There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

ROMANS 8:1KJV
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Romans 8:1 (KJV)

What does Romans 8:1 mean?

Romans 8:1 says that people who belong to Christ Jesus are not under condemnation—they are not judged guilty—if they live according to the Spirit rather than following their own sinful desires. This verse gives assurance that being "in Christ" means freedom from the penalty of sin for those who live by the Spirit.

The apostle Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining the difference between living under the law and living by the Spirit. Paul has just finished describing the struggle with sin in chapter 7, and now he shifts to the hope and security found in Christ. The verse emphasizes a new way of life, marked by following God's Spirit instead of old patterns of wrongdoing.

The Greek behind Romans 8:1

  • "κατάκριμα" (katakrima; G2631): This word means "condemnation" or "a sentence of guilt." Paul uses it to stress that those in Christ are not under a verdict of guilt or punishment.
  • "ἐν" (en; G1722): This word means "in" or "within." Paul’s phrase "in Christ Jesus" points to a close, ongoing relationship, not just a belief about Jesus.
  • "περιπατοῦσιν" (peripatousin; G4043): This word means "walk," often used in Greek to describe a way of life or conduct. Here, it highlights that the absence of condemnation is connected to living according to the Spirit.
  • "σάρξ" (sarx; G4561) and "πνεῦμα" (pneuma; G4151): "Sarx" means "flesh," referring to human nature apart from God, while "pneuma" means "Spirit," referring to God's Spirit. The contrast shows two different ways of living.

Why Romans 8:1 matters

  • Romans 8:1 clarifies that freedom from condemnation is not based on personal effort or perfection, but on being united with Christ and living by the Spirit.
  • The verse marks a turning point in Paul's letter, moving from the struggle with sin to the assurance and new life found in Christ, setting the stage for the rest of chapter 8.
  • This verse helps prevent misunderstanding that Christians are still under threat of God's judgment if they stumble, emphasizing instead the security found in Christ for those who walk by the Spirit.

Where else these words appear

“condemnation” Greek G2631 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
  • Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

“therefore” Greek G686 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  • Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

“walk” Greek G4043 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • John 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
  • Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

“flesh” Greek G4561 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  • Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
  • Ephesians 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.