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.

ROMANS 8:13KJV
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Romans 8:13 (KJV)

What does Romans 8:13 mean?

Romans 8:13 warns that living according to "the flesh" leads to death, but if a person, by the help of the Spirit, puts to death the actions of the body, that person will live. The verse draws a sharp contrast between two ways of living and their ultimate outcomes.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining the difference between following selfish human desires and living by God's Spirit. The verse emphasizes that real life—both now and in the future—comes from relying on the Spirit to overcome harmful patterns, not from giving in to every natural impulse.

The Greek behind Romans 8:13

  • σάρξ (sarx, "flesh"): This word often refers not just to the physical body, but to the human tendency toward self-centeredness or rebellion against God. Here, it highlights a way of life focused on self rather than on God.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "Spirit"): This word means "spirit," and in this context, it refers to God's Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live differently.
  • θανατόω (thanatoō, "mortify"): This verb means "to put to death." Paul uses it to describe an active, ongoing effort to stop harmful behaviors, not just a one-time decision.
  • πράξεις (praxeis, "deeds"): This word refers to actions or practices. Paul is talking about the actual behaviors that come from living "after the flesh," not just attitudes or thoughts.

Why Romans 8:13 matters

  • Romans 8:13 clarifies that spiritual life is not automatic; it involves an active partnership with the Spirit to resist destructive habits.
  • The verse helps clear up the idea that following Jesus means ignoring the reality of temptation or struggle; instead, it acknowledges the need for ongoing effort.
  • Romans 8:13 connects to the wider passage by showing that the Spirit’s role is not just comfort but empowerment for real change in daily life.

Where else these words appear

“deeds” Greek G4234 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
  • Romans 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

“ye” Greek G2289 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
  • Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
  • Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

“die” Greek G599 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
  • John 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
  • Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

“shall” Greek G3195 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Acts 5:35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
  • 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.