(14) For we know that the law is spiritual ; but I am carnal, sold under sin. The connexion between this verse and the preceding pas- sage seems to be this. It had been asserted, in v. 5, that the law was incidentally the cause of sin. The result, however, was no reflection on the law ; for it was holy, just, and good, v. 12. As the fact that the law excites sin is consistent with its being good, so is also the fact that it cannot destroy the power of sin. The law indeed is spiritual, but we are carnal. The fault is again in us. According to this view, /or, at the beginning of this verse, is rather a particle of transition, or, at most, of illustration; and not of confirmation or inference. Paul, according to our version, says, We know,- the original, however, admits of the ren- dering / A;/iow indeed/ which is more consistent with the use of the first person singular throughout the chapter. The former reading is commonly adopted.
The law is spiritual. The word spiritual is here expressive of gene- ral excellence, and includes all that is meant by holy, just, and good, in V. 12. This use of the word is easily accounted for. The Spirit of God is the source of all excellence ; hence, the term spiritual, when applied to any thing of which he is the author, implies that it derives its nature and character from the Spirit. Carnal, on the other hand, is applied to any thing which derives its nature and character from the flesh. Hence, *' things of the Spirit," " fruits of the Spirit," &c., are good things, or good fruits, ch. 8 : 5. Gal. 5 : 22 ; and " things of the flesh," " -w^orks of the flesh," &c., are evil works. As it is the doctrine of the Scriptures that men are entirely depraved, or destitute of holiness, in their natural state, the word Jlesh, which is the scriptural designation of men (as in