Paragraph 8:5–8

8:5a–d

This verse describes two groups of people: those who do not believe in Jesus (8:5a–b) and those who believe in him (8:5c–d).

8:5a

The Greek of 8:5a begins with a word that is usually translated as “For.” This word introduces a sentence that explains something about what Paul said in 8:4. In some languages, it may be most natural to omit this word and leave the connection to 8:4 implicit, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

Those who live according to the flesh: The Greek is literally “the ones being according to flesh.” It indicates that this group of people always follow human nature. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the ones/people who exist ⌊only⌋ according to human nature
-or-
Those who live as their human nature tells them to (Good News Translation)
-or-
whoever live according to the desires of the body

flesh: This word refers to having a body, with its needs and passions. See how you translated this word in 8:4.

8:5b

set their minds on the things of the flesh: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as set their minds on refers to thinking a certain way about, or having a strong opinion about, or supporting a cause. Here it probably refers to being focused on things related to the body. This includes such things as food, drink, sex, survival, and power over others. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

are concerned with the things of the flesh (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
are thinking only of the deeds of the human nature
-or-
think only about things of the natural self

8:5c

those who live according to the Spirit: The Greek is literally “the ones according to spirit/Spirit.” The verb live is implied from 8:5a. It indicates that this group of people follow the Holy Spirit. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the ones/people who exist according to the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit
-or-
Those who live as the Spirit tells them to (Good News Translation)
-or-
whoever live according to the Spirit

8:5d

set their minds on the things of the Spirit: Here the word Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit. This group of people are focused on the thoughts and deeds that the Holy Spirit wants us to think or do. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

are concerned with the things of the Spirit
-or-
are thinking of the thoughts and deeds that please the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit
-or-
think only about things that the ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit wants

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