Paragraph 8:12–17
8:12a
Therefore: This word introduces a statement resulting (often called “a conclusion”) from what Paul said in 8:1–11. Here are other ways to translate this word:
So then (English Standard Version)
-or-
Consequently (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
brothers: Here this word refers to believers in Jesus, both men and women. The word indicates a close relationship between believers because God has made them his (adopted) children. See how you translated this word in 1:13 or 7:1.
we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh: These words indicate that believers are debtors, but we are not debtors to live according to the flesh (human nature). Here are other ways to translate these words:
we are debtors, but it is not to the flesh
-or-
we are in debt, but we are not in debt to human nature
we have an obligation, but it is not to: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as obligation refers to being required to do something. Here the word does not refer to owing money to someone. Here are other ways to translate these words:
we have no obligation to (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
there is that which we have a duty to obey, but it is not
-or-
we are not required to obey
flesh: This word refers to how we normally behaved before we believed in Jesus. See how you translated this word in 8:4 or 8:9.
8:12b
to live according to it: This phrase explains “to the flesh” in 8:12a. It refers to living as human nature says someone should live. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
to live as our human nature wants us to (Good News Translation)
-or-
to live ruled by human nature
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