Romans 8:4

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 8:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, etc..] By the righteousness of the law, is not meant the righteousness of the ceremonial law, though that was fulfilled by Christ; but of the moral law, which requires holiness of nature, righteousness of life, and death in case of disobedience; active righteousness, or obedience to the precepts of the law, is designed here. This is what the law requires; obedience to the commands of it is properly righteousness; and by Christ's obedience to it we are made righteous, and this gives the title to eternal life: now this is said to be “fulfilled in us”; this is not fulfilled by us in our own persons, nor can it be; could it, where would…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That the righteousness of the law--"the righteous demand," "the requirement" [ALFORD], Or "the precept" of the law; for it is not precisely the word so often used in this Epistle to denote "the righteousness which justifies" (Rom 1:17; Rom 3:21; Rom 4:5-6; Rom 5:17-18, Rom 5:21), but another form of the same word, intended to express the enactment of the law, meaning here, we believe, the practical obedience which the law calls for. might be fulfilled in us--or, as we say, "realized in us." who walk--the most ancient expression of the bent of one's life, whether in the direction of good or of evil (Gen 48:15; Psa 1:1; Isa 2:5; Mic 4:5; Eph 4:17; Jo1 1:6-7). not after--that is, according to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That the righteousness of the law - That we might be conformed to the Law, or be obedient to its requirements, and no longer under the influence of the flesh and its corrupt desires. Might be fulfilled - That we might be obedient, or comply with its demands. Who walk - Note, Romans 8:1. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“That the righteousness of the law - The holiness it required, described, Rom 8:11. Might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit - Who are guided in all our thoughts, words, and actions, not by corrupt nature, but by the Spirit of God. From this place St. Paul describes primarily the state of believers, and that of unbelievers only to illustrate this. Romans 8:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:4 just requirement of the law . . . fully satisfied for (Greek en, “in”) us: The Greek preposition en might indicate that the law is fulfilled in us because of our connection with Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law for us. It could also mean that by setting us free from sin’s power, Jesus Christ enables us to please God and fulfill the true intention of the law. • As in the Old Testament (see Gen 6:3, 12; Ps 78:39; Isa 40:6), sinful nature refers to human weakness and bondage to sin (also in Rom 8:5-9, 12-13). Paul uses the phrase to describe the conflict between the ingrained human tendency to sin and the Holy Spirit.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“That: Gal 5:22-24; Eph 5:26, Eph 5:27; Col 1:22; Heb 12:23; Jo1 3:2; Jde 1:24; Rev 14:5 who: Rom 8:1 Romans 8:5”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification