New Testament
Romans 8:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Compare translations
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
What Romans 8:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the transformative power of having Christ in a believer's life. He contrasts the physical body, which is subject to death due to sin, with the spiritual life that comes from the Holy Spirit. While our bodies may face decay and death because of sin, the presence of Christ within us brings a new kind of life—one that is characterized by righteousness. This righteousness is not our own but is a gift from God through faith in Jesus. Therefore, even though we experience physical limitations and the consequences of sin, we can find hope and vitality in our spiritual existence. The Spirit gives us life, enabling us to live in a way that pleases God and reflects His character. This verse reassures believers that their spiritual condition is secure and vibrant, despite the struggles of the physical world.
How to apply Romans 8:10 to your life
Understanding that Christ is in us can change how we view our struggles with sin and death. We can find strength in the Spirit to overcome challenges and live righteously. This encourages us to rely on God's power rather than our own.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 8:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 8:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 8:10 mean?
Romans 8:10 explains that if Christ lives in a believer, their physical body is subject to death due to sin, but their spirit is alive because of the righteousness that comes from Christ.
What is the meaning of 'the body is dead because of sin' in Romans 8:10?
The phrase 'the body is dead because of sin' indicates that our physical bodies are affected by sin and ultimately face death, highlighting the contrast between our mortal state and the eternal life offered through the Spirit.
How does Romans 8:10 relate to spiritual life?
Romans 8:10 shows that while our bodies are mortal and affected by sin, the Holy Spirit provides believers with spiritual life, enabling them to live righteously and in accordance with God's will.
What does 'the Spirit is life because of righteousness' mean in Romans 8:10?
This phrase means that the Holy Spirit gives believers a new life characterized by righteousness, which is a gift from God, allowing them to overcome sin and live in a way that pleases Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.