8:6

setting the mind on: This phrase renders the Greek noun phroʹne·ma, which appears three times in this context​—twice in this verse and once at Ro 8:7. One lexicon defines it as a “way of thinking, mind(-set), . . . aim, aspiration, striving.” The term describes a person’s understanding as well as his will or desire. This noun is related to the verb phro·neʹo (used in the preceding verse), which means “to think; to be minded in a certain way; to have a certain mental attitude.” (Mt 16:23; Ro 12:3; 15:5) Therefore, setting the mind on the flesh means focusing on fleshly or mundane desires and allowing these to dominate one’s thinking. (1Jo 2:16; see study note on Ro 8:4.) Setting the mind on the spirit implies letting God’s spirit, or active force, influence and dominate one’s thoughts, desires, and actions.