Romans 8:8 net — Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

NET Bible

"Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

— Romans 8:8, NET Bible

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Romans 8:8 in Other Translations

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Romans 8 — Context

5

For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit.

6

For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace,

7

because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.

8

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to him.

10

But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is your life because of righteousness.

11

Moreover if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his Spirit who lives in you.

Romans 8:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Romans 8:8 say?
Romans 8:8 in the NET Bible reads: “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Where is Romans 8:8 in the Bible?
Romans 8:8 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans, chapter 8, verse 8.
Who wrote Romans?
Romans is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 56–57.
What is the book of Romans about?
Romans is Paul's most systematic exposition of the gospel — the universal need for salvation, justification by faith in Christ, the new life of the Spirit, the place of Israel in God's plan, and the practical shape of a transformed community. The most influential letter in church history.
What are the major themes of Romans?
Romans explores themes including Righteousness by Faith, Sin, Grace, Spirit-Filled Life, Israel, Christian Living. These themes shape the meaning and context of Romans 8:8.
What translation should I read Romans 8:8 in?
Romans 8:8 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Romans 8:8?
Romans 8:8 reads (NET): “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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