8:7a

because: The Greek begins with a word that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as because. If it would be natural in your language to start a sentence here, but your language does not start sentences with because, consider introducing the because like this:

⌊I say that⌋ because

Many English versions omit this word and allow the context to indicate this connection. Other English versions translate this word as “For” and begin a new sentence here. For example:

For… (English Standard Version)

the mind of the flesh: This is the same Greek phrase as “the mind of the flesh” in 8:6.

is hostile to God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hostile refers to be an enemy to someone. People who are set on following their natural ways are enemies to God. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

are enemies of God
-or-
opposes God

8:7b

In the Greek, 8:7b begins with a word that is usually translated as “for.” It gives an explanation of the statements that Paul made in 8:6–7a. However, some English versions omit this word and replace it with a semi-colon, as the Berean Standard Bible does. If this would not be natural in your language, consider translating the word “for,” as the English Standard Version does:

for it does not submit (English Standard Version)

It does not submit to God’s law: The word submit refers to putting oneself under the leadership of someone. The mind set on the human nature will not let God’s law lead them. For example:

It refuses to place itself under the authority of God’s standards (God’s Word)

It does not submit: Here the word It refers to “the mind of the flesh” in 8:7a. In some languages the people or person of that mind in 8:7a must be referred to. For example:

he does not submit
-or-
they do not submit

God’s law: This phrase refers to all of God’s commands, written in what is now called the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible). In some languages the plural for law is more natural, since there is more than one law. For example:

God’s laws

You should not translate this phrase as “the laws of Moses.”

8:7c

nor can it do so: A more literal translation of the Greek here is “for it is not able to” or “for it is not even able to.” It indicates or emphasizes that the mind set on following the needs and desires of the body is unable to submit to God’s laws. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

for it is not even able to do so (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
and it never will (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
because it cannot

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