong: 1752 heneka hen'-ek-ah or heneken hen'-ek-en or heineken hi'-nek-en; of uncertain affinity; on account of:--because, for (cause, sake), (where-)fore, by reason of, that.]
b. [we are] killed [Strong: 2289 thanatoo than-at-o'-o; from 2288 to kill (literally or figuratively):--become dead, (cause to be) put to death, kill, mortify.]
c. [all the] day long [Strong: 2250 hemera hay-mer'-ah; feminine (with 5610 implied) of a derivative of hemai (to sit; akin to the base of 1476); meaning tame, i.e. gentle; day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes); figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context):--age, + alway, (mid-)day (by day, (-ly)), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years.]
3. “…we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
a. [we are] accounted [Strong: 3049 logizomai log-id'-zom-ahee; middle voice from 3056; to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively):--conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).]
b. [as] sheep [Strong: 4263 probaton prob'-at-on; probably neuter of a presumed derivative of 4260; something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e. (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively):--sheep(-fold).]
c. [for the] slaughter [Strong: 4967 sphage sfag-ay'; from 4969; butchery (of animals for food or sacrifice, or (figuratively) of men (destruction)):--slaughter.]
Romans 8:37
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
a. NLT: No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
a. [Nay, in] all [Strong: 3956 pas pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]
b. [we are are] more than conquerors [Strong: 5245 hupernikao hoop-er-nik-ah'-o; from 5228 and 3528; to vanquish beyond, i.e. gain a decisive victory:--more than conquer.]
1). Rick Renner 1/20/16 In this verse, Paul declares that “...we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” I want to especially draw your attention to the phrase “more than conquerors.” It comes from the Greek word hupernikos, a compound of the words huper and nikos. By joining the words huper andnikos together into one word, Paul is making one fabulous, jammed-packed, power-filled statement about you and me! The words “more than” are derived from the Greek word huper, which literally means over, above, and beyond. It depicts something that is way beyond measure. It carries the idea of superiority — something that is utmost, paramount, foremost, first-rate, first-class, and top-notch; greater, higher, and better than; superior to; preeminent, dominant, and incomparable; more than a match for; unsurpassed, unequaled, and unrivaled by any person or thing. Now Paul uses this same word to denote what kind of conquerors we are in Jesus Christ. We are huper-conquerors! Paul uses this word huper to dramatize our victory. This is what Paul meant to get across in Romans 8:37: “We are greater conquerors, superior conquerors, higher and better conquerors!” “We are more than a match for any foe!” “We are utmost conquerors, paramount conquerors, top-notch conquerors, unsurpassed conquerors, unequaled and unrivaled conquerors!” But we must continue to the next part of the verse, where Paul calls us “conquerors.” The word “conqueror” is from the Greek word nikos. The wordnikos describes an overcomer; a conqueror, champion, victor, or master. It is the picture of an overwhelming, prevailing force. However, the word nikosalone wasn’t strong enough to make Paul’s point, so he joined the wordshuper and nikos together to make his point even stronger! When you put these two words together, they form the word hupernikos,which declares that in Jesus Christ, you are an overwhelming conqueror, a paramount victor, or an enormous overcomer. This word is so power-packed that one could interpret it as a phenomenal, walloping, conquering force! That’s precisely who you are in Jesus Christ! So stop looking at yourself as a struggling loser. Regardless of your past experiences, you must begin to look at yourself through God’s eyes and in the light of Romans 8:37. This verse declares that you are always the winner and never a loser! And when you begin to see yourself the way God sees you, it will change the way others see you too.
c. [through him that] loved [us] [Strong: 25 agapao ag-ap-ah'-o; perhaps from agan (much) (or compare 5689); to love (in a social or moral sense):--(be-)love(-ed).]
Romans 8:38
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
a. NLT: And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,fn neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life…”
a. [For I am persuaded [Strong: 3982 peitho pi'-tho; a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty):--agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.]
b. [that neither] death [Strong: 2288 thanatos than'-at-os; from 2348; (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively):--X deadly, (be...) death.]
c. [nor] life [Strong: 2222 zoe dzo-ay'; from 2198; life (literally or figuratively):--life(-time).]
2. “…nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,”
a. [nor] angels [Strong: 32 aggelos ang'-el-os; from aggello (probably derived from 71; compare 34) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor:--angel, messenger.]
b. [nor] principalities [Strong: 746 arche ar-khay'; from 756; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank):--beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.]
c. [nor] powers [Strong: 1411 dunamis doo'-nam-is; from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.]
d. [nor] things present [Strong: 1764 enistemi en-is'-tay-mee; from 1722 and 2476; to place on hand, i.e. (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant:--come, be at hand, present.]
e. [nor] things to come [Strong: 3195 mello mel'-lo; a strengthened form of 3199 (through the idea of expectation); 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, probability, possibility, or hesitation):--about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.]
Romans 8:39
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
a. NLT: No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]
b. Amplified Bible Classic: Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
1. “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature…”
a. [Nor] height [Strong: 5313 hupsoma hoop'-so-mah; from 5312; an elevated place or thing, i.e. (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier (figuratively):-- height, high thing.]
b. [nor] depth [Strong: 899 bathos bath'-os; from the same as 901; profundity, i.e. (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery:--deep(-ness, things), depth.]
c. [nor] other [Strong: 2087 heteros het'-er-os; of uncertain affinity; (an-, the) other or different:--altered, else, next (day), one, (an-)other, some, strange.]
d. creature [Strong: 2937 ktisis ktis'-is; from 2936; original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively):--building, creation, creature, ordinance.]
2. “…shall be able to separate us from the love of God…”
a. [shall] be able [Strong: 1410 dunamai doo'-nam-ahee; of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:--be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.]
b. [to] separate [Strong: 5563 chorizo kho-rid'-zo; from 5561; to place room between, i.e. part; reflexively, to go away:--depart, put asunder, separate.]
c. [us from the] love [Strong: 26 agape ag-ah'-pay; from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.]
d. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
3. “…which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
a. [which is in] Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos'; from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]
b. Jesus [Strong: 2424 Iesous ee-ay-sooce'; of Hebrew origin (3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.]
c. [our] Lord [Strong: 2962 kurios koo'-ree-os; from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.]
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